PROJECT “FIREWOOD”
Thanks to our partners at Ukraine TrustChain, we successfully launched an essential project this year that became a real lifeline for many families: providing firewood. Having warmth in one’s home, especially during the winter, is critically important, and this initiative has already brought significant relief to people enduring difficult times.
Last week, we traveled to several villages in the Kharkiv region, including the Zolochiv district, which is only 16 kilometers from the front lines. Although there are ongoing artillery shellings, large-scale battles and breakthroughs are not occurring. However, the situation remains dire. The locals refuse to evacuate and continue to live under constant threat, which adds to their challenges. Most of these villages do not fall into any social categories, meaning they do not receive government aid.
We prioritized families most in need, such as the elderly, low-income families with children, and those who have lost their breadwinners. In one such family in Ivano-Mykhailivka, we encountered a particularly moving story. This family fled from Pokrovsk, escaping the fighting. We delivered firewood, as this is their first winter in a new place. It was a small yet crucial part of our support.
One of the most heartbreaking stories involved an elderly woman raising her grandson alone because his mother lost her parental rights. The young man, born in 1998, was called to the army. Not long ago, they received a notification that he had died at the front. We decided to prioritize helping this woman, who lost her only provider. She needed our support in such a difficult time, as the funeral for her son was planned in just three days.
We also met internally displaced persons from Vovchansk who are currently residing in the Zolochiv community. A shell killed the father of the family during the fighting, and they lost all their property. Now temporarily settled in Zolochivka, they were incredibly grateful for the firewood we provided, which eased their survival a bit.
In total, we were able to provide firewood to 92 households — over 128 tons of wood. Every family, every individual we supported became part of this significant project, bringing hope and assistance to those who need it most. Every story we hear adds even more meaning to our work and reminds us of how important it is to be there for others, even in the hardest times.
Thanks to the support of Ukraine TrustChain, people in Ukraine will be able to stay warm this winter, even as the cold becomes unbearable. This project has only just begun but already brings hope to those most in need. In this difficult time, when winter chills are especially harsh in the east and other regions, this project allows many families, pensioners, and low-income people to receive what is necessary to survive — warmth, comfort, and support.
We all know how hard it is to survive the winter months when every day becomes a struggle for warmth in your home. With the start of the Ukraine TrustChain project, not only will we provide insulation materials and fuel, but we will also offer regular assistance to cover as many needy people as possible. This is just the beginning, and we hope that with each step, we can reach more families on the brink of survival.
We all understand how crucial it is to have someone to rely on during such times. Thanks to the support of this project, we have the chance to give people hope. Together, we can do even more, and each step we take brings us closer to ensuring that every person in Ukraine can get through the winter in warmth and safety. We are working toward maximum results, and every bit of support and contribution helps us get closer to our goal — providing comfort and assistance to those who need it the most.
KHERSON REGION
KHERSON
In Kamyshany, there is a family with 10 children that authorities are trying to evacuate. The family refuses to leave despite the danger. The house has already suffered damage from shell strikes, with explosions occurring in their yard. Local authorities are attempting to protect the lives of the children and their parents by relocating them to safer areas in central Ukraine.
The father of the family was absent, so we spoke with the mother. The children range in age from about 5 to 14. They are devout believers, trusting that God will protect them. We shared our concerns, emphasizing that it’s not safe for children to remain so close to the conflict line. A follow-up meeting is planned when the father returns to discuss the matter further. The situation is extremely complex, and we’re striving to ensure their safety without coercion or threats of losing parental rights.
As winter sets in, rodents have become more prevalent in apartments, especially abandoned ones and basements. Just last Friday, we received 99 requests for pest control services, and our schedule is fully booked until the New Year. Despite this, the volunteers from the “Step With Hope” charity in Kherson are fueling generators in the city’s “red zones” where there’s no electricity, feeding abandoned animals, and recently delivered fuel briquettes to a household.
DONETSK REGION
KRAMATORSK, SLOVIANSK
This week, we once again set out to deliver aid to those who need it most. Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Druzhkivka, and Mykolaivka were among the cities we reached, delivering essential goods.
In these towns, bread has become a rare luxury, especially when approaching shops is dangerous or they’re closed altogether. The people, exhausted by shelling, were grateful for the bread, which symbolizes not just food, but hope. We also distributed wet wipes in Kramatorsk, vital in conditions where water shortages make basic hygiene challenging. These wipes are particularly helpful for those caring for the bedridden or disabled, making daily care a little easier.
Our trips to Donetsk are about more than just delivering supplies; they are about witnessing the resilience of people who refuse to give up hope.
KHARKIV REGION
ZNAMENKA
This week, we delivered support to those most in need: internally displaced persons, pensioners, people with disabilities, low-income, and large families. Each story is one of resilience and struggle, illustrating the hardships people face daily.
