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Want to help Ukraine? Here are some Kansas City ways

A group of volunteers gathers in support of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Club of Kansas City
/
Facebook
Volunteers at the Ukrainian Club of Kansas City gather after packaging hygiene kits.

Organizations across Kansas City are offering opportunities to volunteer or donate to help those affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

As Russia's war on Ukraine continues, many organizations are helping to provide humanitarian aid to those in need. They make donations to feed Ukrainians and help people displaced by the invasion.

Below is a list of local organizations accepting donations or arranging volunteer efforts:

Heart to Heart International is working to deliver medical and humanitarian assistance. The Lenexa-based organization is working with eight different nonprofit and government programs in the Moldavian and Ukrainian communities to provide aid to refugees. Direct financial donations are accepted and volunteer opportunities are also available. Visit here to learn more.

The Ukrainian Club of Kansas City is working in collaboration with Heart to Heart International and has advised anyone wishing to donate to do so through Heart to Heartdirectly. More information is available here.

Jewish Vocational Services is a refugee resettlement and community engagement agency. As more Ukrainians are displaced, JVS Executive Director Hilary Singer said JVS remains "continually prepared to support anyone who needs our services.” JVS is accepting money, household goods, clothing and some furniture. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Visit here for more information.

Blackhole Bakery on Troost owner Jason Provo forged a bond with Ukrainian bakers through a mutual friend early in his culinary career. Although they have never met in person, Provo knew he wanted to help after learning they decided to stay in Odessa, Ukraine, to cook for soldiers and the elderly.

Beginning this week, 5% of all sales from Blackhole Bakery will go directly to Cafe Bize in Odessa. Cash donations will also be accepted at Blackhole. More information is available here.

Classic Cookie in Waldo also will be donating 5% of sales to Cafe Bize's effort to feed the community in Odessa. “Anything we can do as a business, as a community, as a nation, we should be doing,” owner Bryan Sparks said. Cash donations are also accepted.

Italian Gardens Pizzeria and Jasper’s will sell Ukrainian-themed, blue and gold Italian biscotti cookies. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen to feed Ukrainians. Owner John Dicapo said cash donations will also be accepted.

Realty ONE Group offices in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit and North Kansas City will participate in a nationwide toy drive benefiting displaced Ukrainian children. The drive will be extended until March 15, and anyone wishing to participate can drop off their shoebox donation to a Realty One office or call its closest location to make arrangements for pick-up. More information is available here.

Jacob Martin is a news intern at KCUR. Follow him on Twitter @jacob_noah or email him at Jacobmartin@kcur.org.
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