School supplies for the most needy

In a time of great need, when the war destroys not only homes but also children's dreams, many Ukrainian families are struggling to make ends meet. Thousands of children have been left without a home, without a normal life, without support. But the most painful thing is when a child loses the feeling of childhood.

Instead of anticipation of September 1, there is anxiety. Instead of preparing for school, there is confusion and shame. After all, what could be worse than coming to school without notebooks, without a backpack, without a pen, when other children are proudly showing off their new supplies?

Olenka, her sisters Oksana and Iryna, and their mother Maria fled the war with only one backpack, in which they hastily packed documents, a few clothes and some bread. Their backpack became a symbol of salvation and hope. But now they have to study again, and they have almost nothing to do so. All the memories of their carefree childhood are filled with both pain and great hope for a better future.

In our region, there are hundreds of such children – from large and low-income families, those who have lost their parents or have only one parent, children from IDP families, children whose parents were killed, disappeared or are in captivity. Many of them dream of simply having the opportunity to study. But even the most basic necessities – notebooks, pens, backpacks - have become a luxury for their families.

They lost their families, their homes, their dreams – but not their faith in the future. And our goal is to support these students in their studies and provide them with everything they need in this difficult time.

We cannot change their past, but we can influence their future. For 13 years in a row, Caritas-Khmelnytskyi UGCC Charitable Foundation has been holding an annual charity event called Schoolbag. Thanks to it, tens of thousands of schoolchildren have received not just things, but the feeling that they are not alone.

This year, our goal is to raise UAH 70,000 and provide 100 children with everything they need for school. We put in each schoolbag

• basic stationery (notebooks, pens, pencils, paints, etc.),

• a personal gift – something symbolic and kind,

• warmth and hope that they will be remembered.

Let's do good that comes back together! Your help is a ray of hope and joy for children in this difficult time. After all, every notebook is a step towards a dream. Each backpack is a protection from shame. Every hryvnia you give is proof that goodness is stronger than war.

We sincerely believe that together we can change the world for these children. At least for one school year. And perhaps for the rest of their lives.

We sincerely hope for your responsiveness and goodwill. Join the School Bag 2025 campaign and give children a chance, warmth and a new beginning.