Toledo Helps Ukraine (THU) has launched its new humanitarian initiative, From Surplus to Survival, to collect and ship critical aid to war-torn Ukraine. The campaign is focused on new, surplus, and decommissioned items— especially medical supplies and emergency equipment—to support Ukraine in its third year of war.
“Over 14.5 million Ukrainians, more than 40 percent of Ukraine’s population, still urgently need humanitarian assistance, including 800,000 children living near the frontlines,” said THU President Alona Matchenko. “This campaign supports both the U.S. and Ukraine.”
From Surplus to Survival is a cross-continental humanitarian initiative with a dual mission:
•To repurpose gently used, surplus or decommissioned items from American homes and businesses.
•To deliver new essentials donated with intention and care.
“Together, these methods of assistance help meet the urgent needs of Ukrainians affected by war—whether through a barely-worn pair of work boots or a newly purchased power bank,” said Matchenko. “This effort isn’t just about clearing space—it’s about filling lives with hope and resilience, one shipment at a time. In addition, it is keeping our landfills from getting filled with items that are still very usable in Ukraine.”
THU previously shipped over $260,000 in expiredbut- usable medical supplies and donated fire equipment. The nonprofit is asking individuals and businesses to consider contributing in three key ways:
•Individuals Donating Supplies: Accepted items include: batteries, flashlights, generators, canned and dry foods (rice, barley, buckwheat, peas), sleeping bags, tents, tarps, IFAK first-aid kits, tactical gloves, work boots, power tools and heavy-duty socks. Items can be dropped off at Lutheran Church of the Master, 28744 Simmons Road, Perrysburg, on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon, through June 30.
•Businesses Donating Surplus or Decommissioned Inventory: Examples include expired (but usable) medical supplies, decommissioned police/fire equipment and excess building materials.
•Supporting Shipping Costs: Help cover $6,000– $9,000 in shipping expenses by donating at tinyurl.com/26hfsbhf or by mail: Toledo Helps Ukraine, PO Box 634, 1205 Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH 43552.
For large donations, email info@4ua.org.
Toledo Helps Ukraine is unique in that it has a direct connection with volunteers in Ukraine who deliver aid and materials directly to the Ukrainian people. There are no intermediaries and no bureaucratic delays—just compassionate, boots-onthe- ground support that is delivered directly to some of the millions of men, women and children in Ukraine in desperate need of humanitarian aid.
