A Virginia-based nonprofit organization is part of Ukraine’s attempts to give Russian forces a dressing down.
Spirit of America has provided over $7.2 million in assistance to Ukraine, supplying helmets, body armor, first aid kits, and medical supplies, among other aid to Ukraine’s front lines within the first three days of Russia breaching its border.
“We are responsive and need-based. So in the situation of Ukraine, there are a couple of key things that were and are needed there. One is the specific material support that we’re providing and the central theme there is saving lives and helping Ukrainians protect and defend themselves,” said Spirit of America CEO Jim Hake.
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Tens of thousands of helmets, first aid kits, and ready-made meals have made their way to Ukraine, Hake said. Ukrainian soldiers have snapped smiling photos wearing the gear in the war-torn country and sending them back to the nonprofit group as a thank you.
Though the nonprofit organization has been providing assistance to Ukraine since 2015, it has ramped up efforts in recent weeks as Ukrainian civilians turned into soldiers, many without military training or proper uniforms.
Through an agreement with the Pentagon, Spirit of America works with the U.S. military to provide nonlethal aid to military partners overseas. In total, Spirit of America has provided assistance to 94 countries since it was founded in 2003 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“We work alongside U.S. troops and diplomats all over the world, to help them save and improve lives, to support their safety and success by helping local populations,” Hake said.
In 2015, the nonprofit provided assistance to establish Ukraine’s first armed forces radio station to communicate with soldiers serving on the east side of the country, who previously were bombarded with propaganda and misinformation through traditional channels.
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Spirit of America has also supplied women in Afghanistan with sewing machines and funded livestock health programs and scholarships in West Africa to train veterinarians, among other assistance tailored to each country’s needs, Hake said.
Despite Ukraine’s efforts, Russian forces have dug in their heels and continue to make advancements into the country while sustaining heavy losses over a month into the invasion.
