ASHLAND, New Hampshire — Volunteers with a New Hampshire-based nonprofit are preparing to make their ninth trip to Ukraine to help deliver food and supplies to children displaced by the war with Russia.
Common Man For Ukraine has provided more than $3 million in aid over the past two years. However, as the fighting continues, volunteers say donations to help more children are critical now more than ever.
From delivering hundreds of Christmas presents to Ukrainian children in orphanages and safe houses, transporting tons of food, clothing and supplies deep into the war zone to establishing trauma counseling camps for displaced children, the nonprofit based in Ashland, is on a mission to support the youngest survivors of a war that continues to rage on. Volunteers try to bring happiness and joy to children living in chaos and fear.
"We try hard to let them see what it is like, that feeling in the heart...that's it," Alex Ray, owner of the Common Man restaurant chain and namesake of the nonprofit, said.
Alex and Susan Mathison are the founding members of the Common Man for Ukraine, which also focuses on the emotional toll of hundreds of children who have lost family members to the fighting.
"Their fathers are dead and they are worried about their mothers being bombed," Susan explained.
Volunteers are now preparing to fly to Ukraine and Poland in April. The nonprofit's ninth mission, but volunteers are only scratching the surface of the humanitarian crisis.
"Our partners on the ground tell us that it is worse than ever," Susan grimaced.
Along with food and supplies, volunteers will distribute nearly 100 sleeping bags donated in February by NEMO Equipment, located in Dover, New Hampshire. The company is also donating camping pods, to give kids a chance to escape the war and have fun.
"Set up a tent so they can be outside and have a fire...that magical experience all kids enjoy," Susan said with a smile.
The non-profit has raised and distributed more than $3.2 million in aid.
This year, volunteers hope to expand mental health counseling to moms, traumatized by loss, so they can rebuild their lives and their country.
"They have lost their husband, the father of their children, they have lost part of their livelihoods, now single parents in the war zone, no wonder they have trauma," Susan explained.
Donations have poured in from across New England and the country, some people are giving back because they are frustrated that aid for the war-torn nation has been held up in Congress. Volunteers say they need the generosity from the public to keep the mission going until a ceasefire.
"The war in Ukraine is showing us the very worst of humanity as well as the very best of humanity," Susan said earnestly.
Common Man For Ukraine is holding a fundraising concert in Poland in August, featuring musicians and singers from New Hampshire, Poland, and Ukraine.
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