John,

Seven days ago, President Putin invaded Ukraine, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians and displacing hundreds of thousands of people, including children.

To help Ukranians in need, my team has put together some ways for you to get involved and help.

First, if you’re able to, please consider donating to these vetted Ukrainian relief organizations. We’ve composed the below list of verified organizations doing critical work in Ukraine. You can use the link above to split a donation, or you can donate directly to these groups.

• World Central Kitchen (WCK): An organization on the frontlines feeding and assisting displaced Ukrainian people. Led by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is at 8 different border crossings outside of Ukraine to feed those fleeing from war. Additionally, WCK is supporting local restaurants in Odessa and Lviv working to feed Ukrainians still in the country. Their efforts are expanding into Moldova, Slovakia, and Hungary to support incoming refugees.


• CARE: This international humanitarian organization, set up an emergency Ukrainian Crisis Fund to provide immediate support for 4 million people. Donations will go toward providing Ukrainians with water, food, supplies, hygiene kits, immediate support and aid, and cash.


• Razom for Ukraine: A Ukrainian-American nonprofit working to not only support emergency response to the war, but also to provide a whole host of resources for allies looking to help, including a round-up of rallies and events for people interested in showing their support for the #StandWithUkraine movement.


• The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), which has launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to provide vital humanitarian aid to this population, as well as to the front-line defenders. Together with partners, they have secured warehouses in several regions where humanitarian aid supplies can be securely stored.

Next, contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the lifting of the refugee cap. Right now, Ukrainians are being displaced at record levels, and we need to unite and support war refugees from Ukraine and beyond. We should help families get on their feet in the US, not turn them away in their time of need.

It’s also helpful to support your local Ukrainian community and their businesses and organizations. Their voices and their needs matter and deserve to be heard, and standing with Ukraine all around the world is having profound impacts. Your presence and your voice will make a difference.

Together, our words and actions will have an impact. We continue to condemn any acts of violence taking place, and we stand strongly in solidarity with the communities facing the wrath of violence and unnecessary war.

With respect,

Jan Schakowsky