War is hell. Those famous words are often attributed to American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman.

For more than a month now we’ve seen the horrific images coming out of Ukraine on a daily basis. Since Russia made the choice to wage war against its neighbor in February, we’ve seen the catastrophic toll on Ukrainian cities and civilians.

Russian forces have pulled back from the suburbs around the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, leaving death and destruction in their wake. There is mounting evidence of war crimes committed in the town of Bucha where Russian soldiers are accused of executing civilians.

It’s essential for the international community to document all evidence of war crimes even if those responsible are unlikely to ever stand trial.

How should we support free and courageous people who are fighting for a better life without escalating a conflict further? That is the question being debated as the U.S. and its NATO allies race to supply Ukraine with the weapons necessary to defend itself.

Sometimes it feels like we, as individuals, can only watch helplessly as terrible things happen around the world. But there is power in individual action. Each of us, and collectively as nonprofit groups and charity organizations, can make a difference to show the world our commitment to justice and human rights.

The Liberty Rotary Club, in partnership with the Hurleyville General Store and The Center for Discovery, hosted a Benefit for Ukraine. The Concert for Peace and Healing included a music performance by Cris Spinner. The Rotary Club is still raising funds to support Ukraine through their Disaster Preparedness and Relief Fund at The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. Visit tinyurl.com/8c2edstz for more information.

Those aren’t the only local efforts to support the Ukrainian people. As reported in the Democrat on March 25, Students From Liberty Middle School prepared care packages to be sent to Ukrainian refugees, many of them children, who have fled to Poland.

Liberty Middle School Teacher Katlyn Rusin explained how they began the project for Stars of Hope - a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals and communities in need of hope through the power of art and the message of healing.

These are just a few of the countless efforts by individuals and local groups trying to make a small difference. Taken together as a whole, they can help ease the suffering of those affected by war.