FAQs
CFU Mission:
At the request of the Ukrainian Church and our national partners, to provide personal and humanitarian aid from the hands of churches in the U.S. to the hands of churches and displaced communities in Ukraine.
At the request of the Ukrainian Church and our national partners, to provide personal and humanitarian aid from the hands of churches in the U.S. to the hands of churches and displaced communities in Ukraine.
GENERAL FAQs
What is the general info and overview of Crates For Ukraine (CFU)?
Click here for basic info flyer.
- Register your participation by signing up - STEP 1
- Collect supplies per our master crate packing lists to fill crates (3 crate types to choose from) - STEP 2
- Deliver your crates to a Local Drop Point (LDP) - STEP 3
- LDPs store crates as needed and deliver them to our 2 primary warehouses (Chattanooga and Dallas)
- Crates are flown to Poland and shipped to Lviv, Ukraine (to Lviv Church of the Holy Trinity)
- Aid is delivered all over Ukraine to the most needy and vulnerable
What are the key changes and differences in this CFU aid project?
- There is NO flexibility on what you pack in a crate. You must pack the exact items and quantities listed on our master crate supply lists.
- There are no inventory sheets to track or upload.
- Crates are to be delivered to one of our many Local Drop Points (LDPs). LDPs will deliver all crates to our primary warehouses.
Is Crates For Ukraine (CFU) an MTW/PCA Crisis Response Initiative?
Joyfully - yes! The MTW Lviv team is receiving and sending aid in connection with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ukraine (EPCU) and to the neediest communities across war-torn Ukraine. MTW hopes to accompany this aid with personal engagement and sowing the seeds of long-term gospel community.
What is the deadline to register with CFU and how soon do crates need to be delivered to a LOCAL DROP POINT (LDP)?
The need is urgent! Please pack and deliver your crates ASAP. We would like for you to register your participation ASAP and to deliver your crates to a LDP no later than November 21, 2023. We will close registration on Nov 10, 2023. As soon as we reach ~200 crates in either of our primary warehouses, we can have them transported to Ukraine.
Where is aid delivered in Ukraine and how is aid helping?
- Click here to see our CFU aid distribution map. We have already delivered aid to over 500 locations and we estimate that we have helped over 50,000 people so far.
- This video clip gives a small glimpse into how God is using the Ukrainian Church through CFU. If you want to view more MTW Ukraine videos, navigate to the bottom of this page.
- Follow us on instagram for CFU updates and photos.
What are ways to pray for CFU?
Why not buy aid in Europe?
We are in fact collecting specialized aid in Europe. However, CFU's mission is from the hands of the churches in the U.S. to the hands of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. This allows churches in the U.S. to get involved (many churches are asking for this opportunity). Additionally, the items on the CFU lists are cheaper and more readily available in the U.S. than Europe. We have specialized lists of different kinds of aid that is more readily available in Europe (this initiative is being handled separately from CFU). If you would prefer to make a donation to MTW Ukraine's crisis response in lieu of collecting and delivering aid, please click this link.
Is there a crate minimum to sign up?
No. We challenge you to commit to at least 4 crates (and at least one of each type). However, this is not required and you can pack any number of crates you want and any combination of crate types. Consider partnering with other churches in your area to reach the 4 crate suggested minimum. You can of course pack as many crates as you want... there is no maximum.
What are the costs associated with CFU and what do you expect participants to pay for?
- We expect those that register (Churches or individuals) to cover all costs associated with packing crates and delivering them to a LDP (see STEP 3 about delivery). To see the estimated cost to pack each crate type, see below under “Step Two FAQs”.
- MTW Ukraine covers shipping crates to Ukraine, warehouse costs in Lviv and the costs to deliver aid throughout Ukraine.
Why is there no flexibility on what is packed in the crates and what are the reasons for the items that are included on the master packing lists?
Crates For Ukraine (CFU) started as a way to respond to Ukrainian requests. This iteration of CFU is no different. The lack of flexibility of contents in this iteration is a response to the request from the front. Therefore, we are making a conscious choice to be more efficient and responsible across our entire aid program to these requests. The contents of the crates, and the particular amount of items, has been selected by our Lviv Aid Team. In response to the greatest needs in Ukraine the team has selected the right balance of items per crate. In addition to the efficiency per crate we also focused on the efficiency per crate in shipping. If each crate type has matching contents, then this allows streamlined U.S. shipping, export, transit and importing of goods.
How do we know the aid is getting where it is needed most in Ukraine?
The distribution of aid in Ukraine is overseen by our Ukrainian pastors and Ukrainian believing community that our MTW teams have had trusted partnerships and relationships for over 30 years. They do a regular assessment of those who have the most need and how to get aid to them. Click here to see our aid distribution map.
Who all is involved with CFU and what is the "life cycle" of a crate?
- Buyers: Individuals or teams within churches that buy and collect supplies.
- Packing Team: Individuals or teams within churches who gather the aid and pack the crates.
- Local Drop Points: Churches or individuals who receive crates from others and deliver them to one of our primary U.S. warehouses.
