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.

Taras Alexander is a true hero of our time. His volunteer work in the city of Rybnitsa has been ongoing for more than 10 years. During this time, he has managed to help numerous people in need of support.

The primary focus of his work is assisting elderly individuals. Alexander regularly helps them with grocery shopping, especially those who cannot manage this task on their own. He delivers food packages to the addresses of less mobile Hesed clients, ensuring they have the necessary food supplies.

In addition, Alexander actively participates in the "From Generation to Generation" project, which aims to engage with elderly people. He calls them, inquires about their well-being, shares his news, and simply spends time in pleasant conversations. This is particularly important for the elderly, who often feel lonely and in need of attention.

However, Taras Alexander's assistance is not limited to elderly people alone. He also helps individuals understand gadgets, such as computers and smartphones. Many elderly people face difficulties in adapting to new technologies, and Alexander gladly shares his knowledge and experience, helping them become proficient with these devices.

For Alexander, volunteer work is not just a job; it is a way of life. He emphasizes that the most important thing for him is connecting with people, empathizing, and providing the necessary support. He strives to find an individual approach to each person to genuinely assist them.

People like Taras Alexander make a significant contribution to our society. Their kindness, empathy, and readiness to help set an example for all of us. Thanks to such volunteers, the world becomes a better and kinder place, and people receive the necessary support and care.

My name is Oksana. I brought my daughter to the Jewish Community Center three years ago. She eagerly attends classes and events held in our center.

The atmosphere in it contributes to bringing people of different ages together. Not only do our children find friends here, but we, the adults, also find ourselves here. My husband Andrei and I actively participate in the life of the center. Our professional activities allow us to provide equipment and household appliance repair services in the center absolutely free of charge.

In this way, we support our center and happily take part in family projects. We are ready to share our knowledge and experience with the children attending classes in our warm, cozy home.

My name is Nadya, I'm 18 years old, and I attend a high school. I've always been interested in volunteer work but didn't know where to start. I learned about RVC in June from a friend who invited me to one of the volunteer projects. That's when my journey as a volunteer began. I was deeply inspired and filled with emotions by the people and their kindness. I wanted to try myself in other projects and learn more. That's how I joined this large team of volunteers.

During the summer, I volunteered as a logistics coordinator at a triathlon championship. Along with other volunteers, we supported the athletes, cheered them on, and energized them. Sports volunteering is a completely different world because it's filled with a desire to win, fatigue, motivation, and much more. I've never experienced the kind of fulfillment and energy anywhere else. It makes you feel like you're a part of something big and important. You realize how your efforts influence the development of sports and the world in general. The experience I gained through volunteering not only helps in my volunteer activities but also provides personal growth and opportunities to apply these skills in all areas of life.

What touches me the most about volunteering is how people come together to do something good for complete strangers. It makes me believe in kindness and humanity. The openness and willingness of other volunteers to guide, help, and explain things have charmed me. The overall atmosphere of ease and friendliness in RVC makes you feel comfortable and motivates you to do good deeds. You always want to come back here, not only for volunteering but also for the opportunity to meet new friends and conversationalists.

To those who want to start volunteering, I can advise you not to be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and learn the details. You will always be welcomed, and they will help you find your path in volunteering.

My name is Victoria Koval, and I am a student at the "Raisa Pekalo" Medical College. For me, volunteering is not just an activity; it's a way of life. I have many hobbies, and I find joy in creating various things with my own hands: painting, sculpting, and weaving – these are all my passions.

About six months ago, I joined the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). I learned about it by chance through TikTok and decided that this was exactly what I wanted to be involved in. It offered a new experience, new acquaintances, and the ability to manage my time. I was drawn to the friendly and supportive atmosphere at RVC, as well as the opportunity to be inspired by this experience and attend educational meetings with various specialists.

Currently, my activities are focused on working with elderly people through online projects and socializing with the elderly. This allows lonely individuals to feel less isolated. I am also actively involved in the "Bring a Smile" project, where we hold interactive meetings for children in hospitals. Additionally, I participate in environmental projects because this topic is close to my heart.

I am ready to respond quickly to tasks, learn, and adapt. My goal is not just to participate but also to contribute to new projects. After all, the RVC team is always ready to help with the implementation of new ideas.

What do I gain from volunteering? One volunteer hour a day may seem small, but in the end, it adds up to 365 volunteer hours a year. For me, these aren't just numbers; it's time invested in good deeds and supporting those in need. For me, the Republican Volunteer Center is a large and friendly family that inspires me every day.

