Curiosity led us to volunteering. My sister and I attended Romanian language classes at the International Training and Professional Development Center at KEDEM and became interested in the stands of the Volunteer Center. They were so bright and interesting that we wanted to learn more about it.

So we became volunteers for the "Call Center" project, which is designed for communicating with elderly members of the community. Our task is to provide information about upcoming events, congratulate them on holidays, conduct surveys, and find out what assistance they need. When the military actions started in Israel, we also called the elderly to provide prompt assistance.

We have also been involved in other volunteer initiatives. Last year, Kristina participated in the "Clean Chișinău" campaign on the Day of Good Deeds, and I helped organize a master class for the elderly in Buděšty. Together, we also assisted in conducting a master class for participants of the "Day Center" project.

We participate in the IMPROmedia project, and among other things, voiced an animated video on the history of Purim. We also joined the "Memory in Documents" project, but it is currently suspended due to the military actions in Israel. We have made several festive visits to community members with gifts and have also participated in workshops on making crafts and gifts for the elderly.

Volunteering for us is an opportunity to lead an active life, communicate, and help those in need of support. We take part in various events organized by the Volunteer Center and KEDEM, and we are very glad that we once followed our curiosity!

My name is Arina Baboglo, and I am a relatively new volunteer.

I have only been volunteering for 2 months, but the experience I have gained during this time would be enough for a year! I had the opportunity to explore the backstage of projects, acting as the logistics coordinator for the event "Love Story (2.0)". Thanks to this, I saw how much effort goes into each volunteer initiative, how much needs to be planned and considered to ensure that the project comes out in a magnificent "wrapper". This experience has been invaluable for me in terms of event preparation.

Volunteering helps you find new friends and like-minded people, as well as teaches you to work in a team and take responsibility. Moreover, you can try on various roles. I have been a teacher for children, a coordinator for projects and initiatives, and I am sure that many more exciting roles await me in the future. I enjoy the atmosphere in the volunteer center. Also, I like feeling like a member of a large and friendly team and knowing that I am making a real contribution to the common cause of helping those in need!

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!

Hello, my name is Yefimova Musya Gershkovna, and I am a volunteer at the center. My volunteer work began 25 years ago. Throughout this time, I have been actively involved in the life of Hesed and have helped in various volunteer initiatives.

Among my volunteer duties is assisting in sorting food vouchers by sorting them by dates and surnames. Additionally, I enjoy finding new owners for things, thereby giving them a new life. I am convinced that such help is extremely necessary for those in need.

At the moment, I am involved in most of the actions organized by our center, including the "Craftswomen" projects and, of course, the Day of Good Deeds. But I also pay great attention to preserving Jewish cultural heritage in Transnistria and often suggest various creative initiatives aimed at supporting traditions.

For me, volunteering is an opportunity to bring real benefits to those who need it. Additionally, such activity encourages you to be creative and find solutions in any situation. Well, and, of course, it's an opportunity to meet new people and gain new knowledge!

Hello, my name is Evangelina Grigonis, and I'm a volunteer. As a member of the community, I pay close attention to everything happening within it and, whenever possible, I assist in various projects and initiatives. I have been involved in several community and city events.

I am also a representative of the AJT youth club and lead several different projects. I easily find common ground with children and enjoy teaching them something new. That's why I conduct informal education sessions at the children's club and help out at a summer day camp during school holidays.

Among my other volunteer projects are "Food Security," where we collect food packages and distribute them to those in need, as well as "Generations Chronicle" and "Shabbat as a Separate Form of Art," where I assist in organizing and preparing meetings for participants. Additionally, I contribute to the "Socialization Club" and "Day Club."

I appreciate that volunteering opens up vast opportunities for self-realization and communication. Moreover, I like seeing that my efforts are needed and important. I believe that volunteering is the best way to make our world a better place!

Hello, my name is Tatiana Semenovna Kotova. It can be said that my path to volunteering began in 2021 when I brought my grandson to the Jewish Community Center for the "Mazl Tov" program. It was then that I first learned about the "Jewish Renaissance" project, met the team, and the visitors.

I really liked the atmosphere and the people I communicated with. We formed a friendly team of parents and children, actively helping to set up the stage and prepare performances for our children. I gladly participated in plays and productions, helped make decorations and costumes for our children and parents.

Now I participate in various volunteer initiatives. Considering that I am retired, I can devote more time to volunteering and I do it with pleasure. For example, I conduct baking masterclasses for the participants of the "Women's Club," sharing my culinary experience. I enjoy sharing my knowledge, as I have accumulated enough over my lifetime.

