This story is one not just of a school or books, but of the amazing network of people who work tirelessly to keep this country going.
Back in March, my friend John came through Lviv on his way to the front to deliver a vehicle to the military, and he invited to go along with him. I asked him if he would be willing to make some school stops along the way, and he agreed.
Next, I reached out to Paul at HUGS in Kharkiv, who has been there since the beginning of the war with his son supporting the military and humanitarian efforts. He connected me to Olena’s school in Lyubotin, just west of Kharkiv.
Olena met John and me to collect the books, and told us about her school of 700 students, many of whom have been displaced from their homes further east. They have now settled here, though Lyubotin is still under regular attack.
During our conversation, she told that she, like many Ukrainians, is also supporting a military unit that one of her family members serves in. John agreed to donate and deliver a vehicle to them. And I was able to coordinate the shipment of some of the power banks I help make from recycled vape pen batteries.
A couple of months later, I offered to send more books, and she was thrilled to get them. She said they had experience heavy shelling lately, and would be happy to receive something to cheer them all up.
This is how it works here – a million hands lifting each other up, making connections, and helping one another.
