Want to help people in Ukraine? Here’s what a local group says you can do from KC
The Ukrainian Club of Kansas City didn’t see themselves in this position. Andrew Meyer, the club’s spokesperson, said this was just supposed to be a social club to link the Ukrainian community in Kansas City.
Now, after Russia invaded Ukraine and a humanitarian crisis has unfolded, the club has become Kansas City’s source for guidance on what to do and how to help. The group can’t take donations from the community since it’s not an officially registered nonprofit organization, but they’re doing what they can.
Meyer said the club was impressed by the overflow of support they’ve received from Kansas City. He said many local organizations have been reaching out wanting to help.
“I want to remind people that the club is here, available and they’re a good resource, but these are all people that have family members, parents, siblings that are stranded in Ukraine right now,” Meyer said. “It’s an extremely stressful experience, as I’m sure you can imagine, and I just think it’s really impressive to see them banding together in a really difficult time.”
HOW IS THE UKRAINIAN CLUB OF KANSAS CITY RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE?
For now, the club is working with Heart to Heart International to make Ukrainian flags, which they’ll be passing out to local businesses who requested them. If you want to request a flag from them individually, you can message the club on Facebook or email ukrainianclubkc@gmail.com.
Volunteer KC has also joined to help purchase materials to make the flags.
The group has been making the flags in private homes this week, but on Friday, March 4, they will be working on them from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sewing Labs. They’re open to volunteers to help sew the flags at Sewing Labs.
If you’re interested in helping out, you can message the club’s Facebook page or email ukrainianclubkc@gmail.com for more information.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Meyer said KC’s Ukrainian club has three main points it’s sharing with people when they ask how to help Ukrainians during the war:
Stay informed and be wary of misinformation. Meyer recommended following trusted news sources and taking a little extra time to verify that what you’re sharing on social media is accurate.
Contact elected officials. Meyer said he understands that the public has different opinions on what the United States should do about the war in Ukraine. He wants people to reach out to their elected officials and share their opinion with them wherever they stand.
Donate to trusted organizations that are helping Ukrainians already. The club is sharing about organizations they have vetted on their Facebook page. Meyer said it’s important to vet these organizations to make sure you’re not getting scammed.
One trusted organization the Ukrainian Club recommends donating to is Heart to Heart International. The Lenexa-based organization has a 28-year history of providing humanitarian relief, and any money donated will go towards helping them deliver medical supplies and other resources to people affected by the crisis in Ukraine.
The club also shared these organizations that they vetted and are recommending people donate to:
The club’s work will continue to evolve, and you can stay up to date with the best ways to show your support locally by following the group’s Facebook page.
Members will share updates on any future events they run, more information on where people can donate and how people can volunteer.
This story was originally published March 4, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
