KANSAS — Almost forty years ago, in 1986, a nuclear power plant located in north Ukraine was involved in an accident that was rated as a maximum severity level. The disaster, which resulted in the meltdown of a reactor core followed by a fire that raged for about a week, released radioactive contaminants into the air to land in other countries as well as the surrounding community. Since then, Ukraine has faced numerous challenges, including a recent military invasion by Russia, forcing thousands of refugees to flee to neighboring countries. Among those offering aid is Star of Hope, a Kansas-based international organization with a focus on children.

Star of Hope has been working in Ukraine since the Chernobyl disaster, providing assistance to affected children and their families. They started sending shipments to the hospitals treating these children, and camps were developed to help the affected children become part of the world around them. Specialized facilities were also developed, especially in Romania, for helping children with disabilities.

Through years of experience in Romania, Star of Hope has developed processes and methods of effective help for those who are struggling during this time of uncertainty. A five-point program has been developed to provide essential aid to Ukrainian refugees, which has included emergency shipments of trucks to the heart of Ukraine with a priority of including small wood-burning stoves to help during the winter, turning Romanian children’s centers into shelters, emergency transportation and support of refugees to the Star of Hope retreat in Sweden, medicine for those children who have lost their thyroid gland due to cancer, and caring for the Ukrainian refugees. Mark Presson, CEO says “…every day since the start our staff has been at the border offering assistance.” One worker on the borders front line says, “The help you give your fellow human beings can leave shimmering rings on the water decades later.”

To help fund their efforts, two prominent European musicians have recorded a song titled “Pray for Ukraine.” The proceeds from the song’s release on February 24, the anniversary of the Russian invasion, will go towards Star of Hope’s work in Ukraine.

See or hear here:
https://www.starofhope.us/pray-for-ukraine-song-and-video

Link to the music video:
https://youtu.be/NeMwBM9PBm8

Link to the sound file:
https://on.soundcloud.com/YS3jq

Star of Hope is asking for support at the borders, feeding the refugees, fuel for the transportation of goods and people, medicines, and support for traumatized families from Ukraine. They urge everyone to spread the word of the need and visit their website, www.starofhope.us, to donate or learn more.

Read more news on Humanitarian Services, Disaster Relief, the Refugee Crisis, Ukraine, and Russia on Missions Box.

CONTACT: Mark Presson, 620-204-1865, info@starofhope.us