Being a volunteer I really feel my personal development and rejoice in it. My name is Nikolay, and I have been doing volunteer work for about six months. It all started when I was asked to take part in an online event with DVC and Hillel. By participating in many interesting projects aimed at helping others and gaining new experiences, I really feel my personal development and enjoy it. Although I do not volunteer as often as I would like to, if I have the opportunity to take part in some project, then I am 90% ready to do it. I get the feeling that perhaps I made someone a day with this, because I have seen more than once in my own example that if you just bring a set to your grandmother or grandfather and spend some time with them, even just talking, leaving their house, one can notice a genuine smile on their face, which we all know - smile is infectious.

Probably, my parents, who have been resting in a better place for almost 45 years now, led me to volunteering. They passed away very young, 8 months apart, one after the other. Although they were not volunteers in the modern sense, they are remembered with respect and kind words are still said about them. Over time, their actions and actions become more and more significant. When my sister and I were little, they brought a white sheet and a slide projector out the door, gathered all the children, removed chairs from all sides, and dad showed filmstrips, and mom read texts. When we started school, there were no best friends for our classmates to give advice or help organize and resolve disputes. They worked at one job, but had different positions - mom in the personnel department, and dad was the deputy director for labor protection. I already learned about how they helped the employees from the children and grandchildren of the employees, who still remember their good deeds. I can talk a lot about them, but it's better to go and see with your own eyes.

For me, volunteering is an opportunity to help those in need and make positive changes in the surrounding environment. My journey into volunteering began during the time when the war started in Ukraine. I couldn't stand aside and immediately joined the volunteer movement.

All my efforts are directed towards projects within the Volunteer Community, where I serve as a coordinator. We provide assistance to those in need and contribute to improving the lives of others.

Despite certain challenges, volunteering gives me new knowledge, new connections, and brings great satisfaction from the fact that I can help others and make the world a better place.

My name is Sergey Baranovsky. I graduated from comprehensive school No. 8 in Mogilev-Podolsky. I am volunteer of Hesed since 2004. Volunteering for me is one of my hobbies in off-duty time and a method of self-realization. I try to participate in all volunteer actions, and also I am all-time participant in the “House Master” project.

My name is Inna Davnich. Once, my friend invited me to join the "Marathon of Good," and later, I participated in the "Interaction" and "Charity Box" projects. Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community is an organization with wonderful people who are always ready to help and support. It provides an opportunity to assist, develop, broaden one's horizons, and engage with people. I really enjoy helping those in need. The most important thing is that I am involved in something truly meaningful.

I hope that new volunteers join our movement, bringing fresh perspectives and new projects.

I am a teacher-volunteer with a big work experience. I am not indifferent to everything that occurs in Jewish community and not only there. I managed to start many projects, among which there are Sunday school that became one of the best Sunday schools in Ukraine and the first Jewish kindergarten “Prakhim” at the municipal pre-school institution №81. This project was launched with incredible difficulties and it has been working since 2000. I have worked it up and successfully presented it when I studied at the Jerusalem University according to the Melton program for teachers of the Jewish education.I have also initiated and organized such projects as:

1) Publication of the book-almanac «Shofar» about the history of Jews living in the Cherkassy region (assistance in preparation and publication);

2) Organization of a traveling exhibition «Anne Frank. History Lesson» and holding the city competition of compositions in this subject;

3) Help in perpetuation of the Righteous gentile A. Shulezhko (organization of anniversary actions in the city, edition of the book «Pam’yaty Slavetnoy Zhemlyachky», participation and help in installation of a memorial board in the city);

4) Publication of methodical works and scenarios of the Jewish holidays (“New Jewish School” Publishing house, St. Petersburg).

5) Writing poems and songs for children, poetic translations from Hebrew and Yiddish for vocal collectives.

The Jewish period of my life began in 1993 when I returned to my hometown from Poltava. In 1994 my volunteer activity in the Jewish community had started. Doing good deeds, having satisfaction from the fact that you help somebody, and a pleasure from self-realization is what unites all volunteers! I still continue my volunteer activity in the community. I am the Head of Literary club in Hesed and every month, even several times a month, hold thematic meetings with the participants of the Jewish revival programs. I have brought up many generations of the Jewish children. Together with the knowledge of the Jewish culture I strive to foster the desire to do good.

I have always sought to help other people, and it brought me great joy. The desire to change lives for the better led me to the path of volunteering.

I have been involved in various projects and initiatives, including "Thread of Kindness," "Children's Protection Day," "Bring Joy," "School Bag for a Child," "Hanukkah Marathon," and "Shabbat Guest." Despite their differences, they all share a common goal - to help those in need.

Unfortunately, I don't always have enough time to participate in all volunteering events, but I strive to be actively involved in the center's activities. The lack of time is not a reason for me to give up volunteering.

Volunteering has become a part of who I am, and it is a significant part of my life. I derive immense pleasure from this activity because I love being needed, helping others, and receiving support from others.

My volunteer journey with the Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community began in 2023 when my family and I were invited to participate in the "Day of Good Deeds" quest. Currently, I participate in our center's projects whenever possible, including "Interaction," "Sewing Studio," "Embroidered Fate or the Nation's Code," and "Charity Box."

Since childhood, my parents, through their example, instilled in me the awareness of the importance of selfless help to those in need. Their care for others has always been a reflection of the kind of person I want to be. Now, I feel a responsibility to my son. Watching my activities, I want him to understand the importance of doing good and helping others. Volunteering has become a way to teach my son important life values.

Mark Twain once said, "We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it — and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again, and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore." The belief that kindness can save our world inspires me every day. I believe that every act of kindness (even one that may seem insignificant at first) contributed to society helps change the world for the better.

My name is Valentin. I was born in 1956. I’ve graduated from Moscow State Mining University, specialty: civil engineering. I became a volunteer in 2015 and participate in “Master at Home” project. I believe that a person of any age may become a volunteer. There are no limits. If you are looking for your way, for something what is really interesting for you, then volunteering is the best way to prove yourself and to realize your potential.

My name is Oksana, and I work at the aviation meteorological station in Kryvyi Rih. My hobby is knitting and embroidery. One day, my friend told me about a club that creates items for prematurely born babies. Since I have knitting skills and love doing it, I decided to join this good cause. So, for the past 3 years, I have been a part of the "Thread of Good" in the Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community.

I wish your team a constant influx of new volunteers who bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm.

May your inspiration know no bounds and persistently support you on the path to achieving your goals.

May each of your creative successes become a new stage of growth with every project you undertake.

I wish you many new projects that will not only expand your activities but also have a positive impact on the community you support.

I am a director of the juridical and consulting firm “ Law Craft” . Very much I am interested in a question of social business, because I consider that it isn’t enough for our country of it. Also I am interested in all ecological LVC projects. We, volunteers, have created the Council of Volunteers at the Jewish community of Lviv which I was entrusted to lead. I like to help people around, especially it is pleasant when these people begin to help the others.

Hello!

My name is Svetlana Nikolaevna Chabanenko, and I have been living in the magical city of Kryvyi Rih since September 24, 1996. My life is filled with three important components: knitting, reading books, and my fluffy cats.

One day, a friend shared information with me about the "Yarn of Kindness" project, which had just started.

Thanks to this project, I was able to not only create beautiful sets for my granddaughter but also started knitting for granddaughters and prematurely born babies. This allowed me to provide them with warmth and comfort during this challenging period. My joy lies in the smiles of the mothers of these children, and it inspires me to continue my creative activities.

I wish the Volunteer Community network even more bright volunteers and grateful clients. Thank you for what you do!