The war in Ukraine continues and so do the humanitarian efforts aimed at helping those who have been forced to flee.

First Lutheran Church of Warren is inviting the community to help.

“The war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the surrounding countries has been both devastating and overwhelming,” Pastor Jeff Ewing said. “People from all over the world continue to pray for peace and support those millions of people who have been displaced from their homes.”

“According to reports, the greatest need right now is providing funding to relief agencies so they can purchase what is necessary now and for the long-term,” Ewing said.

There have been several organizations and individuals from the Warren County community that have already pitched in and continue to do so.

First Lutheran has pledged $5,000 and is asking the community to match or exceed that amount.

“In May, First Lutheran Church is inviting congregations, individuals, businesses, and other organizations to something we are calling the $10,000 Invitation,” Ewing said. “It is an opportunity for all of us to donate money for the ongoing humanitarian need in Eastern Europe.”

“To kick off this effort, First Lutheran is providing the first $5,000 to encourage Warren County’s generosity.”

The Invitation’s results will go to Lutheran World Relief.

According to Ewing, LWR has partnered with charities in Ukraine and Poland on programming including:

¯ “Working with the Order of Malta to provide hospital supplies;

¯ providing ongoing support to six facilities that are being used to house internally displaced persons — at least 60,000 nights of shelter for people who need a place to stay;

¯ providing emergency cash and vouchers for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse so refugee women and children can safety and easily access protection services;

¯ supporting the Evangelical Augsburg Church of St. Martin in Krakow, Poland, which has established a hostel for Ukrainian women and children;

¯ identifying key gaps in the availability of health services related to gender-based violence, mental health services and psychosocial services, and communicable diseases; and

¯ partnering with the Lutheran World Federation to expand immediate relief and establish a base to help with the long-term efforts of rebuilding the fabric of the Ukrainian community.”

Donations may be dropped off or mailed to the church at 109 W. Third Ave., Warren, or made through the church’s website at flcwarren.com.

“First Lutheran will also be hosting a take-out spaghetti donation dinner to help with this effort,” Ewing said.

The dinner will be held from 4:58 to 6:57 p.m. Tuesday, May 17.

“One hundred percent of donations will go toward direct relief,” Ewing said.