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Were There Volunteers During World War II?
This text aims to honor the memory of those who perished during World War II, particularly those whom we would call volunteers today.
Without social media, bank accounts, or reposts—who were the benefactors of that time, and how did they manage?
Today, becoming a volunteer is easy. In Ukraine, many charitable and civil society organizations, volunteer groups, and initiatives always have projects to join. During World War II, the territory of present-day Ukraine was under Soviet control. Despite the Communist Party’s grip on all aspects of life, volunteerism still existed.
- The Red Cross
The Red Cross operated inconsistently in the Russian Empire and later in the USSR. Depending on the political climate, it was either allowed to function and receive support or was banned and repressed.
During World War II, the Red Cross provided medical aid to those affected by the war, helped establish field hospitals in liberated areas, and fought the spread of infectious diseases. Due to Soviet policies, the Red Cross in Ukraine had weak external connections with organizations in other countries. However, thanks to its efforts, humanitarian aid was provided by the British Red Cross, the American Red Cross, the Argentine Red Cross, and others.
The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian Central Committee, the Ukrainian Regional Committee, and the organization “Women’s Service for Ukraine” assisted in delivering humanitarian aid to local populations and relocating prisoners of war to shelters run by the Ukrainian Red Cross.
- Ordinary People
Lacking special social status, ordinary people helped each other. Some sheltered refugees and protected the most vulnerable ethnic groups. Others shared their clothes or food.
People respected in their communities also took the initiative to collect money and supplies for those in need. For instance, in Kherson, a local priest organized a collection to support wounded soldiers.
In 2011, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II held an exhibition featuring patchwork quilts. These quilts were made by American women for displaced persons, including Ukrainians.
How much does it take to do good? Help is always needed. Today, being a volunteer and supporting others is far easier than during World War II. Everyone has the power to make someone’s life better.
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