My name is Elizabeth Garbelik. I am 16 years old, and I am a 10th-grade student at Gymnasium No. 3. In my free time, I engage in various creative activities such as music, painting, knitting, and more. But a special place in my heart is reserved for the Jewish community of Bobruisk, where I attend the AJT youth club and engage in volunteering. My journey began two years ago when I participated in the "Your Neighborhood" project. That's where it all started. I really enjoyed spending my free time helping other people and teaching them something new. After that, I volunteered in the Food Security and TechFriend projects, which were also very interesting experiences. It was a great pleasure for me to assist people in understanding their cell phones so that they could talk to their loved ones and friends over long distances. I was worried that I might say something wrong or lack the experience, but all those concerns turned out to be unfounded, and everything went very well. I wish every person to experience the feeling of joy when helping another person and making them happy!

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.

Hello, my name is Nikolai Lovin. I am a cadet at the Military Academy of the Republic of Moldova. Summer vacation has given me free time, and I decided that I want to use it wisely. My goal is to leave a mark in this world that I could be proud of, so I decided to try myself in volunteering. I chose to volunteer at the Republican Volunteer Center RVC. Coming here, I learned that RVC is located in the building of the Jewish Community Center KEDEM, and I understood that this is what I need. The historical connection with my great-grandfather, who was a Jew from Odessa, reinforced my confidence in this choice. This decision promised me the opportunity to get closer to Jewish values and continue their development within myself. My first steps in volunteering turned out to be very interesting and important. By participating in various events, I gradually integrated into the team. The triathlon championship particularly stood out to me, where I got to see how events are organized from the inside, and the "Origins of Mercy" seminar, which expanded my horizons and provided valuable skills in working with the elderly. The project with children at the "Sévivon" kindergarten impressed me especially. It was an opportunity to immerse myself in Jewish culture and bond with the children. Volunteering not only gave me new knowledge and skills, it changed me. I realized that doing good is not only important but also truly simple. Every time I participate in projects, I find meaning and joy in this time, improving the world around me and bringing smiles and happiness to people.

My name is Larisa. I have a background in biology and physiology and graduated from the Uzbek National University. Currently, I work at the Institute of Immunology and Human Genomics. My heart is filled with passions, and I am always on the lookout for new hobbies: embroidery, knitting, painting, hiking, and board games are just a few of my diverse interests. Three years ago, my son started attending the "Mazal-Tov" program. It's an amazing initiative that opens up a world of knowledge and creativity to children. Within this program, they expand their horizons, learn to communicate, create crafts, and participate in exciting contests. "Mazal-Tov" sessions enrich children with life experiences and valuable skills. I would like to contribute to "Mazal-Tov" by introducing children to the fascinating world of microscopy. Imagine how interesting it would be for children to discover how ordinary things look in a microscopic scale. Every little explorer asks themselves, "What's happening inside?"

My name is Yuliana Berkovich. In 2010, I came to the Jewish community center with my eldest son. I began to attend creative circles and actively help in the design of stands and exhibitions. Soon I became a volunteer and started to lead the "Creative Workshop" project in Hesed. Since the summer of 2022, I have been organizing and hosting master classes for children and teenagers at the Jewish Community Center. My youngest son also attends the center's programs. At these workshops, we sew dolls together from various materials, make crafts from leather, felt and yarn. This lesson brings me real pleasure, and the joyful faces of the children convince me that my knowledge and experience are very valuable and useful.

My name is Alexandra Viktorovna Barkova. I am 15 years old and I study at secondary school number 21 in the city of Bobruisk. In my free time, I enjoy music, needlework, reading and preparing for exams. I am also a member of the AJT teenage club in Bobruisk. I have been volunteering for 9 months now. When I first came to the club, I was immediately interested in the topic of volunteering. As soon as the opportunity arose, I began distributing food security kits for the Food Security project. I am very grateful that I have such an opportunity - the opportunity to please and take care of people. I want to wish all the volunteers patience and good mood so that they can bring good to people!

My name is Natalya, in ordinary life I am a director and actress of the Academic Theater of Russian Drama in Tashkent. When I work in the programs of the Jewish Revival project, I feel like a magician, a creator. For more than 4 years I have been participating in the "Birthday Day" project, where I sing for grandparents. I am incredibly pleased to see their faces decorated with charming smiles! In the summer of 2017, I began staging a play based on the story by I. Bashevis-Singer "Three Wishes" with the participation of children and adolescents. In this performance, I again was able to show all my creative abilities. I think we did really well! In November 2017, I staged the Hanukkah performance "How Hershele Hanukkah Saved from Demons" with the participation of teenagers from the "Jewish Revival" project. Since September 2019, I have been participating in the volunteer project "Holiday Light in Every Home" and I am happy to perform both in Tashkent and Samarkand. Such volunteer work gives me real pleasure, because I can do what I like, give good spontaneously and from the bottom of my heart!