- Transit Team: U.S. based companies that receive crates in Dallas or Chattanooga. Crates are then flown to Poland and then shipped to our local warehouse in Lviv, Ukraine.
- Ukrainian Church: Receive the crates in Lviv and then distribute the aid across Ukraine to those in need.
- Ukrainian People in Need: Receive the aid, knowing that Christ cares for them and that people from around the world care for them.
Is there a way to order and ship supplies to another church who is packing crates?
YES! This is an option, but please consider packing crates with your own church or partnering with other churches in your area before going with the "CLICK & SHIP" option. We are praying for 1,500 crates and 300 churches to get involved. To hit this goal we really need churches and individuals to commit to their own crates (we have local drop points all over the U.S.). However, we realize this may not be practical or feasible for everyone for a variety of reasons. If this first option doesn't work for you, then you may purchase and ship approved aid items using our "CLICK & SHIP" option (click the link to find out more and to buy approved items from our Amazon wish list).
Can we pack and send encouraging notes in our crates?
Please do NOT add anything extra to your crates (this is very critical). Only provide items on the supply lists. HOWEVER, we would love for you to mail encouraging notes and / or drawings by children to Cindy Rhea. We will collect them and send them to Ukraine. We have been asked by many in Ukraine to collect and provide these types of items. Mail encouraging notes to:
Cindy Rhea
c/o PCPC
4124 Oak Lawn Ave
Dallas, TX 75219
Cindy Rhea
c/o PCPC
4124 Oak Lawn Ave
Dallas, TX 75219
There are other organizations already providing aid in Ukraine. Why not just go through them?
Other organizations are in Ukraine and doing great work which we are grateful for. We are not intending to replicate aid that is already being met by other organizations. "Crates for Ukraine" purpose is focused on a few specific goals:
1.) Connect the hands of churches in the U.S. to the hands of our partner churches in Ukraine.
2.) Provide aid that has been specifically requested by the churches in Ukraine.
3.) Provide aid that is packaged in such a way that is easily mobile and can travel throughout Ukraine quickly.
1.) Connect the hands of churches in the U.S. to the hands of our partner churches in Ukraine.
2.) Provide aid that has been specifically requested by the churches in Ukraine.
3.) Provide aid that is packaged in such a way that is easily mobile and can travel throughout Ukraine quickly.
Are there customs and import taxes to fly crates to Europe and who covers the costs?
At this time, there are no custom taxes for approved humanitarian aid.
Do you have flyers I can use to promote CFU?
Yes, click here for our general info flyer. Feel free to print, share and use this as much as you like.
When Crates are delivered throughout Ukraine, do you include any materials with the crates or indicate who sent the aid?
Yes. Each crate gets 2 labels attached to the outside of the crate as noted below. The crates do not include other materials or come with other expectations.
1). The first label has Isaiah 43:2-3 printed out in its entirety.
2). The second label says the following:
Humanitarian Aid Center of the Lviv Reformed Church of the Holy Trinity
Done for the glory of God and the victory of Ukraine.
Church contact phone number is listed.
www.lvivtserkva.com (the church website with resources, sermons, etc)
www.kraynebo.com (the Reformed Ukrainian Publishing House with books, articles, resources, etc)
Click this link to see a photo of the labels.
1). The first label has Isaiah 43:2-3 printed out in its entirety.
2). The second label says the following:
Humanitarian Aid Center of the Lviv Reformed Church of the Holy Trinity
Done for the glory of God and the victory of Ukraine.
Church contact phone number is listed.
www.lvivtserkva.com (the church website with resources, sermons, etc)
www.kraynebo.com (the Reformed Ukrainian Publishing House with books, articles, resources, etc)
Click this link to see a photo of the labels.
WHO DO I CONTACT ABOUT OTHER QUESTIONS NOT ON THE FAQ PAGE?
- First, please see other specific FAQs below related to each of the 3 primary steps of CFU.
- If you have a question related to a LDP, please contact Cindy Rhea. Please do NOT contact Cindy to coordinate delivery with your LDP. All deliveries are to be coordinated directly with your LDP (see STEP 3).
- For all other general questions, please contact Bradley Cordell.
STEP ONE FAQs - "Signing up" and registering for CFU
Do I really need to sign up to participate?
Yes, please register your intent to pack and deliver crates (see STEP 1). This helps us plan, strategize, connect with you and share any updates or changes to the CFU project.
Wait a second, I want to participate but I can't commit to packing 4 crates and I may not be able to deliver crates to a LDP, how can I help?
There are many ways to help and engage. You are not required to pack 4 crates but we strongly encourage you to try for at least 4. You can partner with other churches or donate supplies to others in your area. We encourage groups to partner and collaborate with one another. You can also purchase supplies (from the approved master lists) and ship them direct to Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCPC) in Dallas. For more info and details about this option, see the specific question about this above in the "General FAQ" section. We call this the "CLICK & SHIP" option.
Where are the "local drop points"
See STEP 3 for a complete list of "local drop point" (LDP) locations and for more info on how LDPs work. If you are interested in serving as a LDP, please let us know when you register or email Cindy Rhea.
