Hello, my name is Lyubov Zavalnaya, and I am a member of the large volunteer family at the Shymkent Volunteer Center. I joined the community 18 years ago, and over that time, I grew from a project participant into an active volunteer. Perhaps this happened because I’ve always had a desire to help others, and volunteering gave me the opportunity to do real good deeds.

I’m currently involved in several projects. As part of the Good Deeds Day campaign, we help organize and deliver food packages. I also participate in preparing and running holiday events for Passover, Purim, and Rosh Hashanah. For children’s celebrations, I happily bake homemade pies to delight the youngest members of our community. I love seeing the joy in the eyes of those we help, and every time I’m reminded that I’ve chosen the right path.

And I have a special joy in my life—my daughter Taisia has followed in my footsteps and become a volunteer too! Now we participate in many actions together, and I’m truly proud of her. Of course, the example of older generations is important in raising the younger ones, but I like to believe that the desire to do good runs in the genes of our whole family.

I encourage everyone to join our large volunteer community, because together—we are a powerful force capable of making this world a much better place!