My name is Vladimir Neznaiko, I am a student of the Anton Chekhov POTL and I am an active participant in the volunteer movement at the Republican Volunteer Center (RVC). My story began when I accidentally found out about RVC through my friends. I was looking for ways to get involved in charitable causes and help those in need when I came across information about RVC volunteering. This was a great opportunity for me to do a good deed and contribute to public life. More than six months have passed since then, and I continue to actively participate in various RVC events. I helped with logistics at various mass events, participated in the organization of Good Deeds Day 2023, collected food for the people in need, organized and hosted classes for children and much more. Why RVC? In this volunteer center, a huge number of projects are focused on helping members of the Jewish community, and here I can get closer to the culture of the Jewish people. My great-grandparents were Jewish, but like most stories from that time, their papers have been weathered, blown away by the winds of time, and eventually lost. By helping out on RVC projects, I can be closer to my historical roots. I like the volunteer movement for its diversity, emotional involvement, and depth. Here I meet many different people, work in a team with like-minded people, learn about different cultures and social problems. It makes my life more meaningful and more interesting. What I especially appreciate in the volunteer movement is that here I can contribute to solving social problems and help people in difficult life situations. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and pride in my contribution to the common good. I am sure that the volunteer movement is useful not only for society, but also for the volunteers themselves. It helps to develop and expand horizons, set new goals and achieve them. I believe that each person can contribute to the common cause and become better, and volunteering is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Hi all! My name is Linda Shcherbatova, I am 35 years old. I am a studied catering technologist-designer. At the age of 15, I joined the Jewish Cultural Center "KEDEM" and began to expand my educational horizons. Volunteering has always held a special place in my heart, thanks to my parents and grandparents who raised me the right way. At the moment I am participating in the project "The Origins of Mercy", which brings me joy, especially considering that my grandmother Greta is far away from me, because due to circumstances she had to move to another country. Often I meet older people who resemble my loved ones Greta and Izya. Their manners, habits or appearance give the impression that my relatives are next to me. What does it mean to be a volunteer? This is a moment of sincerity when you lend a helping hand in any situation. It is a manifestation of gratitude when you accept the arms of a person who has lived for many years. In their eyes you see only positive emotions accumulated over the years of life, and upon returning home you feel the aroma of the velvet skin of their hands. Being a volunteer makes me proud! This is a charge of positive emotions in our difficult time!

My name is Valval. I am fond of programming, clay modeling and overall modeling. In 2014, I organized the club of intellectual games "What? Where? When?" within the framework of the project "Jewish revival" of the city of Tashkent. From 2018 to 2019, I conducted classes in the Young Kulibin program. I currently teach classes in the programs "Grandma Blogger" and "Programming for Teens". I am also a computer administrator at all events held within the framework of the JR project. I have been attending the JR project classes since my childhood, starting from the age of three, and actively participate in all its activities.

Somehow it so happened that a person is the main treasure of the world; it was important to express one's attitude towards people through action, to be useful. What is even more important - to work with your people, with those who share these values and keep those energy, experience, knowledge and deeds circulate. Purposefully looking for a charitable organization. I don’t remember at all why I didn’t immediately come to the Gomel Jewish Volunteer Center, but it met my expectations and I stayed. Our coordinator has assembled a great team of smart, unique, and very kind people. We learned from each other. Training, children, people, hiking, trips, assaults, a lot of food for the mind and soul - it has the power to teach a lesson. I realized that helping is always two-way, always an exchange: you help someone obviously, but it is he who gives you the opportunity to prove yourself, to do something necessary and good - this is also help on his part. I realized that the resource is much wider than "you give me, I give you", that there are a great many options. I understood what it is like to be on the other side of consumerism - to create, think broadly and have the strength to change something. Then there were cases, conflicts and their solutions, interesting discoveries, gratitude, and volunteering became a way of life. At a certain moment you just understand that "I'm ready", and it's impossible to go back.

My name is Boris Zaitsev, I work as a radiologist in a hospital, but I always find time for good deeds. I ended up in the volunteer center thanks to a friend, together with her we came to a Jewish event, where I learned about the possibility of volunteering. I have long wanted to do good deeds, but it is difficult to do it by myself, because you don’t know to whom to provide help, how to do it correctly and how often. And here they will always call, invite and help direct their forces in the right direction.