Who pays for what?
See the answer to this question above under “General FAQs”
What is the typical cost to pack a crate?
See the answer to this question below under “Step Two FAQs”.
STEP TWO FAQs - "Collecting & Packing" CFU supplies
Can I buy and pack supplies not on the packing list?
NO! It is imperative that you only pack the exact items and quantities on the master crate supply lists. Please follow the lists exactly.
Why do you only have these particular items on the supply lists?
Why can't I add other contents to the crates?
Why can't I add other contents to the crates?
There are several reasons for the specific supply lists.
1). The list of items are specific requests from the Ukrainian churches.
2) These items alone have been cleared for export/import. Adding additional items can create challenges and problems for export/import.
PLEASE only provide items specifically on the master crate supply lists.
1). The list of items are specific requests from the Ukrainian churches.
2) These items alone have been cleared for export/import. Adding additional items can create challenges and problems for export/import.
PLEASE only provide items specifically on the master crate supply lists.
What are the typical costs to pack each crate type?
- Basic Wound Care Crate ~ $2,500 (highest priority and most needed)
- Basic Med Crate ~$1,500
- Basic Care Crate ~ $1,000
Do I have to buy items from the exact purchase links listed on the master crate supply lists?
No. However, you must pack your crates to match the MASTER CRATE SUPPLY LISTS with the exact item types and exact quantities listed. Unless otherwise noted, you have flexibility on the “brand type” for most of the items (see examples below explaining what we mean by flexibility). As noted on our master lists, there are a few items that must match the exact brands listed (Tourniquets, chest seals, etc). Please do NOT substitute “used” items and please do not deviate from the master lists.
- EXAMPLE: The Basic Care list includes 5 pairs of men’s large thermal socks. You can buy these anywhere as long as you buy a similar item (same type and same quality) that is the same size and same quantity listed on the master list.
- EXAMPLE: The Basic Care list includes 1 liter steel thermoses. You can get this anywhere as long as it matches the description, the size and is similar quality as the item linked on the master list.
- EXAMPLE: Our MED crate lists a 1 oz tube of Antibiotic Cream. You can buy name brand Neosporin or you can buy the equivalent 1 oz tubes like “Equate” from Walmart (same active ingredients and is an alternative to Neosporin).
What is the minimum and maximum number of crates I can deliver to a LDP?
There is no max and no min crate count for a delivery. However, we strongly encourage you to commit to at least 4 crates. Coordinate all deliveries directly with your LDP.
What do the crates look like and where can I buy them?
See our master supply lists for various purchasing options. We are using Sterilite 27 gallon industrial totes ("bins") for our crates. Dimensions: 30 1/2" L x 20 5/8" W x 15 1/4" H. Please do NOT use any other type of crate or bin.
What if I want to pack crates but I can't deliver them to a LDP?
If you want to pack crates, you need to figure out a way to get them to a LDP prior to the delivery deadline (Nov 21). Below are a few options to consider.
- Shipping your crates using UPS may work but this will be expensive and there is a chance the crate could be damaged.
- You can also look to partner with others in your area to get your crates to a LDP.
- Ask your community if they are traveling near a LDP for work or to visit family. Perhaps they could transport your crate for you.
- You may also purchase and ship approved supplies directly to Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas. For more info and details about this option, see the specific question about this in the general FAQ section above. We call this the "CLICK & SHIP" option.
Is there a way to order and ship supplies to another church who is packing crates?
YES. You may purchase and ship approved supplies directly to Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas. For more info and details about this option, see the specific question about this in the general FAQ section above. We call this the "CLICK & SHIP" option.
Can I use other types of crates or storage bins to pack supplies?
No! It is very important that you use the exact crates specified in the packing instructions file. The crates we have selected meet pallet and air freight shipping requirements. They also allow our Ukraine based convoy teams to quickly and efficiently pack vans and transport supplies within Ukraine.
Do you have Amazon Wish Lists or WALMART shopping lists already built to match each crate type that I can copy and use?
Yes! You can find these links on the master packing list for each crate type and in the packing instructions.
Is there a crate weight limit?
No. The key is that you pack your crates exactly per the master crate supply lists and that you include the exact items and the exact quantities noted. The basic medical crate is the heaviest and it will be ~60 lbs. This is ok but you might need 2 people to move it around.
STEP THREE FAQs - "Delivering" your crates
I finished packing my crates and I'm ready to deliver my crates to a Local Drop Point (LDP). Now what?
Please reach out to the primary contact for your LDP to coordinate delivery - see STEP 3 for LDP locations and primary contact info. All deliveries should be coordinated directly with your LDP. Crates must be delivered no later than November 21 but sooner is better.
Where are the "local drop points" (LDPs) and how do they work?
Can I ship my crates directly to a LDP?
Yes. It's up to you to coordinate how and where you pass off your crates to your LDP. Shipping is expensive and is likely not be the best option but it is an option. If you have only a few crates, we realize this may in fact be more economical. Please keep in mind that crates could get damaged if you try to ship them. Coordinate this option directly with your LDP.
