Hi all! My name is Vladislav and I want to tell you about my favorite pastime - volunteering. For me, this is not just a process, but a way of life that helps me make the world a better place. My friends also volunteer with me, which makes me very happy, as the process itself becomes more entertaining. We have many funny stories together that we often like to remember, as well as we take care of several grandmothers whom we regularly help. For me, volunteering is not only an opportunity to help others, but also a chance for personal development. This is the ability to realize my responsibility to society and understand that my actions can make the world a better place. When I do good deeds, I feel that there is a kind-hearted message from me to the people who need help. This way I spend a few hours a week that later aree transformed into someone's smile or just comfort and safety and I think that it's really worth it, at least from my point of view.

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.

My name is Daniil, and I joined the volunteer center because I've always wanted to help others but didn't know where to start. Now, being part of the Volunteer Community team, I realize that these are wonderful people and we have unique projects. I have set many goals that I want to achieve both independently and with the center. I aspire to participate in more projects and expand the boundaries of DVC's activities because doing good deeds is addictive – once you do one, you can't stop.

For me, volunteering is voluntary assistance and support that benefits others without expecting rewards. Hello, I am a volunteer with Volunteer Community (Dnipro). My journey into volunteering began with a desire to help others, and my first volunteer experience was with the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. That's when I realized how rewarding it is to assist other people and hear words of gratitude from them. This motivated me to continue on my path of volunteerism. Today, despite time constraints, I participate in all the center's initiatives, from targeted assistance to global projects.

In my opinion, volunteering contributes to personal growth, reveals the best human qualities, helps establish personal connections, and immerses one in the life and traditions of the community. It's a wonderful experience of self-discovery and an opportunity to change oneself and one's environment for the better.

My name is Katya, and I have been a volunteer for about a year.

It's important to me because I want to feel that I contribute to the well-being of people who need help or attention. I also simply enjoy participating in social projects, and I really want to dedicate even more time to volunteering—interacting with the people we visit with Shabbat kits or engaging with children who are displaced and organizing various activities for them.

It charges me with energy and inspires me to live.

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.

I am Mira and I am a DVC volunteer. Previously, I have already participated in volunteer events - mainly related to eco-activism and helping animals. But these were one-time attempts that did not bring the feeling of being involved in something big. In addition, I was limited by the need to look for "partners in good deeds", that is, people who would organize the process or support my initiative. I got all this in full in DVC! I ended up here along with other Hillel Dnepr activists on the initiative of the coordinator of the volunteer center. Here I am attracted by the regularity and high level of organization of assistance, the possibility of self-development and continuous learning in this area. A year later, I significantly improved my own communication skills and ability to navigate the terrain. And most importantly, I felt that my efforts bring real benefits to this world. You don’t always have time to get everywhere on time, you don’t always have a resource - but when you find time for kindness, it becomes a little better. Both for me and for those who come out to help. Thank you for the opportunity to take action!

Hello, my name is Olesya, and I'm a volunteer at DVC. What I like most is participating in events where we help animals. In the past, my parents and I often visited shelters, bringing food, medicines, and various treats for the animals. Now I do it with my friends who are also volunteers. We go to shelters outside the city, where there are many displaced animals, and we help with walking and cleaning.

I'm also often responsible for capturing a good story or taking photos at our volunteer events. It's really cool to have the opportunity to capture genuine emotions on camera.

Volunteering is a new but already particularly significant direction in my life. My medical education suggested to me that helping people is my calling. Despite the short duration of my volunteer work, I already feel how important it is to create positive emotions and share love with those around me. Watching the emotions I can give to others makes me admire the process of volunteering. I especially love interacting with children and organizing interesting programs for them.

My volunteer efforts are also focused on delivering food and assisting grandmothers and grandfathers. I always find it interesting to take the time to talk to these lively people. Interacting with them brings not only joy but also valuable communication experience.

In volunteering, I have found not only the opportunity to help but also a source of constant development. I feel that this is precisely my calling, and I strive to develop in this field in the long term.