Here’s how to help Ukrainian refugees
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission has organized a coat and blanket drive for Ukrainian refugees.
More than 3 million people have fled Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion. More than 2 million have crossed the border into Poland.
Drop-off boxes for donations have been set up at 41 locations in Northern Virginia, including the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale) and the Braddock District Government Center (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
Local residents are asked to donate new or gently-used coats, new blankets, new pairs of sweat socks or heavy socks, and new pairs of gloves.
The deadline to drop off items is April 15. Paxton Van Lines of Springfield is donating its services for boxing the items and securing them for shipping. Another company based in Wilmington, N.C., will ship the boxes to Poland at no cost.
Related story: Local Ukrainian Americans worried about folks back home
Other ways to help the citizens of Ukraine:
- Razom is seeking donations for humanitarian aid.
- Nova Ukraina provides medical supplies for soldiers and essentials, such as food and diapers, for civilians.
- The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America provides humanitarian aid.
- The International Rescue Committee is on the ground in Ukraine and is one of the principal organizations managing the settlement of refugees in the U.S.
- World Central Kitchen, the aid organization founded by D.C. chef José Andrés, is feeding refugees in Poland and other border countries.