AUBURN — The United Nations and international children’s rights groups have recently reported on the growing number of children and youth going into state-run orphanages and institutions in Ukraine due to the ongoing war and economic collapse.

Now, families in Maine can impact a group of these children by providing respite from war and poverty.

Host Ukraine, a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid to orphans in Ukraine, is bringing 114 children from Ukrainian orphanages to the U.S. this winter to stay with host families. From Dec. 16 to Jan. 13, those who host will provide housing, food and help children to feel the love of a real family for the holiday season. Host Ukraine provides a support network and training before the children arrive and during their stay.

The organization is still in need of 20 host families to place boys, girls and sibling groups for the winter program. With a growing economic crisis and greater instability, in addition to deaths from ongoing fighting in the eastern part of Ukraine, orphanages there are seeing increases in the number of children abandoned to state care while their budgets for food, medicine, clothing and other essentials continue to decline or go unpaid.

While the exact number of children in state care varies between government agencies, it is estimated between 85,000 and 200,000 and on the rise. Recent reports from UNICEF and Disability Rights International highlight the dangers the children face while in state care.

Hosting fees are tax-deductible and Host Ukraine has grants available to offset the program cost.

FMI: www.hostukraine.org.