FIREWOOD PROJECT
SOPHIIVKA
This week, firewood was delivered to the village of Sophiivka. Assistance was provided to 48 households, with a total of 67.2 tons of firewood delivered.
OUR FAMILY’S STORY
We are a displaced family from Lysychansk, Luhansk region. Sadly, the terrifying war unfolded before our very eyes. Our house was located on the outskirts of Lysychansk, in a picturesque spot by the Seversky Donets River. We were in full view of the destruction, witnessing the devastation of Rubizhne and the obliteration of Sievierodonetsk.
The spring of 2022 was exceptionally cold and damp. As long as we had gas and electricity, we supported our defenders by washing clothes, preparing food, and welcoming them as family.
In April, as artillery fire intensified in the city, we began considering evacuation. Leaving our home was an incredibly difficult decision. We packed only for a short time—one or two months. On April 10, we took our elderly grandmother and headed towards Dnipro. We settled in Sophiivka, where local volunteers warmly welcomed us and helped with food and clothing.
Later, we relocated within Sophiivka with the help of volunteers who found us housing. Yet, our hearts and thoughts were back home.
With pain, we learned of destroyed homes and the deaths of friends. It is hard to accept that our home has been destroyed and there is no place to return to. For nearly three years, we have been wandering from one unfamiliar place to another.
Thanks to kind-hearted people and volunteers, we are trying to adapt and move forward. It’s hard—especially at our age—to find work and start over.
We thank God for bringing us to the International Charitable Foundation “Step with Hope.” Representatives of this foundation not only warmed our souls but also provided heating for our temporary homes. They gave us compact metal stoves for heating and supplied firewood.
These people with big hearts also provide us with food packages, fresh bread, and tasty rice. We are immensely grateful to the foundation and its sponsors. We have warmth and food, for which we are deeply thankful.
Our family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the “Step with Hope” Foundation and Ukraine TrustChain. We sincerely believe that, with the help of our heroic soldiers on the frontlines, volunteers in the rear, and compassionate people, we will persevere, rebuild our war-torn homes, and enjoy a long and happy life in a free and strong Ukraine!
A STORY FROM KHERSON REGION
Previously, a family lived in the village of Kachkarivka, Beryslav district, Kherson region. After the war came to their area, Mariyana, Mykhailo, and their three sons had to flee their native land and home to save their children.
Their eldest son, Serhiy, fell ill due to the cold and dampness in the cellars, struggling to breathe. When the local hospital was destroyed, they decided to leave for a safer place.
The journey was incredibly difficult. They had to cross mined areas, navigate a destroyed bridge, and climb over burnt tanks while carrying their children. They also came under fire during their escape.
Volunteers helped them reach safety. Currently, the family resides in Sophiivka, where volunteers provided them with a stove and firewood for winter heating. They are grateful to everyone who has helped them during this time.
KHERSON REGION
KHERSON
This week, Kherson faced extremely challenging times. The city and surrounding areas were shelled by various types of weapons, with numerous attacks recorded.
Despite the difficulties, our volunteers continued their work. Achievements from the past week include:
— Refueling 6 generators.
— Delivering 3 cans of gasoline and oil for a generator in the Eastern neighborhood.
— Providing power for people to cook food, stay connected, and keep warm thanks to our generator and fuel.
— Feeding a dog for an entire week.
— Conducting pest control in 14 facilities, including 4 large basements and 4 bomb shelters. One bomb shelter was decorated to lift spirits, as celebrations must go on even in shelters.
— Supplying pest control poison to 4 families.
— Disinfecting 1 facility.
— Carrying out insect extermination in 5 locations (two apartments, two building entrances, and a basement). Special attention was given to a front-line doctor, Ms. Tetyana, who struggled with cockroaches in her apartment. Our team eradicated the problem for her and neighboring residents.
— Supplying insecticide to one individual.
— Installing a generator for elderly residents living in cold, dark conditions.
— Providing a food package, medicine, and hygiene products to a woman with disabilities.
Every day, the “Step with Hope” Foundation team works to improve life for Kherson residents, helping them combat cockroaches, mice, and mold.
DONETSK REGION
KRAMATORSK, SLOVIANSK, BOHORODYCHNE, SVIATOGIRSK
We delivered humanitarian aid to the Kramatorsk district and Sviatohirsk.
On the way between these cities lies the village of Bohorodychne, a beautiful area with breathtaking landscapes.
However, there is not a single intact building in Bohorodychne—not one. Yet, people still live there, patching up ruins and enduring the winter.
What these people need most is attention and the feeling that they are not alone. They also require household supplies and food. However, standard food packages such as grains and pasta are not suitable here. Instead, they need canned goods or instant meals that can be prepared with just hot water, if available.
Residents were deeply grateful for the assistance. One woman nearly broke into tears out of joy that someone visited her. She had been left all alone, a displaced person from Donetsk since 2015.
In Sviatohirsk, a forest recently caught fire, making life there even more precarious. Alongside food supplies, we brought gifts for children.
