In February 2022, when the war in Ukraine began, many non-profit ministries recognized the urgent need for humanitarian aid for those displaced and affected by the conflict. They reached out to Purpose and Legacy to provide logistical support. In Ukraine, many people had left their homes, facing immediate needs for shelter, sustenance, and basic supplies.
Purpose and Legacy launched a comprehensive aid effort, characterized by community mobilization, strategic partnerships, and a direct distribution model.
Community Mobilization and Collection:
A call was issued to local churches and organizations, inviting them to contribute. This led to a significant collection of various items, including:
- High-protein soup from Gleanings for the Hungry.
- Camping equipment and coolers from Assist International, specifically for people in transition.
- Clothing, medical supplies, and other necessary items.
Logistics and Shipping:
Donations were loaded into containers at the ministry’s site with the help of church and local community volunteers. Containers were shipped from the Port of Oakland, California, to Constanța, Romania. After clearing customs, the containers proceeded to Bucharest, Romania. From there they were transported by truck into various parts of Ukraine.
In-Country Distribution:
Bread of Life, our anchor partner in Bucharest, acted as the ministry’s “extended hand” for processing and distributing aid. The distribution was more complex and more involved than simply dropping off supplies. The team we supported worked on three fronts:
- Fuel Provision: A critical aspect of the operation was providing fuel. As fuel was scarce and expensive in Ukraine, transport vehicles leaving Bucharest for Ukraine would carry full fuel tanks and extra fuel. Upon arrival in Ukraine, they would offload all the fuel, leaving only enough to return to Romania, where fuel was cheaper. On one occasion, 200 liters of extra fuel were purchased at the border and taken into Ukraine.
- Direct Delivery: Convoys of buses and vans with trailers transported aid to southern and central Ukraine, avoiding areas too close to active bombing. The ministry prioritized meeting local contacts in safe, pre-arranged locations, often at major intersections and towns.
- Food Trucks: The ministry, in collaboration with Bread of Life, established two permanent food trucks in Ukraine. These trucks are equipped with cooking facilities, allowing local cooks to prepare and serve hot meals daily. Pastors also use these locations to preach the gospel. These trucks were purchased in Romania, with Bread of Life contributing 50% of the cost.
Results and Impact:
- Initial Response: Four containers were sent within the first two months of the war.
- Sustained Effort: For the first year, one container was sent monthly, then shipments slowed to every other month. In the first half of 2025 (the third year), two containers have been sent to Ukraine already.
- Direct Impact on Beneficiaries: Recipients expressed immense gratitude for the aid. The direct interactions revealed profound sadness and tears of appreciation from those receiving help.
- Unconditional Aid: The ministry emphasized providing aid regardless of church affiliation, focusing solely on ensuring people received food and clothing.
- Continuous Feedback: The ministry receives regular updates from their partners delivering the food, who use translators to communicate with beneficiaries, confirming the ongoing need and impact of their efforts.
At Purpose and Legacy, we are privileged to have been used in this way during the crisis in Ukraine. We have been able to be part of an effective and compassionate response, and worked with several non-profit ministries during a major humanitarian crisis. Through strong partnerships, community engagement, and adaptable logistics, we were able to provide vital aid, offering not only material support but also a sense of hope and solidarity to those most affected by the conflict.
To find out more, get involved or get help:
- Be part of everyday miracles at Purpose and Legacy, get involved or donate.
- Get food for your family, check out our open hours and come by.
- Learn about our partner ministries: Bread of Life (Romania), Gleanings for the Hungry (?), Assist International (USA)