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!

About 2 years ago, I realized that I couldn't just sit idly by. I started helping by collecting various items for protection and those in need. The initial steps into volunteering occurred when I joined the work of sewing warm insoles. It became evident to me that everyone can contribute with their skills.

However, true volunteering began with the Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community at Hesed Hanna. I understood that I needed to do what I could to help the front and those in need. Knitting led me to "28 Loops," now "Ball of Good." Then came sorting humanitarian aid, assembling food kits, participating in the "Good Deeds" campaign, and, of course, the volunteer school. Hobbies can be turned into small projects. Since I enjoy baking, I gladly responded to coordinator Maria Lomachevskaya's proposal to conduct a baking workshop for challah. And now, we have a whole team of wonderful challah makers. The sewing workshop laid the foundation for our sewing studio. By helping others, I help myself stay true to who I am during difficult times, feeling needed and useful.

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 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.

Volunteering is my destiny, the call of the soul and a conscious path that can be called a lifestyle. There is always a lack of humanity in our society when you start looking around... I joined the team of volunteers out of an inner impulse, my love for children and needlework combined here. For me, knitting miniature clothes is a real pleasure. The project "Tangle of Kindness" in the Volunteer Community network was the starting point of my volunteer journey in this team. Then Tatyana Kuts, who led this project, offered me to become the project coordinator. Without hesitation, I agreed, because if an experienced person saw potential in me, then I can cope with all the tasks. Thus began a new chapter of my volunteering. Leading volunteers is a huge responsibility that requires many skills. But thanks to a team of welcoming volunteers, I adapted easily. I feel that I am on my way, and despite all the stereotypes, now all people are aware of how important volunteering is.

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.

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.

I am Yulia Tabakina, a practical psychologist at Krivoy Rog Lyceum No. 24 and a consultant for the Hotline of Psychological Support in Krivoy Rog. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I have taken an active public stance and chosen areas of activity where I can be helpful. I provide free psychological assistance, consultations, and create psychological programs to support children and youth. I also actively participate in various charitable actions, runs, and projects.

Since 2023, I have joined the friendly and creative team of the Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community, where I lead the "Читануті" Book Club. The club was created to popularize Ukrainian literature, the Ukrainian language, modern authors, and reading in general. We organize events where people can exchange books, donate them to hospitals, or recycle them. With the funds raised, we can finance various projects of our center.

In the future, I plan to expand the club's boundaries to include lectures, training sessions, educational events, support groups, and events on various psychological topics. I aim to organize a book club for children and teenagers, where they will not only read books but also discuss them with a psychological basis, exploring topics that contribute to the development of emotional and social intelligence. Additionally, I plan to create a reading group for people with special needs or other vulnerable groups.

My name is Inna Martemyanova. I work at the largest metallurgical plant in Europe, AMKR. I'm a loving wife, a mother to a wonderful daughter, and a volunteer. For me, volunteering is an opportunity to share my warmth with those who need it the most! That's why when I learned about the "Knitting of Kindness" project, I joined it without hesitation. The emotions I felt while creating my first "masterpiece" will stay with me for life. And knowing that this blanket will warm a little girl is just wonderful! Why do I volunteer? I can't speak for others, but for me, it's a kind of prevention against emotional burnout. Volunteering is not a hobby; it's something I can't imagine my life without anymore! From my work, I derive immense pleasure because I know it benefits other people. Volunteering is an investment of your time, effort, and talent. Yes, you invest the most precious thing a person has—their time—but in return, you gain experience, skills, new friends, and a wealth of emotions. By helping others, you become a better person! That's why I believe that each of us can become a volunteer. The main requirement is the desire! The desire to help people and make our world a better place!

My name is Elena Romanenko, and my journey into volunteering began with making borscht. Eventually, I started receiving orders for pies for soldiers and servicemen in a hot spot. One day, someone brought paraffin, and I decided to use it to make trench candles. From that moment, my activities became more diverse and helpful. At some point, I saw an advertisement for the Volunteer School at the Charitable Foundation "Hesed Khana" and decided to enroll. I participated in various projects, starting with the "Day of Good Deeds," and currently, I am actively involved in the "Gratitude Marathon" project. Our group of volunteers collects items for military families and helps displaced people find clothing, shoes, kitchenware, bedding, and much more. Our efforts have not been in vain, and thanks to the "warm hands" effect and the support of our friends and acquaintances, we were able to collect an impressive number of items. These items were donated to families in difficult situations. My volunteer work not only benefits those in need but also fills my life with meaning and joy. I am convinced that collective efforts and kindness can make the world a better place.

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 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!