One story came from Tatiana, a 29-year-old mother living alone with her three-year-old son. With no access to childcare, she cannot work and relies on weekly aid. Bread, which has become a symbol of care and support, has been a lifeline for her. Tatiana and others like her express deep gratitude to the “Step With Hope” foundation for their kindness and dedication.
Together, we continue to make a difference — one step at a time.
KHARKIV, KAMIANA YARUHA, MALA DANYLIVKA
Unfortunately, the situation in the city remains challenging. Every day, the sky is filled not only with “Ka-52” helicopters but also with relentless “Shahed” drones that fly over rooftops, spreading fear and destruction. This week, enemy strikes hit residential areas—places where people were trying to find a small bit of peace. But now, even in their homes, it’s hard to feel safe. Explosions echo from the outskirts, bringing news of fresh destruction.
Despite all this, we don’t give up. We held several important meetings to discuss urgent issues and simply support each other. Together, we tidied up the children’s room, a place where kids can feel like children again, rather than residents of a war zone. We’ve also started daily online meetings where we share updates, talk about our concerns and small victories, and lift each other’s spirits during these tough times.
Thanks to our partners, MCC, we are able to provide support to those who have endured the horrors of war. Missile attacks and constant stress have become a daily reality for many. With MCC‘s assistance, we organized psychosocial support programs for adults and children who have faced the harshest trials. Our volunteers work with people to help them overcome trauma and restore hope. These are not just programs; they are opportunities for each person to find the strength to keep going despite the surrounding horrors. Our partnership with MCC enables us to rekindle hope and belief in a brighter future for everyone affected by this war.
This week, we couldn’t travel with our mobile team to the latest impact zones, but despite restrictions, we continue distributing humanitarian aid to those who need it most.
“I am Olga, 68 years old. My pension is small and only covers basic needs, so any help is a true lifeline. I am so grateful to the charitable foundation for the bread. Each loaf is not just food; it’s a sign of humanity, a reminder that even in the darkest days, there are those who remember us and care.”
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
NIKOPOL
We continue working in Nikopol and its surrounding areas, persistently implementing our plans. Our efforts have become an inseparable part not only of our work but of our very existence. Seeing the results of our labor in numbers brings indescribable satisfaction. But the most inspiring thought is knowing that our efforts help alleviate even a small part of the burdens people carry. Although we may never fully understand the impact we leave on those around us, we hope that it is a positive one.
In Nikopol’s Assistance Center, we distribute drinking water and food kits. The cold weather has set in, making it challenging to stand by the water tank for hours, but we persevere because we know how crucial this is for the people here.
One of those we support is Oleksandr, the sole breadwinner in his family. He has two children to support while working as an equipment technician for an internet provider—a dangerous job, especially in Nikopol. Oleksandr often finds himself climbing poles to restore connections amidst the sound of drones overhead. Sometimes, he gets caught in repeat attacks, losing his work vehicle and lacking shelter. However, his sense of responsibility to his family keeps him strong and determined.
There are other stories too. Tatyana, a pensioner, has fought cancer for years and is currently in remission. She cares for her daughter with a mental health condition, and we’ve been supporting their family for a long time. She is deeply grateful for the assistance.
Then there’s Larisa, a cleaner in the city dental clinic who devoted her life to raising children and now cares for numerous grandchildren. Despite her struggles, including no help from her alcoholic husband, she continues to persevere.
We also extend our work to Marhanets, a town that desperately needs support. Many locals working in granite and manganese quarries suffer premature health deterioration. It’s not uncommon to see a pensioner aged just 40 here. Last week, we finished assisting residents of the 11th district and began serving the 12th, where we already have over 460 people on the list. The atmosphere among them is mostly somber, which is understandable—on the way to Marhanets, you see fields marked with trenches and defensive fortifications, which are terrifying reminders of the unknown future.
Even amidst despair, people show up, clinging to every glimmer of hope. Artillery continues to bombard the courtyards where we assist people, but we carry on as best we can.
PAVLOHRAD
This week, we traveled between Pavlohrad, Dnipro, and Reshkut, delivering humanitarian aid, hygiene products, clothing, food, pasta, and flour. These supplies are essential for adults who have been left with almost nothing. We also transported a massage table for future workshops because caring for one’s health is vital, even under challenging circumstances.
On this journey, 28 people received assistance—most of them internally displaced persons and people with disabilities. Among them were 94% women and only 6% men, as many men are either on the front lines or performing physically demanding jobs.
One such person is Oleksandr from Pavlohrad, a 66-year-old local pensioner. He comes to our gatherings regularly, and each time, we see the great need he faces, living modestly with barely enough to get by. As the weather grew colder, he arrived in summer sneakers, unable to afford warm clothes. We struggled to find the right size due to his sturdy build but finally found a warm jacket and autumn shoes. The joy and gratitude in his eyes reminded us that even small gestures can warm not just the body but also the soul.
