Volunteering and giving: How can I help people in distress?

In difficult times, each of us finds our own way of dealing with despair. Someone allows him not to reach a resource until the body becomes stronger, while others try to find a way out in good deeds. If you are from the second category – those who try to help those in a difficult life situation – then this material is for you. On Volunteer Day, celebrated annually on December 5 in Russia, we tell you how each of us can contribute to the lives of people who need our support due to various circumstances.

The world is not devoid of good people, and in the 21st century it will be time to turn anger into compassion and hate into words of sympathy and love.

volunteering

Volunteering is not easy because of the great responsibility: both organizations and their services rely on you. But if you can still do this, you will have complete freedom of movement and many fields of activity. You can take on the role of an interpreter when going to government institutions for an immigrant, teaching children Russian and the school curriculum, and administrative work. But be prepared – it’s not a matter of speed.

Always open to new volunteers, the UN Refugee Agency’s partner organizations include:

If there is a desire for more global action, you could try applying for an international volunteering program. The UN Refugee Agency is constantly on the lookout for doctors, lawyers and other professionals who want to apply their experience in the humanitarian field. By the way, such work is paid, but contracting for the UN Volunteer Program (UNV) will not be easy.

Donation

This is an ideal option to help those who do not have the opportunity to devote much time to volunteering but have the desire to participate.

Often people refuse to donate money, thinking that a larger sum is required than they are. This is not true. Organizations gratefully accept contributions of any size. All funds are directed towards transportation costs, which provide people with housing and medical care.

Donations can be made at the following sites:

Culture and charity foundation Action! Organizations that aim to provide medical care, which we collect with:

Clothing and products

There is always a need for things, products, school supplies. This is what keeps people who find themselves in difficult conditions still standing.

As a rule, the list of essentials includes non-perishable items, clothing for men, women and children (including newborns), as well as hygiene products, bedding, dishes and stationery.

By the way, if it is not possible to bring it in person, you can order delivery to a collection point in Moscow and other regions of Russia. For example: The central headquarters for the collection of humanitarian aid is open at the “Mosvolonter” resource center and the Center for Helping Pregnant and Pregnant Women with Children in a Difficult Life Situation “Mother House”.

For a full list of humanitarian hotspot addresses, see here.