Back in March, I joined my friend John to deliver a donated vehicle to the military out east. On the way, we stopped by three schools to meet teachers in person and deliver some book donations. One of these was to Iryna in Volokhiv Yar.
Iryna serves 45 children right next to the front line. Their situation is incredibly intense; after their schoolhouse was destroyed by Russian attacks, they moved into a much smaller building nearby, continuing their school days above ground, in person. At the time, I had only a couple bags of books for her. But when I shared her photo and story online, a Ukrainian friend donated $500 to help fill the school with other helpful items.
With this donation, Iryna and I worked together for several weeks, selecting and ordering flipcharts and hula hoops, bouncy balls and sports cones, workbooks, legos, and modeling clay, paper for their printer, and many other items. All the things that were so small individually but out of reach without this donation.
When we finally spent the $500, I sent her another box of books to top it off.
It was this tour of schools that reaffirmed the knowledge that presence is as important as materials. I cannot always be present of course, but I know I will be whenever I can.
From Iryna:
Thank you, you are a wonderful person. Please pass on my gratitude to your friend. The main thing is that the war ends. Everything will be Ukraine.
