Donetsk Region
Druzhkivka
Last week, we visited Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region. The situation in the city remains tense: the number of shelling incidents has increased. In many areas, there is no gas supply, so families are forced to heat their homes with firewood, using stoves.
This week, we managed to organize targeted delivery of firewood to 22 families who are in difficult situations. These include displaced people and local residents who cannot care for themselves independently. A large truck delivered over 30 tons of firewood directly to the yards.
Elena Viktorivna, who underwent a complicated eye surgery last fall and now requires constant expensive medication, expressed special gratitude. She could not afford to buy firewood on her own. Her words were: “You just saved me.”
During the distribution of humanitarian aid, an elderly man, about 80 years old, approached us with a request:
– You speak so calmly and warmly. Could you visit my daughter?
His daughter is over 60 years old and lives with her daughter and two grandchildren: a 4-year-old boy with autism and a 15-year-old girl who, after shelling in 2022, suffered a trauma that triggered her first epileptic seizure.
A month ago, their neighborhood was hit by a missile strike. The area consists of residential private homes, all inhabited by civilians. Several homes were destroyed, others severely damaged. Their home was damaged to such an extent that the gas pipe collapsed, forcing them to rely on electrical devices for heating, which is causing significant financial difficulties.
We listened to their story and provided humanitarian aid. We remain in contact with this family and will continue to support them if possible.
We urge everyone to contribute to the aid, especially for this family. Your support is very important!
Rodynske
The city is without electricity, and heat is only provided by stoves. Volunteers brought bread and met with a local resident who is experiencing her second war in her lifetime. During her childhood, World War II brought hunger and cold; now she is facing the same hardships once again.
Kostiantynivka
25 people received glasses thanks to the support of Restoring Vision.
We conducted another workshop for children affected by shelling.
A charity lunch was organized for those in need.
Psychological assistance was provided.
Unfortunately, the transport vehicle broke down after the trip to Druzhkivka—the engine failed. The iron let us down, but the volunteers are holding strong!
Kherson Region
Kherson
In the past week:
— 13 generators were refueled.
— A dog was fed throughout the week.
— 4 cans of gasoline were delivered to the city’s residents.
— Deratization was carried out at 19 locations, including 10 large basements.
— Poison for deratization was provided to two families.
— A dehumidifier was installed in a bomb shelter.
During the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, the Ostrov microdistrict was flooded. A bomb shelter was set up there, but due to high humidity and mold on the walls, the situation worsened. We installed a 90-liter dehumidifier that is helping reduce the humidity.
Alexander, who oversees the shelter, expressed his gratitude: “Thank you to the foundation for the help in this difficult time. The humidity was excessive, but now we have hope for improvement.”
Thanks to Ukraine TrustChain for their continued support.
Kharkiv Region
Znamianka
“I, Oksana Dmytrivna, live with three children. One child is disabled. I travel every day to work in a neighboring village, but the salary is small. A huge thank you to the Charity Foundation ‘Step with Hope’ for your help. We are especially grateful for the bread. May God bless you and your work!”
Chuhuiv and Kochetok
Serhiy Volodymyrovych, a pensioner and person with a second-degree disability, thanks for the support:
“Thank you for your help during this difficult time. You give us hope.”
Krasnohrad
Lidiya Mykolaivna, 69 years old, a pensioner, expresses her heartfelt thanks for the bread, which helps her and her family in these tough times.
Pershotravensk
The situation in the city remains difficult. Shelling has increased, and there are power outages. People need firewood, warm clothing, and food. We are grateful to the foundation for their support and hope for continued aid.
Kharkiv, Kamiana Yurga, Mala Danilivka
Despite numerous shelling and Shahed drone attacks, casualties were avoided. Six meetings with children and adolescents were organized on interesting topics, ranging from discussions on good deeds to creative workshops. The week ended with a walk to Shevchenko Park with a snowball fight, a visit to the zoo, and hot cocoa.
Daily online meetings and bread distribution for those in need continue.
Dnipropetrovsk Region
Nikopol and Marganets
In our center, we are actively distributing drinking water. The number of requests continues to grow. In Marganets, about 70 people received help: food packages, glasses, and medical consultations.
Lyudmila Mykhailivna:
“Our hospital doesn’t have an ophthalmologist, so we came here. A big thank you to everyone who helps. We wish peace and health to our soldiers and all Ukrainians.”
In the past week, we distributed:
— 3,000 liters of drinking water;
— 70 packages of pasta;
— 170 packages of rice;
— 100 cans of food;
— 100 pairs of glasses Restoring Vision.
In total, help was provided to about 200 families.
Pavlograd
Support for the most vulnerable families. This week, we carried out trips along the Pavlograd – Dnipro – Pavlograd route for receiving and distributing humanitarian aid, including food. Help was provided to 38 vulnerable families: internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
Olha Konstantynivna, 67, a displaced person from Kharkiv, lives alone. Her pension is not enough even to pay for utilities. The most urgent need is firewood for heating since she lives in a private house. She is sincerely grateful for the support.
The need for firewood remains critical for many families living in private homes.
Rakyvka, Radushne, Sofiivka
Residents of these settlements express their gratitude for the weekly support in the form of bread.
Krivyi Rih
Volunteers made trips to the Kherson region (Beryslav district: Urizhayne, Rakyvka, Taras Shevchenko, Velyka Oleksandrivka), as well as to Sofiivskyi and Krivorozhskyi districts. Solid fuel stoves, warm clothing, blankets, and food packages were delivered.
Psychosocial and rehabilitation support was also provided to internally displaced persons and individuals in difficult life situations – a total of 400 people.
Results of the week:
Total weight of cargo: about 500 kg. Help was received mostly by pensioners and people with disabilities, as well as a social center in the Ternivskyi district, where about 20 displaced persons are staying. Every two weeks, the social center receives bread – this is very important support for the residents.
Kamianske
The number of displaced persons from different regions is increasing, requiring expanded support. Volunteers are actively working in the following areas:
— Distribution of humanitarian aid and bread (left and right banks of Kamianske);
— Distribution of food packages;
— Operation of the children’s center “Usmishka”;
— Organization of charity lunches;
— Laundry services for internally displaced persons and those in difficult life circumstances;
— Operation of a massage clinic;
— Distribution of glasses from Restoring Vision;
— Implementation of psychosocial programs: “Strength in Weakness” and “Healing of Soul Wounds”.
Stories of Displaced People
Valentyna, 63, a resident of New York (Donetsk region):
“In 2023, my husband and I left home due to the approaching front. Initially, we were brought to Kharkiv, but later moved to Kamianske, where many of our fellow countrymen stopped. We sincerely thank the sponsors and the ‘Step with Hope’ foundation for their care. Without your support, it would have been very hard for us.”
Zinaida Mykolaivna, 74, from Mala Tokmachka (Donetsk region):
“In April, the war reached our village. We lost our home, gardens, and livestock. We moved to Kamianske after my husband underwent difficult rehabilitation due to injuries sustained in shelling. We are now renting an apartment, and my relatives are defending Ukraine. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to receive glasses – this is truly a great help.”
Zoya, 68, from Pervomaisk (Luhansk region):
“In 2022, the front reached our city, and we had to leave our home. Today, I know nothing about my house. Thank you to the sponsors for the delicious bread – it’s a crucial support for us displaced people.”
This aid is of immense importance to all those affected by the war. Thank you to everyone who joins in supporting. Together we are stronger!