.Editor's Note: This article reports on what Shelter Box is doing to help residents and refugees of Ukraine. Keep in mind that you can also support Ukrainian relief by contributing to the District Fund for that purpose, or to he Rotary Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund with contributions earmarked for Ukraine.

Shelter Box reports that its aid has arrived in Lviv in western Ukraine and distributions begin this week. The team in eastern Europe is now working in Moldova while coordinating with partners in Poland and Ukraine. The number of people who've had to leave their homes is close to 10 million – that’s almost a quarter of Ukraine’s population. Over four million children are among those displaced (more than half of the country’s estimated 7.5 million child population). Shelter Box is working on three projects – two within Ukraine and one supporting those fleeing the country.

They also are working on three projects – two within Ukraine and one supporting those fleeing the country.

• We are working with People in Need to provide thousands of mattresses for collective centers like schools and churches in Lviv, Ukraine. Aid there will be distributed this week to collective centers - places where people fleeing conflict-affected areas are seeking shelter and safety. The mattresses will help people sleep and keep warm at night.
• Shelter Box is also preparing to provide shelter kits with tools and rope, high thermal blankets, hygiene kits including items like soap, washing powder and toothpaste, solar lights, buckets, and water carriers to help people in Ukraine survive in buildings damaged by the conflict. 
• The organization will be supporting refugees in neighboring countries with high priority items they can carry with them, like hygiene items and cash. Our teams are working with government representatives, Rotary, and other humanitarian organizations in Moldova to draw up our plans.

Want to help? You may send contributions to Shelter Box online - visit Ukraine Crisis Appeal - ShelterBox USA