The situation in Ukraine continues to be hazardous for vast numbers of people of all ages in the war zone as well as adjacent areas. War has the greatest impact on the most vulnerable that we serve – orphans. In the past decade, a remarkable collaborative among  A Family For Every Orphan (AFFEO) partners, social service, and religious groups dramatically reduced the number of adoptable orphans—from  approximately 30,000 to 5,000 through placement in foster and adoptive families. However, continued economic dislocations before the war led to nearly 100,000  “social orphans,” who are children with parents or guardians who retain parental rights but are unable to care for them. Tragically, we know war creates orphans and there are thousands more today.

AFFEO’s campaign with partner organizations to evacuate substantial numbers of orphans and vulnerable children to safe havens farther west resulted in the successful relocation of many thousands of children and caregivers. Relief from the US and other international relief agencies is supporting refugees in border countries, but it is  estimated that at least half of Ukraine’s orphans remain inside country. They, along with others who are displaced and no longer receive salaries and income amidst the chaos, are heavily dependent on food relief.

The situation is dynamic throughout the country and especially in areas bordering the eastern war zone. AFFEO’s “Operation Harvest Hope” is a highly streamlined effort involving experienced partners with whom we have worked for many years. Funds received through Operation Harvest Hope are securely and directly sent to several Ukraine-based groups that operate bakeries, coffee houses, and other facilities serving orphanages, vulnerable children, and families in need.

One of our AFFEO inspirations, the late Rev. Peter Deyneka, Jr., once gave a talk about the  “anonymous heroes” of the Bible—Naaman’s servant girl who told her master to bathe in the muddy  waters of the Jordan River (II Kings 5—“Tell what you know”), the lad with five loaves and two fishes that miraculously fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14—“Share what you have”), and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10—”Do what you can”). We don’t know their names, but their selfless service made a world of difference to those in need.

In March, Richland, Washington, sixth grader Rachel, a former orphan  from Sierra Leone, decided to sell eight berets she crocheted to help the orphans of Ukraine. She set  up a table in front of a bakery—which was donating bread sales, and in one hour Rachel had sold them all. Generous passers-by also dropped off checks and dollars to support the cause. So, whether Rachel’s $3,500 Saturday or $3.50 from a lemonade stand, it will all make a difference to those who struggle daily to make ends meet and build better lives in a free Ukraine. “Tell what you know, share what you have, do what you can.”