Hello, my name is Komleva Tatyana, and for more than two years, I have been a member of the big and friendly family of the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). I first learned about the center's activities at the "Volunteer School" seminar, which took place in Vadul-lui-Vodă. It was there that I felt the spirit of volunteering and decided to embark on this path.

One of the first events I participated in was Good Deeds Day, during which our team visited a nursing home to bring treats and share the joy of personal interaction. My active communication with the elderly continued within the ITbabushka project, where we taught them the basics of using a computer. Later, I joined the ITded project, where we helped them learn how to use smartphones.

Another project I take part in is the "Origins of Mercy" program. As a volunteer, I visit an elderly beneficiary who, over time, has become truly dear to me. The gratitude of those you help is an immense motivation and a truly valuable reward!

I grew up in a Jewish family, attended a Jewish kindergarten and school, so participating in RVC and KEDEM programs has been a wonderful opportunity to honor the traditions of my people while also developing my Jewish identity and remaining part of a united community.

I am a teacher. Today, I am engaged in the production of the purified bottled water. I have got to the Jewish communal center when I began to bring my daughter to the summer camp, a few years ago. I became the volunteer absolutely consciously. I consider that each person wants the heat and kindness, and the volunteers give to the person the chance to feel necessary and to give the heat and attention. And the volunteer, helping people, also feels necessary for the people. I worked as the volunteer in «Mini-Club», being engaged with the children as the teacher, also, I participate in various projects of the community. As the volunteer I take part in the “Kosher-Smack” project devoted to the preservation and promoting of the Jewish cuisine among the younger generation. Volunteering, from my point of view, is a disinterested and voluntary aid where especially people need it. And the volunteer, in his turn has an opportunity to self-actualize through the activity, to embody some his aspirations and requirements through the service to people. I am in the center on the photo.

Hello, my name is Maria Barmina.

My desire to develop myself and interact more with people led me to volunteering, and the first step was participating in the "Bring a Smile" project, where I was invited by a friend. That's when I got acquainted with the Republican Volunteer Center and realized that it was the place where I could express myself and learn something new. The first experience turned out to be successful, so I decided to continue my volunteer activities.

In six months of volunteering, I have had the opportunity to participate in various projects. Within the "Call Center" project, we called elderly clients, communicated with them, and found out what assistance they needed. I also worked with children in a kindergarten and continued active participation in the "Bring a Smile" project. Each project requires deep immersion and encourages the discovery of new talents.

In addition to participating in projects, I attended a seminar for volunteers at the Volunteer School Hub, where we were taught how to launch and implement new projects. I am grateful to the center for giving me the opportunity to discover new facets of my personality by participating in various volunteer initiatives. For me, RVC has become a home where I am awaited by close friends and like-minded people. Together, we are capable of a lot, capable of changing people's lives for the better, and we do it every day! Now I can proudly say "I am a volunteer" and invite everyone to become part of our friendly team!

My name is Ella Efimovna Novomlinova. I was born in 1948. I am a former kindergarten teacher (music director). I am retired at the moment. I became a volunteer in 2010, when I came to Hasdei Yerushalaim. I have a group of ward people, whom I regularly ring up, make messages, congratulate on birthday and holidays. I am regularly on duty at the Hesed office, and when it is possible I respond to the requests of people and help them. Since music is my hobby, I help V.O Lanzman to conduct “Musical living room”. My daughter and grandson also take part in the life of Hesed, and I am very happy about it. I am grateful to the whole team of our community.

So let’s get acquainted! My name is Alexander Kamyshev. I was born in Krasnodar in 1972. I am a scorpio. I have a degree in radio engineering, another in optoelectronic physics. I have also more additional professions. I have many diverse interests — from electronics and botany, to theology and esotericism. I like being helpful. I like to share my knowledge, skills and experience.

Nowadays society is looking for something new and interesting. All people are bored. Therefore, my knowledge and new information interest people. And I am interested in them. When I first felt it, I realized the importance of sharing information with others, because it gives energy and power to develop yourself more and more. We will not be alone, because we are sharing and people will be interested with us. Over time, we will be recognized as specialists in one or several areas. And people will ask you questions! I think, to give, to give, to give — this is the motto of the real Master! And this is the most wonderful feeling in the world!

