As the war in Ukraine continues to threaten the lives of civilians, many have looked for ways to help. United Way of Northwest Indiana, as a part of United Way Worldwide, encourages donation to their United for Ukraine Fund to support Ukrainians fleeing the war.
“It’s evident that the people of Ukraine are enduring tragedy. Generous people in Northwest Indiana are witnessing this and would like to know how they can help,” said Senior Director of Development Kasie Tenbarge.
When looking for places to donate, it can be difficult navigating the many different organizations and websites that claim to be donating to people in need. Some websites can be scams, while others may keep a percentage of donation as an administrative fee. It can be hard to have peace of mind that donations will directly impact the people that need them most.
“It's hard in times of crisis, especially when war is happening in another country, to know who's really providing help, who to trust to give your donations to and who will make sure that they are being used appropriately. Whether at home or abroad, that’s where United Way comes in,” said Tenbarge.
For the United for Ukraine Fund, none of the money collected to support relief efforts in and around Ukraine will be kept by United Way of Northwest Indiana. Each and every dollar goes toward providing aid to the people of Ukraine through help with transportation, shelter, food and medicine, critical childcare supplies, hygiene kits, and any other needs that may arise.
“We're not hanging on to any of these dollars. We are just trying to do our part to help funding from local generous people get to Ukraine,” Tenbarge said.
Donating through United Way of Northwest Indiana’s website is an easy way to ensure donations are distributed to the right place, while also showing the generosity of the Region.
“I hope we can show Ukraine, United Way Worldwide, and our other relief effort partners that Northwest Indiana residents hear them, that they see them, and that we stand united with them, supporting the organizations on the frontlines,” said Tenbarge.
Collaborating with partners ensures that donations will go directly toward gathering supplies and amenities for displaced Ukrainians. United Way of Northwest Indiana offers a unique direct connection to people helping Ukrainian families. United Way Worldwide is currently working with United Way Romania, United Way Hungary, and the Good Initiatives Foundation in Poland to offer direct relief. Click here to watch United Way Worldwide's President and CEO Angela F. Williams meet with global partners about how the team is helping on the ground.
To donate through United Way of Northwest Indiana, visit https://www.unitedwaynwi.org/donate.html and select “United for Ukraine.” You can also mail a check to United Way of Northwest Indiana at 951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383 with a note referencing “United for Ukraine.”
Please email Kasie Tenbarge at kasandra@unitedway.org with any questions.
To learn more about United Way Worldwide’s mission for relief in Ukraine, visit https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/work/no-nav/unitedforukraine