KRYVYI RIH
In early November, we embarked on several significant trips to Kryvyi Rih and its surrounding areas to deliver not just essential aid, but also a piece of care and support to the people. Our journey took us through Kryvyi Rih, Sofiivka, and Radushne—places where people are now living in survival mode. The primary purpose of these trips was to provide psychosocial support to groups of internally displaced persons and socially vulnerable individuals, as well as to deliver bread and food packages. The total weight of the humanitarian cargo we transported was around 1,900 kilograms—each gram of which embodied a touch of human kindness.
A special stop on our route was the night shelter for the homeless. This place has become a refuge for those who have nowhere else to sleep. Some residents have been living there for years, struggling with disabilities or financial hardships that prevent them from securing stable employment and a roof over their heads. Among them are internally displaced persons who, due to the war, came to the city but are unable to rent housing since every penny goes toward food. They survive on odd jobs, sharing a cramped room that has become a sort of barracks. Despite the harsh conditions, the residents and the shelter’s administration are grateful for the regular assistance in the form of fresh bread and for remembering them—not just bringing food weekly but also delivering a sense of care that warms more than bread ever could.
In the village of Radushne in the Kryvyi Rih area, we distributed 70 loaves of bread to displaced persons and socially vulnerable individuals. These are people living on the brink, fighting for survival each day, especially now with winter approaching. For them, this bread is more than just sustenance. It’s a symbol that someone remembers and cares about them. A weekly loaf of bread, of course, doesn’t change their difficult circumstances but gives hope that they are not forgotten and that their pain and needs matter.
In Sofiivka, we delivered 120 loaves of bread to internally displaced persons, vulnerable individuals, and residents of the House of Mercy. For many, this aid feels like a small celebration, like a birthday gift. A single loaf of bread brings such gratitude and joy that it reaffirms our commitment to continue this mission, as even a small gesture becomes a significant comfort. And while this may seem incredible in the 21st century, the tears of gratitude, the joy, and the blend of despair and hope on the faces of these people leave a profound mark.
We believe that this simple bread is a step towards restoring humanity and hope in the future, even during the darkest winter times.
KAMIANSKE
From November 4th to 10th, the volunteer center in Kamianske district worked diligently despite all the challenges and daily obstacles. During this week, we ensured the delivery of humanitarian aid, helped transport bread across the city, delivered food to Verkhovtseve, and organized the transportation of volunteers for unloading food packages. Each trip held great significance, as for many, this bread and these food packages became an essential support during tough times.
Additionally, our center operates as a hub that provides support for local residents and displaced persons. The women’s group “Berehynia” brings women together, helping them find strength, support, and understanding. The children’s center “Smile” is a place where kids can experience joy, forget their problems, and immerse themselves in the world of childhood. We regularly organize charity lunches that unite people, offering a sense of family warmth and community. For those needing assistance with basic household needs, we provide laundry services and support through our massage room. The psychosocial support program “Strength in Weakness” helps individuals rediscover their resilience and inner strength to overcome life’s challenges.
During times of intense missile attacks and anxiety, many people lose hope, believing that the future is irreversibly bleak. However, thanks to the support of our partners, MCC, we can restore hope to those who need it most. The psychological rehabilitation programs we can organize, thanks to MCC, help children and adults not only cope with stress but also find the strength to move forward despite all difficulties. Their support is more than just aid; it offers people the opportunity to see the light even in the darkest times. We are deeply grateful to MCC for making it possible to assist everyone in need.
The situation in the region is relatively stable now, though people constantly feel the need for food as prices rise while incomes remain stagnant. The need for food and basic household items is especially acute in the homeless shelter, where we regularly deliver bread. The residents are sincerely grateful for every loaf, but they also require ready-to-eat meals and laundry supplies. The conditions there are very limited, with hot water being the most they can access, which often isn’t enough to stave off hunger. All of this needs attention, and we strive to help as much as our resources allow.
Thanks to our reliable partners at Restoring Vision, we were able to carry out an important mission—helping people who suffer from deteriorating eyesight but cannot afford to buy glasses. This is a simple but critical solution that changes lives for many.
For these people, glasses are not just an accessory but a necessity without which they cannot live fully. Many of them are in difficult life situations where even something as basic as the ability to see clearly becomes a luxury. Their vision has worsened due to illness, age, or living conditions, yet they lack access to medical services or funds to purchase glasses.
Together with Restoring Vision, we are determined to change that. Our volunteers provide glasses to those in need. Every pair is a chance for someone to see the world more clearly, to understand its details, and even to return to work or studies. Every step towards helping people see is a step towards restoring their dignity and confidence in the future.
This is not just assistance to each individual but a beacon of hope for the entire community, showing that together, we can create change. Each pair of glasses is more than a tool for improving vision—it is a genuine gift of life, offering new opportunities. Your support and our collective efforts help people feel whole once again.
