How To Help Ukraine From The North Shore

PEABODY, MA — During two weeks of unrelenting and heartbreaking images of war-torn Ukraine many North Shore residents are looking for ways to help the Ukrainian refugees and those who have stayed in their homeland during the Russian invasion.

The city of Beverly released a statement in solidarity with the Ukrainian people last week, while the country's blue and yellow flag has flown outside of city hall in Peabody and Salem. The Swampscott Public Library has put together a list of resources for those who want to learn more about the country's history and its historic relationship with Russia.

But for those looking to donate or get involved in a more practical way, the Essex County Community Foundation has compiled a list of places where North Shore residents can donate money and supplies to help those affected in the war.

"As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, we at ECCF are saddened by the deepening humanitarian crisis that is unfolding as a result," ECCF Vice President of Grants Carol Lavoie Schuster said. "We have heard from many donors and friends who are looking for ways to support the Ukrainian people — men, women, children and families who are suffering the devastating consequences of war."

The ECCF's list includes vetted nonprofit organizations.

"These organizations are on the ground – or supporting those on the ground — providing food, water, medicine, medical care and other basic necessities to people within Ukraine and to those who are fleeing the country," Schuster said. "No amount of support is too small to make a difference."

Resources to support Ukraine

Airlink works with aviation and logistics partners to transport relief workers and emergency supplies for reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) responding to rapid-onset disasters and other humanitarian crises around the globe. Airlink has supported the transportation of 11 assessment and emergency response teams to Poland, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, with more on their way.

Americares provides millions of people around the world access to medicine and supplies. Americares has an emergency response team in Poland to support health services for families affected by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The team, which is headed to Krakow, has expertise in coordinating large-scale shipments of medicine and relief supplies and mobilizing emergency medical teams in crisis situations.

CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. They are sending food, water and hygiene kits to the most vulnerable in Ukraine.

Doctors Without Borders is an independent, global movement providing medical aid where it’s needed most. The organization has set up emergency response activities in Ukraine and dispatched teams to Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.

GlobalGiving is a nonprofit supporting other nonprofits. All donations to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund will support humanitarian assistance in impacted communities in Ukraine and surrounding regions where Ukrainian refugees have fled.

HelpAge USA, whose mission is to advance the wellbeing and inclusion of older people in the world’s poorest communities is providing humanitarian relief in food, medicine and hygiene supplies for older people in Ukraine.

International Medical Corps provides emergency relief to those struck by conflict, disaster and disease, working with them to recover, rebuild and gain the skills and tools required for self-reliance. International Medical Corps is on the ground in Ukraine, has created a logistics and support hub in Poland, and is working with health agencies and local partners to provide primary and emergency health services; mental health and psychosocial support; gender-based violence (GBV) response services and protection services for women, children and other at-risk people; and medicines and medical supplies.

UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's global work through fundraising, advocacy and education. Humanitarian work in Ukraine focuses on safeguarding children's rights to safety, health, education, psychosocial support, protection and water and sanitation services.

USA for UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) protects refugees and empowers them with hope and opportunity. Donations will provide emergency aid to families in Ukraine and wherever the next emergency occurs.

World Central Kitchen is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. WCK is serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country.

Additional information and resources from the Council on Foundations can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)