To Our Family & Friends,

There is an opportunity to respond locally to the crisis related to the war in Ukraine. It is estimated that more than 7 million Ukrainians have been displaced, meaning that nearly one out of four have been forced from their homes.

A week ago, the members of the Asheville’s Church of Hope took under its care 70 Ukrainians on their journey to connect with family and friends. The refugees are on their way to other areas of the country to be with family and friends and expect to be here for around a month.

Most Ukrainians came with only a book bag and are still in shock. There are several families with two to three children.  Ages start at 1 ^1/2 and go up.

The members of the congregation are providing housing, meals, clothing, hygiene items, etc., yet will be challenged to carry on that load, and are reaching out for help. They are seeking financial support, clothing, food, and even old cars.

Ardenwoods, a retirement community in our area, invited the pastor and several of the refugees to their community so they could hear more about the journey and their needs. They are giving a vehicle and donations.Givens Communities would also like to help with this effort. We will be collecting gifts to help Church of Hope with the cost of supporting the refugees.

As with all gifts to Givens Communities, every penny will be directed to the need.

Ways to support the Ukrainian Refugees through Givens Communities

• Write a check to Givens Communities and write Ukraine in the note. Our collective gifts go to help Church of Hope support these refugees. You may also drop this off at Givens Estates and Givens Highland Farms.
• Online Giving – givenscommunities.org/give-online. Choose “Ukrainian Refugee Support through Church of Hope” as your gift designation.
• Clothing (any kind of clothing, under and outer garments) and other items may be brought to the administrative offices at Givens Highland Farms, Givens Estates, Givens Great Laurels, or Givens Gerber Park.

Gifts are tax-deductible as Givens Communities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Mark Bailey
Development Director
828-771-2216, [email protected]