The "Jewish Renaissance" project has become a second home for me, where I am awaited and where my experience and knowledge are needed. But, most importantly, volunteering helps me realize myself in new directions, gain new knowledge, and, of course, meet new people. Our center is a place where everyone will find activities to their liking and at the same time can become part of a unified volunteer movement.

Hello, my name is Galina Topolchan, and for almost 15 years now, I have been a volunteer at Hesed. Over the years, I have participated in various volunteer activities.

One of my projects is called "Synagogue," where my colleague, also a volunteer, and I host Saturday gatherings for elderly beneficiaries at the synagogue. The day before, we prepare a festive meal, strictly following the traditions of Shabbat. On Saturday, members of the community come together to pray, followed by a festive meal and pleasant conversation.

Another project I am involved in is called "Equal to Equal." My task is to maintain communication with my beneficiaries (currently 7 people), inform them about what is happening in the community, and update them on upcoming events.

I also participate in the project "From Heart to Heart," where we prepare dried fruits for members of the community. We gather together, wash and slice the fruits, and then dry them in special drying machines. The result is a very tasty and healthy treat to accompany tea.

Additionally, I assist the food coordinator in sorting and organizing food vouchers, as well as participate in packing food kits. I help organize events and set up festive tables, as well as perform various tasks at the request of Hesed staff.

Volunteering for me is an opportunity to experience positive emotions while improving the lives of others. I feel joy in helping those in need and receiving gratitude in return. I enjoy being part of a larger volunteer effort, and I am grateful that fate once chose this path for me!

Hello! My name is Kamila Sabitova. You could say that my volunteer work at the Jewish Center began with getting acquainted with the "Joint" Branch in Uzbekistan, which happened in 2015. At that time, I accepted an offer to organize an event for the employees. Over the past 4-5 years, I have been involved in organizing team-building activities and also helping to find venues for events within the "Jewish Revival" project.

Since last year, I have officially become a volunteer of the "Jewish Revival" project and serve as a speaker in the "Women's Club," where I regularly hold motivational meetings for women, demonstrating through my own example that a successful career and a happy personal life can be perfectly balanced. My listeners say that I change their worldview, and I like it!

By education, I am a historian, so I am interested in everything related to the history and traditions of the Jewish people. As the owner of a small travel agency, I have the opportunity to explore the world and share new knowledge with other people. I am grateful for once finding myself in the Center and making the right decision. Volunteering allows me to share my experience, develop creative abilities, and most importantly, feel useful to others!

My name is Oleg Zaharia. My wife Elena and I have been volunteers at the Center for two years now, participating in the "Healthy Vitamin Box" project. Within the framework of the project, we deliver food packages to elderly individuals in need.

It can be said that our daughter led us to volunteering. She attended children's programs organized by RVC volunteers. We were grateful to the volunteers who were willing to share their time and knowledge with the children, and we decided that we could be useful too.

Volunteering brings us immense pleasure. We deliver food packages to elderly people for whom both material and moral support are important. Our beneficiaries willingly share their thoughts with us, talk about their hobbies and interests. After such visits, we feel that we are doing something very important and we experience joy in improving the lives of elderly people.

Some of our beneficiaries have become our regular clients, and we have established truly friendly relationships with them. From them, we learn a lot about the history and traditions of the Jewish people, which helps us remember our roots.

For us, volunteering is an opportunity to make the lives of other people better, to help and support those in need. Moreover, it sets a great example for our children, who, by looking at their parents, learn kindness and compassion towards others. Additionally, volunteering helps strengthen and maintain connections within the community. We are very glad that we once chose this path for ourselves!

Hello! My name is Lola Zotova, and I am a volunteer at the center. By education, I am an art historian, and I am very pleased that my knowledge has proven valuable to the members of our community.

One could say that volunteering was "introduced" to me by my daughter, whom I took to the "Mazl Tov+" program. A decisive moment for me was meeting the leader of this program. I was impressed that a person with such deep encyclopedic knowledge and great professionalism willingly dedicates themselves to our children.

I also wanted to share what I know and can do. I proposed participating in volunteer-based projects, and I am very glad I took this step! Today, I help immerse both young and adult members of our community into the world of art. What could be more pleasant than seeing gratitude in the eyes of our participants and feeling useful to others?

As a volunteer, I participate in cultural programs within the "Jewish Renaissance" project, where I teach drawing to all who are interested and provide important knowledge in the theory of art. Thanks to my rich teaching experience in higher education institutions, I can captivate my audience and am delighted to open new horizons for them.

Volunteering has become an opportunity for me to help others unfold, develop their talents, and unleash their creative abilities. I am grateful to have joined the volunteer center and hope for long-term collaboration!

