Ukrainian citizens are currently trying to make their way across the Ukrainian-Polish border to seek refuge, many of them with starving stomachs, nowhere to call home and minimal clothes in their possession. They are also subject to human trafficking, particularly the women and their children. 

Senior Beth Dietze just returned from an eight day mission trip in which she and her mother provided aid to refugees and citizens at the Ukrainian-Polish border. Dietze handed out supplies, food, clothing and other necessities to those in need. 

With the mass amount of Ukrainian refugees, many being women and children, she also entertained the children while they waited in line for hours in order to flee the country into Poland. The process of confirming documents and citizenship takes a very long time which leaves the refugees waiting in line for hours or even days at a time, just to reach safety. She played games with the children, handed out candy and watched out for them when they were confused and afraid. 

Along with entertaining and providing support to the people, she was also there to inform and help prevent the issue of human trafficking. Many of the men have been drafted for the war, leaving mainly women and children, which are typically the target for human traffickers. 

“The main point of my trip [was] to inform people about human trafficking and assist people who feel unsafe getting into proper transportation,” Dietze said. 

In order to educate people and help them feel secure in their safety, Dietze and her mother dispersed flyers in Russian that gave the refugees tips on how to travel safely and who to avoid when doing so. They walked alongside the Ukrainian people, carried their luggage and watched out for them in order to give them the extra step of security when in unsafe or sketchy areas. 

The main impact Dietze and her mother wished to provide was offering a helping hand to those who have suffered severe trauma in their country due to war wrecking their homes and lives entirely. She provided her time and care to those who have nothing left and no one to turn to. She is committed to giving this support to people whose lives have been ruined by pain and destruction through any means necessary. 

“I know I’m only one person,” Dietze said. “But that’s one more person who cares enough to do anything and everything in order to show [them] compassion and love.”