KOSTIANTYNIVKA, DRUZHKIVKA
In Druzhkivka, the city has been without water for 10 days. The location for humanitarian aid distribution was damaged again. We distributed food aid and eyeglasses to residents, held children’s workshops, and continued working with children affected by shelling.
We also provided free meals for affected and underprivileged displaced persons and offered psychological support and assistance.
Nataliya: Injured during a nighttime shelling, her house was damaged as well. She expressed deep gratitude for the material and emotional support she received from the foundation.
Lyudmyla: Came to us in a state of shock after surviving a shelling. We continue to provide her with the care she needs.
KHARKIV REGION
ZNAMIANKA
Assistance was provided to internally displaced persons, pensioners, people with disabilities, low-income families, and large families.
I, Hanna Tymofiyivna, a pensioner with IDP status, had to relocate from Kharkiv with my husband when the war began. My husband was seriously ill, bedridden, and we had to move him in a lying position. Last year, he passed away, leaving me alone. I live on a single pension and IDP payments, which barely cover medicine and utilities. Every week, the foundation delivers white bread to our village of Znamianka. I am deeply grateful to the foundation for such essential assistance during these hard times. I wish that all the good you do for people comes back to you threefold! Peace to all of us!
CHUHUIV AND KOCHETOK
200 loaves of bread were distributed. Assistance was provided to internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, large families, pensioners, low-income families, and the temporarily unemployed.
I, Matryona Pavlivna, born in 1939, am a pensioner and a person with a second-degree disability living in Chuhuiv. Thank you for helping and caring for us during these challenging times.
NOVA VODOLAGA
Assistance was provided to IDPs, large families, the temporarily unemployed, and pensioners. People express heartfelt gratitude. This aid is very impactful. The situation in the village remains unchanged, and there is a significant need for firewood.
KHARKIV, KAMYANA YARUGA, AND MALA DANYLIVKA
The city is under constant UAV attacks. The weekend was productive and eventful.
— Eight meetings for children and teenagers were held.
— On Friday, a joint session was conducted on the topic “Step Forward Boldly.” Toys were distributed to children in difficult life circumstances.
— On Saturday afternoon, we visited the director of a foundation in Kharkiv, which has been active for three years. Gifts were brought for children.
— In the evening, a children’s fair and a session on “Dogs” were held, alongside a Q&A meeting for teenagers, followed by a tea gathering.
Diapers were provided for an 8-month-old baby girl with epilepsy. This week, an initiative was organized, with children and teenagers actively participating despite fatigue, working tirelessly. They are encouraged to help others. Bread distribution continues.
Nadiya, 77 years old, an IDP from Kovsharivka, now living in a rented apartment, sincerely thanks the charitable foundation for their care and provision of tasty bread.
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
NIKOPOL
This week, as before, drinking water was distributed to about 200 people across the district. They also received food assistance.
In addition to support from the Assistance Center, targeted aid was provided. In Marhanets, most of the city was covered, and operations were moved to another clinic to accommodate residents from the other side of the city, especially elderly pensioners.
Eyeglasses from our partners at Restoring Vision were distributed. A small, warm, and well-lit office was allocated for us.
Natalia, our last visitor of the day, expressed her deep gratitude: “Thank you to your organization for taking care of us, for visiting our city, and assisting those with vision problems. The consultation with the ophthalmologist was invaluable. Your presence for two months has greatly improved our lives and health. Thank you!”
— 3,000 liters of purified drinking water, approximately 70 pairs of glasses, 150 cans of soup, 15 boxes of rice, 1 box of oatmeal, and 10 packs of pasta were distributed this week.
— Activities benefited 250 individuals.
— Special thanks for enabling vehicle repairs, crucial given the road conditions in our region.
PAVLOHRAD
The situation in the city was tense this week, with UAV flights and explosions. Volunteers provided all possible assistance and support. 37 families of IDPs, people with disabilities, and those in need received aid (90% women, 10% men).
Lyubov Hryhorivna, 69, relocated from Pokrovsk to Pavlohrad and rents an apartment. Housing costs are high, and she lives alone. She deeply appreciates the assistance and moral support provided.
SAMAR AND MAHDALYNIVKA
Humanitarian aid, including 80 food kits, was delivered to collective housing facilities for IDPs, volunteer centers in Cherkaske, and IDPs in Mahdalynivka and surrounding areas.
KAMIANSKE
Volunteer center activities in Kamianske district included:
— Transporting humanitarian aid across the city (both left and right banks).
— Distributing bread and food kits.
— Running the “Smile” children’s center.
— Organizing charity meals.
— Offering laundry services.
— Operating a massage cabinet.
— Conducting psychosocial programs: “Strength in Weakness” and “Healing Emotional Wounds.”
My name is Inna, 54, from New York (Donetsk region). After continuous shelling, my husband and I were evacuated by volunteers in June. Our home was completely destroyed. We now rent a costly apartment in Kamianske. I recently received humanitarian aid from the “Step with Hope” foundation and am deeply grateful for the vital support, without which our current situation would be even more dire.