Volunteering to aid Ukrainians in Poland

Hi, my name is Tanya Zhuk. I was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and immigrated from the former Soviet Union in 1989. The attack on Ukraine is affecting me deeply. Like many, I watch the news and feel helpless. But since I found a way to volunteer in the area, I figured I would take a few bags with me.

I'm flying to Poland on 3/17 and looking to go to Przemysl (the border town where most Ukrainian citizens are crossing Poland). And with the help of generous friends and neighbors, I now have a few huge suitcases coming with me. But this is likely not enough...

While on the ground, I will assess the situation to see what needs to happen and what other support I can provide.

After speaking with a few people about it, other than medical (which I'm not qualified to offer), toiletries and food continue to be the most important. Besides volunteering on the ground (which requires no donation from you), I will be connecting with the local Polish community who are shuttling goods and food from Krakow and neighboring areas to Przemysl. If/when I do this, I will call on you to help.

Your money will purchase food, toiletries, other supplies and pay for gas in shuttling these goods.

NOTE: Please do NOT donate until I update this post. Check back on 3/19 as I make updates once I know what is reasonable. And I will continue to update here and my social media @tanyatrvls (IG)

UPDATE 3/21

Amazing and generous contributions from everyone are going to diapers, deodorant, shampoo, soap, carry bags (heavy duty for the long journey ahead), wipes, pet food, baby food, and anything else. Going again tomorrow morning to buy more. 

UPDATE 3/27

I have extended my stay until April 11. I am going to be in Przemysl until April 7. I will travel to Krakow and Warsaw. I will likely take anybody who needs transport with me. In the meantime I’ve made wonderful connections with people and other volunteers who have housing for mothers with small children as well as elderly. And I am trying to connect the refugees with them as well. As for the donations I am continuing to purchase what I see as most needed in the moment. Most recently I purchased about 200 ponchos. And nearly 500 handwarmers. The nights here I get very cold and when people come off the bus they often wait in line that is eight or more hours long.  Your generous donations are helping every way so that people can have a pleasant journey as they move into the unknown… 

I did not realize I would be able to be of so much help. I have changed my shift to work evenings and into the night. Because that is when there are fewer volunteers. Fewer female volunteers. And fewer Russian/Ukrainian speaking volunteers who can help people cross the border.