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, Galina Vasilievna Chernykh, worked as an economist, and now I am a retiree. Throughout my life, I have been involved in weaving, embroidery, and sewing. When I learned about the "28 петель" (28 Loops) club, I enthusiastically started knitting items for premature babies. Later, we wove small blankets for a record that was included in the "Records of Ukraine" book, and then I began knitting socks for our defenders.

After some time, we started sewing adaptive underwear, shoppers, bags, and repairing clothes for "Hesed Hana" clients.

I wish the Volunteer Community team boundless motivation and enthusiasm in our noble cause. May each created project bring joy and support to those we care about.

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.

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 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.

I've been involved in volunteer activities for just over a year.

I believe that in such challenging times, people, especially vulnerable groups, need assistance. For me, volunteering is, above all, a moral duty to myself and to society. From the beginning of my volunteer journey, I realized that I enjoy doing good deeds and helping people.

Currently, volunteering plays a significant role in my life, and even with a busy work schedule, I still find time for it.

By doing good deeds, I feel that even one small person can become part of something big and positive in this world.

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!

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!

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 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.

He has been involved in volunteering before but got acquainted with the network during his wife's online training at the "Volunteer School." Since then, he has dedicated 5-8 hours weekly to creating good deeds with other participants. Initially, he participated in the "Interaction" project, where they delivered food packages to Hesed clients, communicated with them, and assisted with household issues. Later, he participated in the "Caring Connection" project and, for two months, delivered phones to about 40 Hesed clients. With each passing time, the number of projects he participates in increases. As he works in higher education, he involves students and colleagues in volunteering.

He is inspired by the people around him, and his family motivates and supports him.

He is grateful to the Volunteer Community network for the opportunity to help, develop, meet people, establish connections between cities and countries, expand his horizons, and enrich his knowledge with new and very interesting experiences!

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.

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.

My name is Artem, and my first volunteer activities began back in my school years. I became more actively involved in volunteering after the start of a full-scale invasion. I enjoy helping people. I find satisfaction in both the act of giving assistance and the gratitude of people, the sparkle in their eyes, and their smiles (even if they are not always thankful, as that happens too).

Moreover, volunteering is a way to meet new and awesome people who willingly share their experiences, and most importantly, it's always interesting and ever-changing.

At the beginning of the war, volunteering took up a significant portion of my free time. Currently, my life includes work, creative endeavors, and some education, and volunteering simply complements this stream of activities.

What does volunteering give me? The first thing that comes to mind is the pleasure of having the opportunity to do good. I'm always delighted to help people. There's also a sense of being a part of a global project.

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!

My name is Valentina Petrovna Dolgoruk. I am a pensioner, and my hobbies are knitting and embroidery. One day, one of the volunteers invited me to join the "Pled Tysyacha Serdets" (Blanket of a Thousand Hearts) project. Since then, starting from April 2022, I began knitting blankets and sets for premature babies in maternity hospitals. During the winter, we also knitted socks for our soldiers. In this way, I became a part of the Kryvyi Rih Volunteer Community. We have many interesting projects, and I really enjoy doing good deeds together with our volunteers. I invite everyone who is willing to join our team and create goodness together with us!

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 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.

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.

Hello, my name is Dasha, I'm 19 years old. I completed courses in hairdressing. Volunteering has become an important part of my life thanks to the coordinator of the Volunteer Center. She offered me to participate in the "Blanket of a Thousand Hearts" project. At first, we started knitting squares at home, and then I became an active member of the Krivoy Rog Volunteer Community. My first experience included participating in the "Day of Good Deeds," where I helped other hairdressers braid girls' hair. I am very grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to take part in this initiative. Now I eagerly come to the volunteer center because each time there is an opportunity to do good deeds here. We bake challah, visit grandmas and grandpas, and prepare delicious treats to help our children. Recently, we donated equipment for premature babies to the maternity ward, and it was an incredible experience. Volunteering brings me joy and satisfaction from the opportunity to help those in need. I want to wish all of us inspiration, new amazing projects, positivity, and indescribable emotions! Thank you for doing good deeds and providing the opportunity to join you in this wonderful world of volunteering!

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.

My name is Tatyana Erushevich. After moving to Kryvyi Rih in search of educational activities for my child, I came across a wonderful opportunity to become part of a volunteer family. It all started when I saw an announcement about volunteer opportunities in the "Volunteer Community" Facebook group. It immediately caught my attention, and I decided to give it a try. At first, I simply brought my child to various clubs, but one day, while observing the work of volunteers, their dedication, and enthusiasm, I felt a strong desire to contribute to this noble cause. Since then, I have become an active participant in all volunteer initiatives. I was fortunate to help generate ideas and coordinate the "Shabbat Guest" project, which involves baking challah and other dishes. This project is truly special because it brings people together and creates an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. My experience in volunteering has taught me that kindness and solidarity can change the world around us. I wish every volunteer in our network to continue illuminating hearts with the light of kindness, not only in our country but throughout the world. Let's work together to make our world a better place!

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!