Right now, millions of Americans are watching the events in Ukraine unfold, as its people fight for their country against the Russian invasion. It can be especially difficult to see civilians affected as they are targeted by devastating airstrikes. Many of us may be feeling powerless to help, looking for answers to the same question: “What can I do to make a difference?”

There is a lot we can do to help by making either physical or monetary donations, but it’s important to ensure you are giving to reputable organizations. Most organizations focus on specific elements of humanitarian support to avoid spreading their resources too thin, concentrating on key areas where they can have the biggest impact.

Below is a list of organizations, and information on their area of focus, to ensure that your contribution is not only safe and helping the people of Ukraine but also supporting initiatives that matter the most to you.

Nonprofit organizations that receive and distribute donations, food, and medical supplies:

United Help Ukraine does all this and more while raising awareness of the crisis in Ukraine with the international community. The charity’s fundraising activities help wounded Ukrainian soldiers and families of wounded and killed soldiers.

If you want to donate physical items such as clothes, shoes, household supplies, and personal hygiene products, check out Nova Ukraine that lists out priority items. You will need to join their Facebook group to see where the local drop-off points are located. In several weeks, donors will get confirmation of card packages received in Ukraine.

Charities suggested by Ukraine journalists:

Razom for Ukraine and Sunflower of Peace are both recommended through a crowd-sourced list of fundraisers and charities put together by Ukrainian journalists. Collected funds go toward purchasing and distributing first-aid kits and medical supply packs to the doctors and volunteers who treat soldiers on the front lines, as well as for medical rehabilitation for those who are injured.

The Kyiv Independent, a Ukraine-based English-language newspaper. Journalism is important, and information plays a vital role in these situations, both in terms of providing instructions on safety and political insight on the realities being faced during these atrocities. You can help keep accurate news reports coming by donating to The Kyiv Independent’s on Patreon.

To help children affected by war:

Voices of Children Foundation provides psychological and psychosocial support to children “to help them overcome the consequences of armed conflict.” Donations, which can be made with a credit card or Google Pay account, go toward art therapy, psychologists to help children in boarding schools, family therapy, and more.

Kidsave is a Culver City-based organization and is shifting its original focus to providing financial support to its partner organizations in Ukraine, moving children and their families to safety, as well as following up by supporting them with basic needs.

Providing life-saving medicine:

Direct Relief is a Santa Barbara-based organization that distributes donated medicine and medical supplies, such as IV fluids, antibiotics, and many others to Ukrainian health care workers.

Doctors Without Borders provides independent, impartial medical humanitarian assistance to the people who need it most.

These are just a few of the local charities that you can choose to partner with to show your support during this troubling time. However, if you feel more comfortable with larger, international charities, such as the Ukrainian Red Cross or UNICEF, consider donating to one of these great organizations instead.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during this time, maybe losing hope, feeling lost in all the news coverage and frustrated by a sense of limitations to make a difference. However, as a longtime international and local volunteer, I can tell you that you always have a choice to use those sentiments to drive you to action and to make a difference, no matter how small.

Remember, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa

— by Jacquie Alves