As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding that is turning millions of people into refugees, many of them children.
At the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis, Taras Pidhaynyhas fielded dozens of calls from people asking how they can help. Minnesotans should make sure that potential recipients of their donations will use the money to actually help the people of Ukraine, he said.
"I never donate to anybody that I don't fully vet in terms of trying to find out as much information as possible about the organization, what they do and also their history," said Pidhayny, a bookkeeper at the community center. Established organizations are always better than one that "just popped up," he said.
Ukrainian officials believe the number of refugees could range from 3 million to 5 million people, according to Forbes. Pidhayny recommended organizations providing direct humanitarian aid as the best recipients of donations.
"People leaving their homes — they may have to leave with only a small bag of their belongings — they're going to need the basic necessities," Pidhayny said.
Local Ukrainian groups suggest donating to the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America's fundraiser to support humanitarian efforts in the country. The funds will go toward purchasing pharmaceutical and medical kits. Donate at ucca.org.
A list of reputable organizations put together by Ukrainians and Jane Lytvynenko, a former Buzzfeed reporter, range from donating to the military to providing medical supplies and helping children. It can be found online at ukrainewar.carrd.co/. The list has been cross-referenced with another provided by local Ukrainian groups.
A few to consider:
