I've been seeing a lot of people saying things like "Pray for Ukraine", or telling people to boycott anything Russian or Belarusian. But sadly, none of these are really going to help the people of Ukraine, and most certainly aren't going to stop the invasion. So, for those that actually want to help, and do something that will matter.

From left to right:
1. Donate blood to the International Red Cross. With all the wounded and displaced, there are many who are going to need blood. Ideally, O- should especially consider as your blood can be used in anyone without fear of rejection.
2. Donate Clothing. Many refugees were forced to pack up and leave with mere minutes of notice. Many barely had any time to pack a clean change of clothes, let alone anything practical to wear in the current weather conditions.
3. If you have the space in your home and heart, open your home to those in the most need. Many women and children have been forced from the area, and sadly, many of those children are no orphans. If you have the room in your home and heart, volunteer to take them in until things cool down. The farthest these people can be the fighting, the better.
4. Volunteer for Hospital Ships or International Doctors Groups. With the amount of wounded, doctors and nurses in the region have been swamped with cases. If you have medical training, and wish to assist, volunteer for any groups that are sending medical personnel into the region.
5. If you have the physical or mental strength, and are of the correct age, enlist in your nations military and prepare to fight the battles to come. Sadly, it is very likely that this conflict will spill over past Ukraines border. If you're able to enlist, now is the time to do so. Waiting until your nation begins to fire up conscription will likely result in you being stuck in the infantry. Volunteering now will mean you get options. But if things cool down, and you thankfully never get sent to the conflict, you will at least be trained in a skill that will help you for the rest of your life.

I don't do something like this lightly. But with all the chaos going on, it's hard for many people to know what to do. Normally, I'd provide links, but I trust that many of you know how to search these things out.

But my final word on this: Remember that most of the people on the ground do not want to be there, so for the love of all the gods please treat these people with respect. There are many who are being forced to fight, that hopefully will be able to sit at a bar together one day and calmly share stories. Many also have families waiting for their safe return. So for all of those stuck in this, stay safe, and return home as soon, and as safely as possible.