Hello! My name is Maxim Valutsa, I'm 34 years old, and I am a volunteer at the Kishinev Volunteer Center. My journey to volunteering was relatively short—this activity became the result of my desire to develop social connections and help other people. By profession, I am a translator, which, to some extent, implies studying other nations and their traditions.

I have had a long-standing interest in the Jewish people and Israel. I have always been impressed by the achievements demonstrated by its representatives in various fields on the world stage. Despite their small number, the role of the Jewish people is challenging to overestimate. The desire to learn more about Jewish culture and traditions prompted me to visit our synagogue. I sincerely hope that someday I will be able to visit Israel!

How did I join RVC? It happened in July 2023. At a certain point, I wanted to learn more about the Jewish cultural community, and I turned to the KEDEM website. I called the number provided, and eventually, I was invited to a meeting where Avital detailed how KEDEM's activities are organized. On the same day, I met with the coordinator of the call center, Eugene, who told me about the volunteer center.

I won't hide that I was very interested in getting to know the volunteers, so I attended a meeting with new volunteers where Alexandra Frecautsan thoroughly explained RVC's volunteer activities and projects. This meeting was decisive for me! Alexandra literally ignited in me the desire to help other people and bring them joy!

Now, on my volunteer record, there is participation in various RVC projects: delivering assistance to the elderly, participating in Shabbat meetings, working in the call center, environmental activities, and more. Special training sessions and seminars greatly help improve my volunteering skills. I've already had the opportunity to participate in two such events – in Vadul lui Voda and Truskavets, where I met like-minded people and experienced incredible emotions.

I can confidently say that volunteering has turned my life around and made me think about important things. I am glad to be part of RVC and to be able to be helpful to others. It brings me immense pleasure!

Hello! My name is Oksana Roginskaya, and I am a volunteer at the center. Why did I choose volunteer work? Probably because I wanted to be useful and bring joy to other people. I knew about the center for a long time and even joined its group on VKontakte, although at that time, I had no free time for real acts of kindness. Back then, I worked at a hotel and simultaneously studied at a restoration college.

I first got involved in volunteer activities in 2017 when I read in the center's group that they needed a volunteer for the carpentry workshop. My second "volunteer task" I received at the September festival of the non-governmental charitable foundation for the systemic support of people with autism, "Anton is nearby." So, I gradually got involved, and volunteer work began to bring me great pleasure.

In my second year of volunteering, I joined the sewing workshop at the employment preparation center, where I work now. My main job (hotel administrator) allows me to dedicate a lot of time to volunteer activities, which I am very happy about! I work with children with autism and share the warmth of my heart with them. It's not difficult at all! On the contrary, knowing that I am needed by others fills my life with meaning and allows me to feel happy!

Hello! My name is Gulmira, and I am a volunteer for the "Jewish Renaissance" project. Why did I become a volunteer? Perhaps because I love people and want to share a part of my warmth with them. I came to volunteering following the call of my heart, and for three years now, I have been bringing joy to the beneficiaries of our center.

By profession, I am an artist. I graduated from the Higher School of Folk Dance and Ballet in Tashkent and have 16 years of experience working as a soloist and stage master at the State Musical Comedy Theater. In addition, I am involved in teaching - I teach folk and modern dance to students of the children's studio at the operetta theater.

As part of my volunteer activities, my students and I have participated in festive events organized by the Jewish community of Tashkent. We have also performed at concerts organized by the Joint in Uzbekistan: "Birthday" and "The World Through the Eyes of Children." I like to think that each performance helps make the lives of other people more joyful and interesting! I am confident that many more interesting years of volunteering await me in the future!

For 5 years at the Jewish Community Center "Shemesh," Julia has been an active volunteer, a certified AJT madrich, and the leader of the "Shatil" youth club. She actively participates in children's programs, charitable actions, and various community projects. One of her notable volunteer activities is her involvement in the "Let's Connect" project. For a year, Julia has regularly conducted Zoom sessions for the elderly, and these meetings are highly appreciated by the senior members of our community.

"Participating in various volunteer projects, charitable actions, and training at the 'We are Together' volunteer school seminars brings me immense pleasure, joy, and a sense of involvement. Volunteering is an important part of my lifestyle. I wish new volunteers to use their time resources for meaningful and charitable endeavors."

Natalya Kuleshova has been a volunteer with Hesed in Almaty since 2020 and plays an active role in the community's life. She organizes vocal lessons for children and youth, actively participates in the "Socialization" club, and takes part in projects such as the "Day Center," "Theater," and "Chronicle of Generations."

