Reflections on Volunteering in Poland and Ukraine by John Namkung

Lone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid ProjectLone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid ProjectLone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid ProjectLone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid Project

Since the war in Ukraine started on February 24, an estimated 6.5 million Ukrainians (mostly women and children) have left Ukraine and another 6.5 million people have been displaced within the country.

Sebastopol resident John Namkung gave a presentation at our July General Meeting about his experience working in Ukraine and Poland as a volunteer with Type of Wood Charities. John transported Ukrainian families to cities in Poland and delivered food to shelters in Ukraine. Over the course of his stay, he drove a rental car approximately 5,000 miles.

A Press Democrat story tells about his and his neighbor David Schneider’s experiences there.

John shared many photos with us, some of which are shown above, and explained why he chose to go to Ukraine to help, rather than donating money. He believes that to help others when they are most vulnerable and in need can be a gift of compassion that can change lives. “The best of humanity shines,” he said, “even in the darkest times.”

John and some of his neighbors have organized Lone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid (LPUFA) to sponsor a Ukrainian family to come and live in Sonoma County for two years. Three generations of a Ukrainian family, a mother, two daughters age 8 and 13, their grandmother, and their dog will live in a Rohnert Park home provided at reduced rent by a local resident. In addition to grants and donations already obtained, the group needs to raise about $61,000 to fund the two-year stay. The local group is working under the financial auspices of Type of Wood Charities.

If you would like to donate, here are three ways:

  1. Check payable to Type of Wood Charities:
    567 Polk St., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
    Write “Lone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid” in the memo line on the check.
    (This will ensure that your donation goes to this project.)
  2. GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/13b185b0
    Please use only this specific GoFundMe link, to ensure your donation goes to this project.
  3. Go online to: https://www.typeofwood.org/
    Do not select the PayPal option. Scroll down until you see a blue and white box that says, “Choose amount” at the top. You can select a One-time or Monthly payment. If you want to make a recurring payment, select the “Monthly” option. Write “Lone Pine Ukrainian Family Aid” in the comment section. (This will ensure your donation goes to this project.)