Organizations and Initiatives Helping Ukrainian Refugees in Poland
The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war has led to a mass exodus of millions of Ukrainians seeking safety and humanitarian aid in neighboring countries such as Poland. Despite the devastating situation, several initiatives, projects, and pledges have emerged to support and provide homes and assistance for those in dire need. Among the organizations and programs are Drapen i Havet and One Box for Ukraine, which offer humanitarian aid to refugees.
Drapen i Havet, or “A Drop in the Ocean,” is a Norwegian nonprofit established in 2015 with a humanitarian mission to aid displaced individuals and offer information about their situation. The organization operates in Norway, Greece, Bosnia, and Poland, and has been rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean Sea since its inception. In response to the war in Ukraine, Drapen i Havet has expanded its support to refugees by providing essential financial assistance and other forms of aid.
The organization and its volunteers support Ukrainian refugees in Krakow, Poland, by sorting and distributing clothes, food, and equipment. It has also collaborated with local entities to establish a “free shop” to provide clothes and shoes to those who have fled. Moreover, Drapen i Havet has helped establish refugee reception centers near Ukraine’s borders and provided logistical support in Krakow warehouses. The group is also looking into ways to help Ukrainians with family members in Norway, including setting up an information point.
Another initiative aiding Ukrainian refugees is One Box for Ukraine, which Michigan native Boyd Byelich started. The program collects donations from people to send boxes of supplies to Polish volunteers assisting the refugees. Byelich himself travels to Poland and Ukraine to volunteer and distribute aid to those in need.
Once the boxes from One Box for Ukraine arrive, volunteers from various countries collaborate to sort, arrange, and distribute them to the refugees in Krakow. In addition to supplying basic needs, One Box leader is partnering with a Polish volunteer group to deliver bandages and clothing to injured soldiers and school supplies to students. Recently, the organization launched a new program called Santa’s Shoebox to provide small toys for children living in the areas of eastern Ukraine affected by the crisis.
Humanitarian aid and volunteers are helping Ukrainian refugees in significant ways. Poland’s approach to providing housing for nearly 2.5 million refugees has ensured they have access to shelter. Contributions of volunteers and aid organizations have also helped to provide essential clothing, such as coats and hats, as well as generators and heaters necessary for survival during the harsh Ukrainian winter. Also, the provision of lighters has enabled students to continue studying even during blackouts, highlighting the crucial role that even seemingly small items can play in improving the lives of those affected by the crisis.
Drapen i Havet, One Box for Ukraine, and other international aid organizations rely on donations and volunteers to carry out their operations effectively. These organizations encourage individuals to donate and volunteer to provide much-needed support and resources. In addition to providing necessary items like food and clothing, the donations help facilitate training and education for children and others.
To volunteer and assist Ukrainian refugees, individuals can visit the website launched by the Polish Government, pomagamukrainie.gov.pl. The site has information on providing food, materials, shelter, and volunteer support, as well as a list of resources and necessary products for humanitarian aid. This resource enables individuals and organizations to learn how to help and contribute.
