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.

I have been volunteering for 5 years now. I have always felt the need to help people, so as soon as I got to the Southern Volunteer Center, I immediately joined the volunteer activities. These were a variety of events and people, all kinds of actions aimed at helping and supporting. I do not take back anything and I can proudly say that I became the best volunteer in Krasnodar in 2019. It is important for me to be part of a strong team of caring people. If we look around, we can see many situations where perhaps the help of a volunteer is needed. Sometimes, just by helping a person to brighten up his loneliness, we save a life, and sometimes by extending a helping hand, you can help make the right choice. Now my life cannot be imagined without volunteer help, since the responsibility for my ward Bella Leontievna has appeared - an absolutely lonely woman who was saved during the pandemic. Now she has become a part of me. Taking care of her, I understand that I saved at least one human life. I also often have to collect humanitarian aid and take care of refugees. I do it with great pleasure, realizing that anyone can find themselves in such a situation! I am sure that the world will be saved not by beauty, but by kindness!

Lyubov Bondarenko started volunteering after she saw the group on VK and applied. Two years have passed since then, and she is actively involved in various charity events. In volunteering, Lyubov is attracted by the opportunity to help people in need and share your knowledge. She is happy to be in a circle of like-minded people. In her spare time, She enjoys mountain jogging and yoga, and also loves to read books. Lyubov visits the Women's Club with pleasure and actively participates in the Day of Good Deeds.

Hi all! My name is Katerina, I am a doctor by day and a volunteer in my free time. Volunteers have always been involved in our community. In 2017, I learned that the Volunteer Center was opening, and I gladly joined it. In 2015, at the Ice Hockey World Championship, I saw volunteers in action and really wanted to be a part of their team. I signed up at a local volunteer center and became actively involved in event volunteering, worked at world and international sports competitions. Then I began to coordinate the work of volunteers at major events. Currently, I work in the community, run the AJT volunteer center and youth club, and am an employee of Hesed. Most of all I love the project "Challah to every home". It brings together a lot of people - from children to the elderly. We bake a lot of beautiful challahs, which is very family centered activity, as well as noisy and fun. Most importantly, together we are doing a good deed, because we are baking challahs for the elderly people of our community.

Since childhood, Eva has been often visiting the Jewish community and has seen good voluntary actions and projects many times. She is well aware that volunteering plays an important role in Judaism. Now Eva is studying to be a Chinese translator and is a resident of Moishe House in Khabarovsk. She tries to include volunteering in her schedule and loves creative workshops where gifts are made for the elderly. In addition, within the framework of Moishe House, she often organizes volunteer events and actively helps the volunteer center.

Greetings! My name is Eduard Rabunsky, I am an active volunteer of the project "Preservation of memory - the road to the future". The project is aimed at preserving history and traditions, as well as at restoring the ancient burial places of the Jewish population in the Vitebsk region. The first volunteer experience was in recording an audio production for grandparents of "University Without Borders" in the "Theatre of Three Generations" project. Volunteering provides an unforgettable experience in various fields. You can learn a lot of interesting and new things, meet new interesting people. Volunteering is a voluntary activity for everyone. Many people wonder: "Why should I do some work just like that?". The fact is that all this is done for oneself. You, without noticing it, will pump your skills in various fields. The very feeling that you somehow managed to contribute to a good cause makes you happy.

Hello! My name is Polina Maleeva, I am a medical student and I dream of treating children in the future. In my free time, I love bonding with my family. I also like reading books, learning foreign languages. I also love music and sometimes play the piano. My childhood friend brought me to the volutary centr. Since childhood, I have been trying to help people and take care of them, and I am happy that I can be useful to someone. The most important thing is to remember that we are people, and helping each other is very important and necessary!

I am Nata Britkova. I am 33 years old, I am a director, theater and film actress. As a teenager, volunteering and non-formal education attracted my curious attention. For all the years that I was engaged in volunteering in various organizations, participated in various projects, both in Moldova and abroad, it turned out that the RVC was the best thing that could happen to me! My volunteer work began after Good Deeds Day in 2022. Then I gradually began to get acquainted with the projects, and there were quite a lot of them at the RVC, and I wanted to take part in each of them. An interesting fact is that my teacher, an acting coach of the improvisation format, has Jewish roots, but before that I had little knowledge of Jewish culture. Thanks to the RVC, she began to get involved in educational meetings and seminars, thereby learning more about the holidays and traditions of the Jewish people. The Republican Volunteer Center is a platform that allows you not only to help, but also to develop yourself and your abilities, and since I have knowledge of acting, I decided to create the IMPROart project. Some time later, after attending the Network of Volunteer Coordinators workshop, I became its co-coordinator. This project is about the art of improvisation, theater and cinema, which allows all volunteers to reveal their talents. Thanks to the volunteer center, I have the opportunity to continue the work of my teacher and her sister, who, as a person of science, also took part in the development of improvisation. In addition to the mentioned project, I actively participate in environmental events, conduct team building events for volunteers and am a member of the logistics team, thereby developing my creative and creative visions to help the coordinators create unforgettable events. I am proud to be a volunteer of the RVC! Volunteering is about real life!

Hello! My name is Yaroslava, I am 16 years old and I study in the 10th form of the Theoretical Lyceum "Alexander Pushkin". I enjoy playing the piano, playing sports and writing articles, as I dream of becoming a journalist. A year ago I became interested in volunteering, the war that started in a neighboring country played a big role in this. From February to July 2022, my mother and I actively helped refugees. We prepared a large amount of food and delivered it to those in need. Then I became interested in whether we have volunteer organizations in Moldova and remembered the RVC, which my friend told me about. First, I got into the "School of Volunteers", where I learned from the coordinators what the Republican Volunteer Center is. I liked it right away. I realized that here I can develop myself, learn and gain new skills, communicate and help people, which is what I always wanted. I have been at the RVC for a year now, during which time I managed to try myself in various projects. Most of all I like "Call Center", as well as projects related to children. One of the projects that I lead is "Talking English", where I teach children English in an interactive way. During my activity there were many interesting cases, but most of all I remember the case from the "Clean Chisinau" project. Then we were cleaning the "Eight" park and collected about 15 bags of garbage. We had a real quest to get garbage out of the lake. We understood that it would not be possible to clean everything. Then a man who had nothing to do with volunteering came to help us. He literally climbed into the lake and helped us pull out a large number of bottles and other debris. After the action, we were glad that we managed to clean up the park a little and make it more pleasant. Being engaged in volunteer activities, I feel useful, I feel that people need my help and I believe that volunteering is my calling!