27 Backpacks - 27 Stories of Care
The volunteer center brought together around 30 volunteers to support children ahead of the new school year
The "Pack a Backpack for a Child - 2026" campaign became another important story of unity, compassion and support for our NOEK JCC Volunteer Center. Around 30 volunteers of different ages came together with a shared goal - to help children from the Jewish community of Mykolaiv region prepare for the new school year and bring them a little joy during difficult times.
We collected school supplies, prepared school kits and packed backpacks, filling each one not only with essential learning materials but also with care and a sincere desire to support children. Every contribution mattered, as behind every backpack were the efforts of people who wanted to make childhood at least a little brighter.
One of the most important stages of the campaign was our volunteers' trip to Voznesensk. We traveled there to personally deliver school kits to children from frontline areas. In places where people live under the threat of shelling, ordinary school supplies take on special meaning. Despite difficult circumstances, children still dream of school, new notebooks, colored pencils and the chance to live a normal childhood.
During the visit, we handed out kits to children, spoke with families, hugged mothers and found time for heartfelt conversations over tea. This was more than simply delivering aid - it was a chance to be there, listen and remind families that they were not alone in facing their difficulties. The children's emotions were especially touching - joy and tears of happiness when a new backpack became a small but meaningful gift.
After the trip, we continued our work to ensure that support also reached children living in other parts of Mykolaiv region. Thanks to our partners, the Volunteer UA Charitable Foundation, we prepared backpacks filled with school supplies and sent them through Nova Poshta. This allowed aid to reach children in outlying areas, even when we could not deliver the kits in person.
This marked the end of the main stage of the "Pack a Backpack for a Child - 2026" campaign. In total, 27 children received backpacks and school supplies ahead of the new school year. For us, this is more than just a number - it means 27 opportunities to start school with essential supplies, feel supported and be reminded that there are people who care about their future.
We sincerely thank everyone who joined the campaign: our volunteers, who worked at every stage, and our partners from the Volunteer UA Charitable Foundation for their support and trust. It is through joint efforts that help becomes real acts of kindness reaching those who need it. We continue to believe that even in the hardest times, care can bring hope. Together, we are strong! Child by child, step by step, we are changing the world for the better.