All-Ukrainian campaign "Prepare a School Backpack for a Child" 2025
From 25 July to 1 September, in 15 cities of Ukraine, 17 Volunteer Community centers carried out the “Prepare a School Backpack for a Child” campaign
The campaign became a symbol of equality, dignity and the strength of the community. One hundred twenty-eight volunteers, 251 partners and hundreds of caring hearts joined forces so that every child could begin the school year with a sense of joy and confidence.
In Jewish communities, courtyards, parks, libraries and even in KFC kitchens, where children were given tours and cooking workshops, a festive atmosphere prevailed. Volunteers organized animations, attractions, excursions, collected school supplies, packed the kits and created creative activities so that every schoolchild in the community, regardless of circumstances, would feel care and support.
During the campaign, 68 events took place and 494 children received school assistance, including 62 happy owners of brand-new backpacks. And behind every package stands a story filled with an ocean of emotions and the sincerity of volunteer hearts.
Natalia Shvets, a mother of four from Mykolaiv region: “We live on the outskirts, and getting the children ready for school is always a challenge. This year we were very worried about how we would manage. When we received the kits, tears came to our eyes. For our family, this is real support, a feeling that we are not alone. The children unpacked the stationery and were delighted with every notebook, even the eraser. Your help, the help of the community, gives us strength to move forward and raise our children with the confidence that goodness exists in this world.”
Masha Tanska, volunteer from Cherkasy: “I was happy to come and pack the kits. It was exciting to choose the stationery: for the little ones with children’s drawings, for the boys with cars, for the girls flowers and princesses. The atmosphere of volunteering from the inside is a special feeling. I felt needed and even a little important.”
Zlata, 12 years old, Kryvyi Rih: “There is so much here… my eyes don’t know where to look. I really like the raspberry-scented notebooks. And I will be doing lots of modeling — I have so much clay now, and it’s so bright!”
Maria, 8 years old, Kryvyi Rih: “They gave me a bright little bag sewn by volunteers. I’ll keep my fun little secrets in it. And the coloring book is so beautiful, and there are pencils, markers and paints with it. Everything is so beautiful!”
For children from low-income families, school supplies open the door to the world of knowledge, give them the chance to feel equal with their peers and focus on learning. Quality materials support their motivation, develop their self-esteem and help them move toward success. Feeling the care and support of the community helps children grow confident in their abilities.
The campaign “Pack a Backpack for a Child” became the embodiment of kindness, partnership and responsibility that fills every school backpack with warmth and hope. Together we are shaping a future in which every child has the chance to flourish.