Natalya demonstrates professionalism in her work, finding an approach to each person and paying attention to everyone. She also contributes to the planning and organization of community events, concerts, and other activities, giving them a special touch and significance.

Victoria Tonkonog is a new and particularly valuable volunteer in the city of Bishkek with her own unique story. At the age of three, she developed a severe disability due to a musculoskeletal system disorder and practically does not leave her home, receiving all the necessary assistance from Hesed.

During the pandemic, Victoria actively communicated with Hesed volunteers, participating in the "Food security," "Let's Connect," and "Holiday in Every Home" programs. Volunteers taught her how to use the internet, take virtual courses on drawing, and save her poetic works (Victoria writes poetry) in electronic format.

In one of the conversations with Hesed staff, Victoria expressed a desire to become a volunteer, fearing that her physical condition might be a hindrance. However, we found a special volunteer role for her—Victoria has been congratulating elderly wards on their birthdays for several months now. She does it creatively, incorporating her artistic approach, and both sides derive pleasure from this experience.

Victoria notes that volunteering gives her a sense of purpose, instills a feeling of involvement in a common cause, the joy of interacting with many people she didn't know before. Hesed's wards always express joy at the attention they receive on their birthdays from Victoria.

My name is Baronina Elena. In 2019, I graduated from the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan, majoring in Academic Singing under the guidance of Professor Mukhamedov Galina Iminovna. After graduation, I started working at the State Theater of Musical Comedy (Operetta) of Uzbekistan as a Soloist-Vocalist. A year later, I also became a teacher at the "Theatrical Dance Studio at the Operetta Theater."

My students never miss classes and enthusiastically participate in all the projects of our studio. We have performed on the stage of the State Theater of Musical Comedy (Operetta) of Uzbekistan, where we were warmly welcomed by the audience. Additionally, we always enjoy performing at concerts organized by the "Jewish Renaissance" project of the "Joint" Branch in Uzbekistan. There, we experience a pleasant, warm, family atmosphere, and the audience is kind and responsive. We love performing and exchanging experiences with the "Shoshanim" Theatrical Dance Studio of the "Jewish Renaissance" project.

Looking forward to new meetings in our joint projects!

My name is Vanessa, I am 23 years old, and I am always in search of diverse development. Working in a restaurant is my main occupation, but in addition to that, I strive to dedicate time to self-education and professional growth. By taking various courses, participating in online classes and training sessions, I aim to become more competent and learn more about different areas.

One of the key projects I am involved in is "Your District." It is a wonderful opportunity for me to engage in creativity, where I can apply my skills and creativity. This project has given me the chance to explore art therapy and feel useful by helping others through the creative process.

It is through this project that I also became acquainted with volunteering. I am fascinated by the variety of tasks to be performed: helping people, seeing visible results of my work – that is what motivates me every day.

The volunteer center has become more than just a place where I can spend time productively. It is a place where I have found new acquaintances, opportunities to develop my project, and a space where I feel I can contribute to something greater.

Hello, my name is Vyacheslav Tomlin, and I have been a regular participant in the JR project since childhood. I am now 21 years old, and over the course of my participation in the project, I have experienced many unforgettable moments. Since the age of 10, I have actively taken part in various events, workshops, seminars, and summer camps, gaining a wealth of skills and impressions.

I have been a participant in programs, and now I actively assist in conducting activities for children of primary and middle school age. I always take the initiative and gladly respond to everything happening in our center. With the kids, we play active and intellectual games, bake goodies for Hesed, and in the summer, I help in the day camp as a counselor.

The center has become not just a place but a second home for me. It is always cozy and warm here, and I willingly participate in all events and initiatives in our friendly community.

My name is Emiliya Chernyavskaya, I'm 32 years old. I came from Russia. In the early part of 2022, my family repatriated to Israel, but I couldn't go with them and immigrated to Moldova. Currently, I live in Chisinau and am glad to have ended up in this city, which allowed me to get acquainted with RVC.

I'm quite new to the volunteer center, having joined after a volunteer vacancy fair, and I immediately started my activities. For me, RVC is an opportunity to find a new circle of friends and look at life from a different perspective, to prove through my own actions that there is goodness in life.

I try to get acquainted with all the projects and participate as much as possible in various activities, but most of my time as a volunteer is directed towards the Call Center, communicating with the elderly over the phone. Currently, I call elderly people living in Israel who need communication and support. Along with other volunteers, I gather information about those who need help and talk to those who lack communication. I am glad that I can provide some support to these people even from a distance.