Hello, my name is Elena Berezovskaya, and I am a volunteer at RVC. Since childhood, I knew I wanted to help others and even dreamed of becoming a doctor. Perhaps this desire to be helpful was inspired by the behavior of my many neighbors from 14 apartments in a large old courtyard in Chisinau, where everyone lived harmoniously and was always ready to lend a hand. My family also had a great influence on me — we had an unspoken rule: anyone who came to our home should be fed, warmed, comforted, and helped.

I had my first volunteering experience in Rybnitsa, where I was invited to try myself as a volunteer at the Hesed Rachel Day Center. My first group consisted of elderly clients, and I felt like I was surrounded by my own grandparents, who were genuinely interested in me and what I was sharing. I felt the same warmth and involvement from the staff: the head of the Day Center Lilia Katz, the director of Hesed Raisa Moiseevna Akulova, and the wonderful cook Maya — I felt at home!

Later, from April 2000 to January 2007, I conducted group discussions with lonely elderly clients at the Day Center. Even after finishing my volunteer work at Hesed, I continued to gladly attend Shabbat gatherings and celebrate traditional holidays with members of the Jewish community.

In early March 2022, I decided to help Ukrainian refugees and brought clothes, dishes, and bedding to the RVC. But what I thought would be a one-time act turned out to be my entry ticket into the volunteer call center. Later, I participated in the RVC project "All About Everything" — leading group phone discussions with lonely elderly individuals. I’ve also been part of the “Phone Friendship” project for over two years.

I enjoy feeling like part of a big and friendly volunteer family, and seeing that my efforts bring real benefit to others!

My name is Ekaterina Banetskaya, I am a student of the Grodno State University. I am a psychiatrist student and have always loved working with people. My main hobbies are photography, music, movies and books. Thanks to a fortunate combination of circumstances and new acquaintances, I ended up in Hesed. I enjoy working with people of the "golden age", because I am studying in another city, far away from my family, and the warmth I get from these people for helping them makes my life warmer and easier. My favorite project is "J-delivery". As part of a project, I do light errands or go to the store and make a difference for the elderly and feel better about it. I would like to wish all volunteers patience, perseverance and diligence, but do not overwork, so as not to burn out emotionally. I wish you all love, health and sunny days over your head.

Bespyatova Sofia Meerovna - our most experienced and valuable volunteer! She is a retired citizen and loves to read, knit and study the history and traditions of Jewish culture. Her desire to help people led her to our volunteer center, where she has been helping the community for over 20 years. Her first project was Purim Postman. Sofia wishes that all volunteers would always help those in need with an open heart and soul!

My name is Igor, and in my everyday life, I work as an operator at a water pumping station. But in addition to this responsible profession, I have other interests - mobile photography and literature. Volunteering, for me, is an opportunity to provide assistance to those who truly need it. My first volunteering experience was during the "Autumn Holidays" campaign. During those challenging times when the pandemic had struck, we distributed food packages to elderly people. When you see gratitude in the eyes of those in need, you realize that it's priceless. This gratitude means so much more than any amount of money. I'm glad to be part of this volunteering team. My help and my time can serve a noble cause. Help your neighbor, seek opportunities to make the world better, without seeking personal gain. Because it's moments like these that make our lives more meaningful and fill them with warmth and kindness.

17 years old

Student

I am fond of photography.

I take part in many volunteer activities, but I never miss cleaning the cemetery. I think that we need to help people after they followed to the afterlife.

Elizabeth Koshkina, 45 years old. Economist. She likes to travel in Russia.

Elizabeth was actively involved in the life of the Jewish community of the city after returning from Israel in 2011. She teaches Hebrew and introduces children to the traditions of Jews abroad. Here Elizabeth got acquainted with the Kesher project, through which the scrolls of the Torah were given to the Jewish community of Nizhny Tagil.

Participation in the volunteer movement allows Elizabeth to maintain a connection with Jewry in an assimilated society.

The last project, in which Elizabeth takes part, is called the Jewish Ural.

Julia Tsytkina is an economist in the municipal budget health care institution.

How did you get into the League of Volunteers? I went to Menorah for yoga and painting, and there I found out about the volunteer project. I delivered presents to old people and children, washed the windows at homes of elderly people, and helped to organize painting classes with the elderly.

Now I’m involved in Shabbat project at home of elderly people. We light candles on Fridays, read prayers and hold Shabbat together.

I have the skills, knowledge and desire to help.