Want to support Ukrainian people? Here are 5 tangible ways Texans can help from the USA
There are over 15,000 Ukrainians in Texas, 5,000 of whom live in Dallas-Fort Worth, according to census estimates. And North Texans have stood alongside their Ukrainian neighbors in the fight against oppression.
Texans can show their support for the people of Ukraine from 6,000 miles away. Here are some ways you can help, according to the Ukrainian American Society of Texas, established over 39 years ago.
“Now, as Russia invades Ukraine, we acknowledge the need to support the Ukrainian people as they defend Democracy for themselves and other nations of the free world,” the organization’s website says.
1. Attend a rally
Texans around the state have voiced their opposition weekly since the war started. There are several happening around the metroplex this weekend.
Bring posters and flags to support Ukrainians fighting for their freedom against Russia. Sing songs, hear poems and reflect on the current situation in Ukraine.
- Friday, March 4, 5 to 8 p.m.: There will be a candle light vigil for peace in Ukraine at 301 Main St., Fort Worth.
- Saturday, March 5, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: A rally at Klyde Warren Park, Moody Plaza 2012 Woodard Rodgers Freeway, Dallas. You can park for free at the Texas Capital Bank Building, 2000 McKinney Ave..
- Sunday, March 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Downtown Dallas Walk for Ukraine will be at 1500 Marilla St.
- Sunday, March 6, 2 p.m.: There will be a March for Ukraine in Frisco, at the Warren Sports Complex Pavilion.
2. Donate humanitarian supplies
There are several Texas-based organizations you can donate to in order to lend a hand to the Ukrainian people.
You can donate funds online to the Ukrainian Cultural Club of Dallas, a 501c-3 nonprofit, to help with humanitarian aid, disaster relief items, medical supplies and shipping costs.
You can also drop off supplies to the Ukrainian Cultural Club of Dallas at the Ukie Style store at 12817 Preston Road, #124, open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Click here for a full list of needed aid.
Priority Items for humanitarian relief:
• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (high demand)
• Thermal underwear
• Hygiene products (women’s products, diapers, etc.)
• Blankets
• New bedding
• First-aid supplies and kits
• Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags
• Standalone lamps
• Candles
• Containers for liquids (canisters for water, fuel, lubricants with capacity of 10-20 liters)
• Protective military gear (helmets, bulletproof vests, tactical backpacks, dry rations). Note: not all bulletproof vests are allowed. Please make sure that they are allowed for export.
Refrain from sending restricted items, including:
• Alcohol and any products with alcohol
• Perishable food
• Knives
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Compressed air and gas cylinders
• Camping stoves
• Matches
• Perfumes/aftershave
• Illegal drugs
You can also donate online to Ukrainian San Antonio and the Ukrainian American Cultural Club of Houston.
3. Help refugees settling in North Texas
Texas refugee resettlement organizations are helping families fleeing from Ukraine.
You can donate or volunteer with:
4. Contact Texas politicians
Call senators using this script:
- John Cornyn, Dallas Office: 972-239-1310
- Ted Cruz, Dallas Office: 214-599-8749
Call or write to your local representative asking them to do the following, per the Ukrainian American Society of Texas:
1. Admit Ukraine into the European Union
2. Remove Russia from SWIFT, Block assets and transactions of Russian Banking institutions
3. Institute a NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine as a preventative measure
4. Secure Chernobyl and other Nuclear facilities in Ukraine
5. Immediate military support of lethal weapons, portable hardware, ammunition and fuel
6. Designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror
7. Censure Russia from all international organizations, including the UN, Council of Europe and OSCE
8. Expel Russian oligarch families from the U.S. and ally nations, seize their assets
9. Embargo Russian oil and gas
10. Immediate support to stabilize Ukraine’s economy, bolster its cyber defense and send humanitarian assistance
11. Send UN Peacekeepers into Ukraine
5. Support Ukraine on social media
Use these hashtags: #StandWithUkraine, #UkrainiansWillResist, #StopRussia, #StopPutin, #DefeatPutin, #SupportUkraine, #StopWarInUkraine, #UnitedForUkraine, #SayYesToUkraine, #StopRussianAgression, #SayNoToPutin or #UkraineMatters.
Spread a petition demanding the U.S. establish a no-fly zone above Ukraine.
