Local nonprofit supports Ukraine as country marks 35 years of independence amid war

UKRAINE — Ukraine is marking 35 years of independence on Monday, with celebrations taking place across the country as the war with Russia continues.

Since 2022, the New Hampshire-based nonprofit Common Man for Ukraine has been providing aid and services to people impacted by the war.

Co-founder Susan Mathison says conditions have continued to worsen with each trip to Ukraine, with the group now traveling within miles of the front lines.

“Every time, conditions have deteriorated even further. This time we’re very, very close within a few kilometers of the front line. We were hearing active concussive sounds, and we could see plumes of smoke from the bombing nearby. The drone threats are everywhere,” Mathison said.

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The group recently visited six rural villages, delivering food, medicine and toys to families in need. Organizers plan to visit more communities in the days ahead.

Mathison says many of the villages have been devastated by the war, leaving residents without necessities.

“They’ve been decimated without water and electricity or any sources of food. They’re very, very poor, no health care, no schools for the kids. And yet, when we arrived today, they would be lined up at the side of these dirt roads, and the little girls and little boys would be in their Ukrainian vyshyvanka, their headdresses on, everything perfectly cleaned and pressed. And welcoming us with home-baked goods. It was an amazing experience,” Mathison said.

Mathison says every child deserves help, and she has been inspired by the resilience of Ukrainian families and communities.

As Ukraine celebrates its independence, Common Man for Ukraine says the need for humanitarian assistance remains urgent.

For more information and to donate to Common Man for Ukraine, visit the link here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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