DONATIONS OF GOODS OR MATERIALS:

I think that many of us like to donate new or gently used items.  These types of donations feel more personal, and so many of us have accumulated so much, that it feels good to declutter while also helping others.  Some things that are very valuable are clothes, shoes, laptops, etc.  There is much need, and all of these types of donations are valuable, but transporting is very difficult.  Here are the best options that we have found so far:

1. Find people traveling to Poland or Ukraine who can take extra luggage. Sometimes, if flying on Delta, there may be an opportunity to get some additional checked bags for Humanitarian purposes.  Otherwise, there may be opportunities to purchase or upgrade for additional baggage.

2. Our good friend Lena Contor, pictured above, has raised money and collected so many valuable things. For example, solar powered Luci lights for people in areas that are regularly without power, to countless other donations.  https://www.facebook.com/ocontor 
3. We have been able to work with an amazing person, Boyd Byelich (pictured below) who has setup a way to do this called “One Box for Ukraine.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/1633637160349743/

He lives in Michigan, and Michigan has a service that ships to Poland for a reasonable rate.  Boyd has visited Poland and Ukraine several times to help distribute items, and has also established a network of people that can help distribute as well.  It is possible to send him physical donations, with a little bit of money for shipping, and he can get it to people and refugees in need. He also travels to Poland and purchases things to deliver across the border, and typically is able to reach small villages and towns that are not receiving support from some of the larger organizations.