My name is Alina and I am a volunteer. My involvement in the voluntary movement began back in 2019 with the very first "School of Volunteers". Then I realized that volunteering is not only about helping those who need it, but it also brings me emotional satisfaction. I started by helping children: holding numerous master classes and lectures, so that they could understand their emotions and mental state, not be afraid of them, as clarity brings relief. Currently, my volunteer work is connected with people of the golden age. I am very glad that I have the opportunity to help and bring joy to people during such a difficult time. Looking back at my experience, I believe that I am just starting my journey as a volunteer, and there are even bigger and better opportunities ahead of me.

My name is Larisa Vorovko. Currently, I work as a specialist in the communal sector, and I have had several professional directions in the past. However, each time I found many positive aspects in these changes: new knowledge, skills, acquaintances, and friends. Experience is always valuable! I joined Volunteer Community at Hesed Hanna in December 2021 because of a strong desire to help those in need and because I know how to knit. I came across a request for help in knitting items for premature babies from one of the charitable organizations on social media and decided to reach out. We talked, and since then, I have become an active member of the "Thread of Kindness" club at Hesed Hanna. I love to learn and constantly develop myself (especially informal education), so I didn't miss the opportunity to participate in online training at the Volunteer Community school. It's truly a wonderful school, and I recommend it to everyone! I'm proud to be part of a creative team of like-minded individuals!

Hello! My name is Anastasiya Shmalko, and I live in the beautiful city of Kryvyi Rih. I am 16 years old and attend school. Although I had a strong desire to become a volunteer since the beginning of the full-scale war, my plans did not come to fruition immediately as I had to travel abroad.

Upon returning to Ukraine, I actively began searching for volunteer organizations and came across the "Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community." Inspired by their activities, I left my number, and the wonderful volunteer Maria Lomachevska contacted me. Her stories about the organization's work sparked a deep interest in me.

Currently, I am actively involved in the "Interaction" project and participate in collecting donations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine at various events. I plan to join even more projects and also intend to participate in the volunteer school.

The Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community is a wonderful organization with amazing people always ready to help and support. It is incredibly easy to find common ground with this wonderful team. I really want to continue developing in this volunteer organization and contribute my assistance and kindness. I wish you inspiration, a wealth of ideas, and new projects for the development of your volunteer activities. May your creativity and successes grow with each new project. I am immensely grateful for becoming a part of this team. I want to express gratitude to everyone actively participating in the lives of volunteers!

My name is Yana, and I started volunteering in September 2022. What motivates me to volunteer? Firstly, I believe that through volunteering, we not only make the world a better place but also improve ourselves. During this time, I have changed for the better, and I don't want to stop here. Secondly, it's an unforgettable feeling when you know you are contributing to the development of your city and country and making a positive impact on society. Thirdly, I simply love it! Volunteering has become my lifestyle, and I don't want to change it. In the Sumy Volunteer Community, I found a true volunteer family where you not only help others but also receive support and motivation yourself. Now, volunteering is my personal contribution to our common victory so that I can later understand that I also made efforts toward it and was not indifferent to Ukraine's fate. When I do good deeds, I experience a very pleasant feeling that is impossible to describe in just one word. It's a mix of happiness, joy, satisfaction, inspiration, and pride... My heart warms when, after doing a good deed, I see a contented, well-fed cat or receive a smile and hear kind words. Back in my school years, I read a beautiful quote by Amelia Earhart, with which I completely agree: "A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." I hope that through my good deeds, I inspire someone to do good, and together we create a global cycle of kindness in the world.

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.

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.

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.

Hello! My name is Marina. I am a volunteer with the Kryvyi Rih branch of the Volunteer Community. My son Kolya introduced me to the organization; he was the first in our family to start participating in good deeds. He used to say, "Mom, come with me. They need people there."

Now I can't imagine myself without our friendly volunteer family. No matter what we do, everyone is ready to help.

My main activity is in the "Interaction" project. I participate in baking bread, creating teas, and delicious treats for elderly people with limited mobility. Every time I visit our grandpas and grandmas, I do it with pleasure because I know how important it is for them. They miss the companionship we bring. When the doors open, I see eyes full of joy. Some can't even hold back tears of gratitude. Personally, I find our conversations very interesting. It's valuable feedback. Feeling needed is the most important thing in our work.

Participating in events like "Collect a Backpack for a Child," "Wings," various fundraising activities for our defenders and infants, helping in making trench candles for the soldiers, and many other activities are also crucial to me.

My husband has also joined volunteering, and now we have a shared family endeavor.

I invite everyone who cares to join us!

My name is Anatoly. I have graduated from Kiev National Agricultural University as a zoo engineer. Since 2015 I do my best in household reparations in the framework of the project “House Master”, fixing furniture and household devices. For me volunteering is an opportunity to help people in need, to realize myself, and also my abilities.

For me, volunteering is an opportunity to do good and provide assistance to those in need. I believe in the power of collective action and the possibility of improving the lives of others through our efforts.

My volunteering journey began with an invitation from my leader to join this incredibly important cause. His words about how volunteering can change the world encouraged me to take action and make the world a better place.

As a volunteer, I participate in the "Shabbat Guest" project. This initiative allows me to meet different people, help them, and provide support. Each encounter reminds me of how important it is to help people in difficult times.

Although my volunteering experience has been quite successful, sometimes I face challenges in my personal life that hinder my participation in projects. However, I always strive to find time for volunteer initiatives.

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.

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.