Recently, I was able to join the "Volunteer School" seminar, which allowed me to get to know participants from other RVC projects and gain useful knowledge that will help me in my volunteer activities.

Why did I choose RVC? Because I knew it was associated with KEDEM, and that means there is a part of Jewish life there. My family lives in Israel, and for me, it's an opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Jewish people. And since the current activity of the Call Center is focused on calling the elderly in Israel, it brings me even closer to my loved ones, allowing me to support everyone there.

Valentina is a retiree, but that doesn't stop her from actively taking part in the volunteer movement.

Her desire to connect with people, help them, and provide support led Valentina to volunteering. Since childhood, she has been very sociable, always surrounded by people. Loneliness is a significant issue for Valentina. Back in 1991, when almost no one had heard of volunteering, Valentina contributed a lot to the synagogue.

She learned about the volunteer movement at Hesed while attending the Day Center group. Valentina participated in the "Equals for Equals" program, having two wards whom she regularly visited. When the project "Origins of Mercy" started in Beltsy, she gladly agreed to be a part of it.

Currently, Valentina has four wards with whom she regularly communicates over the phone, assists at Hesed, and willingly responds to any request. She is constantly evolving, attending volunteer seminars and educational sessions with a psychologist, gaining even more experience and the right approach to elderly people.

Hello, my name is Katya Prokofyeva, and I'm 18 years old. I work as a barista, and in my free time, I'm passionate about visual arts and play the ukulele. In fact, since joining the community in October 2022, I have been volunteering for a whole year now.

Why did I start volunteering? Well, here in the community, it seems like almost everyone is somehow involved in volunteering. Initially, I just came to join my friends, and in the end, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to stay.

Volunteering gives me a sense of being part of something big and good. It's an opportunity to make a contribution to making the world a better place and helping others. Because when you're a volunteer, you feel like a part of a society that cares for each other.

My wish for all volunteers is to always stay resourceful! Don't lose your inspiration, kindness, and the desire to make the world better. Keep up your noble work!

My volunteering journey began in September 2018 when I joined the community. To be honest, back then, I had no idea what volunteering was all about. I was introduced to it by Julia Volstein. I consider her my spiritual mentor because she was the one who showed what volunteers do and how to interact with different categories of people we provide help to. With Julia's help, the volunteer creative group "Rikuddim" was created, which is active to this day.

We established it quite quickly. Initially, we participated in various events, provided assistance to the community, and performed in charity concerts. The most important thing is my "volunteers," as I like to call them. They are my team, which, over the five years of our existence, has helped others many times without remaining indifferent to the problems of others. When we started, there were only six of us, but as we continued, more community members became interested in our activities. Today, the volunteer creative group consists of 15 members, as well as children of community members. I love helping others, seeing their smiles, especially when it comes to children or elderly people who just need some companionship. I love to see the little happiness in their eyes after the events, which then fills you from within, making you a completely different person.

I believe that what we gain from volunteering goes beyond material possessions. Participation in events helps us develop our qualities: responsibility, conflict resolution, communication skills, overcoming shyness, and more. Volunteering is an excellent way to make new friends.

As they say, "a person needs a person." In reality, offering assistance is not that difficult. I think many people have, at some point, selflessly helped others without expecting any reward. Charity is a very important part of our world. A person gives a piece of their warmth, their time, their emotions but gains much more in return.

My name is Angela Shuruba, and I am a volunteer at the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). My main occupation is working as a salesperson. I used to work at the "Zorile" shoe manufacturing enterprise.

I learned about RVC by chance when I attended events at KEDEM. I was looking for an opportunity to get closer to my roots, study the history and culture of the Jewish people, and participate in Jewish life. When I asked about educational programs at KEDEM, I was given a few phone numbers and invited to have a chat. Later, I filled out an application and gradually became part of the RVC team because I found here what I was looking for—a warm, friendly atmosphere, a wonderful team, educational and creative programs, the support of a psychologist, assistance to the elderly, and the opportunity to interact with interesting people.

While my children were little, my daughter and son attended an art club and took part in youth programs. Currently, I'm more drawn to KEDEM's activities, and I've become a volunteer at RVC.

I love the projects I'm involved in; they fill me with joy. Communicating with the elderly, whether in person or over the phone, is an opportunity to help them feel less lonely and to let them know that they will always have support and assistance. That's why I volunteer in the Call Center direction of the "Friendship by Phone" project and "Sources of Mercy." I accompany the elderly to the store or on walks.

"Regardless of how wealthy you are, you can always share with others." That's what volunteering is all about—having the opportunity to do a good deed, whether it's sharing your time, experience, or even just a kind smile. It's what I can do, and it makes me a bit better.