It's easy to feel powerless in times like this. What can we possibly do when circumstances across the world are so desperate? How can we help? Let's work together to amplify the voices of hope. Feel free to share the resources on this page with your network. By spreading knowledge and hope, each of us can have unfathomable impact.

Direct Aid

If you are able, consider a financial donation to these organizations.

• World Central Kitchen - Founded by Chef José Andrés, the mission is to provide "meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises". My friend, Chef Tim Kilcoyne (IG @cheftimkilcoyne), is currently on the ground on the Ukraine/Romanian border organizing hot meals for Ukrainians waiting to cross into Romania. He is just one member of a large, dedicated WCK team doing the tremendous work of bringing food and comfort to those in need.
• Kyiv Independent - The Kyiv Independent, an English-language media outlet, was launched three months ago and was created on the principles of independent journalism and free-press. The goal of their Go Fund Me campaign is to keep the accurate news coming.
• Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights - The Urgent Action Fund is helping support women, transgender, and nonbinary activists on the ground in and around Ukraine, by providing flexible funding, access to communication channels, and medical support.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) - IOM is scaling up its humanitarian operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries, providing emergency services in health, shelter, winter supplies, and protection.
• Polish Migration Forum - This Polish organization is offering a free crisis hotline to assist people who are being affected by the Ukrainian crisis, including individuals who have fled the country, families worried about the well-being of their children, and those who have relatives in Ukraine and are feeling a sense of hopelessness.
• Nova Ukraine - Nova Ukraine is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about Ukraine in the US and throughout the world and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The Heart2Heart initiative assembles care packages for people in Ukraine.
• Razom - Razom’s Emergency Response provides urgent help and support in face of an extreme and unforeseen situation in Ukraine. Today, the sovereign nation of Ukraine has to deal with the most horrendous and catastrophic emergency – a brutal invasion. Razom is responding to this by providing critical medical supplies and amplifying the voices of Ukrainians.
• Save the Children - The Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund can help provide children and families with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance.
• Sunflower of Peace - Sunflower of Peace’s fundraiser aims to provide first-aid backpacks to paramedics and doctors on the front lines. Each backpack contains enough tactical first-aid supplies for five to ten people.
• Revived Soldiers Ukraine - This nonprofit provides medical aid to Ukrainian soldiers and provides support to their families.

Help for Ukrainian Makers

The creative talents in the Ukrainian maker community are undeniable. Help support those who, like you, love creating something wonderful by hand. Look for digital products to purchase that don't require the maker to contend with packaging and shipping in the midst of this crisis.

• Etsy - Search "digital" in the search bar. Find Ukrainian Etsy shops by clicking "All Filters" displayed at the top of your search results. Scroll down to "Shop Location", click "Custom", and enter Ukraine in the search box. Click "Apply" at the bottom of the filter. The results displayed will be for Etsy shops located in the Ukraine. (Be sure to watch for listings that are ads, as these will not necessarily be from Ukrainian makers. You can identify these because they will say "Ad by Etsy Seller" just below the item's price on the search results page.) I am very excited to try one of the recipes from the Orchard of Dreams shop (perhaps the Lviv Cheesecake???) and start stitching up one of the cross stitch designs from Stitchy Princess.
• Ravelry - If you knit or crochet, chances are good that you already have an account with Ravelry. (If you don't, run on over and get one!) Find Ukrainian pattern designers by clicking on Ravelry's Advanced Search, scroll to the bottom of the Advanced Search filters, and click on "Designer Country". Select Ukraine from the pull-down menu, and the search results will update to patterns by Ukrainian designers. You can then continue to further limit your search results as needed by difficulty, yarn gauge, and much, much more.
• Gig workers - An Oxford report found that Ukraine is the world's 7th largest supplier of online work. If you are in the position to hire contract workers through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Frelancer, consider searching for someone in Ukraine. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open, and realize that their work might be disrupted due to circumstances well beyond their control. This is a good bet for projects without looming deadlines.

Show Solidarity - Make Something + Share It

Sometimes we might want to just wear our hearts on our sleeve and show our support and solidarity. This symbolic action can help spread awareness and start conversations. The amplification is real. Here are some ideas for connecting your creative energy with the crisis in Ukraine. Be sure to share your projects - virtually and in-person - to inspire others. Tag @superbuzzy23 on Instagram so that we can admire and share your work!
 

• Ravelry - If you'd like to knit or crochet an item to show your support of Ukraine, there are a number of beautiful patterns available. Many of the pattern designers are either making the pattern available for free and requesting that you donate a typical pattern fee to a charitable organization, or they are donating the pattern fee themselves. In the pattern search, enter "Ukraine" to find a design that speaks to you.
• Etsy - The same is true on Etsy. Be sure to read the item description if a donation of the proceeds is important to your decision whether to purchase.
• Designer Pat Sloan has created the Quilters Stand for Ukraine quilt block and accompanying quilt layouts. Pat asks that you make a donation of $10 or more to UNICEF if you are able. Share your block or quilt made with the free pattern #QuiltersStandForUkraine.
• The sunflower is Ukraine's national flower, and Quiet Play has designed a beautiful, foundation paper pieced quilt block featuring this cheerful flower. This is a free pattern, and a donation to a Ukrainian relief agency is encouraged.
• The Rise of Freedom block is another foundation paper pieced block, and it is designed by SashasQuilts of Lviv, Ukraine. While you're admiring the Rise of Freedom block, you may want to check out her other lovely designs.
• Happy Sew Lucky created the Peace for Ukraine block, and it is the perfect size for a postcard, mug rug, or zipper pouch.
• Sunflower Power is Lella Boutique's contribution to the cause. Make one or stitch up a garden's worth of these cheery blooms.
• Sugar Free Quilts has designed a lap-size Ukrainian Sunflower quilt as a free download.
• Modern Quilt Studio is donating 100% of the sales from their digital Making Waves quilt pattern to World Central Kitchen.

Get Outside + Help

If you love getting outside as much as I do, here are some ways to enjoy the outdoors while also helping Ukraine.

• The Conqueror has launched a Stand With Ukraine virtual challenge. Walk, run, or bike 36 miles on your own schedule while viewing the stunning architecture and major landmarks of Kyiv through the app. All registration proceeds will be donated to humanitarian NGOs.
• Check your local area for in-person fundraising events. Benefit runs and walks are being added around the world... stay tuned!