Community News
Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!
Today, August 24, is Ukrainian Independence Day! This national holiday honors the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and remembers all who’ve given their lives for their country — including those still fighting now. On this day in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence and joined the world stage as a sovereign nation. This year’s Independence Day holds particular significance as the country continues its struggle against the ongoing Russian invasion. Here is the true story of one family who just arrived in America on Sunday, and how they have been spending the past 546 days of the war.
Last School Bell in Ukraine has Rung
The Last Bell has been rung in Ukraine, and school is officially out for summer! That famous Alice Cooper song is not well known in the orphanage, but nonetheless, children all across the country of Ukraine, those that are now displaced in Europe and in the USA, and indeed those students who switched to online learning in the face of war, are celebrating that school is out for summer! Last week, our kids celebrated Last Bell, complete with 11th grade Graduation and our dedicated team made sure they had an audience! They brought flowers, chocolates, ice creams and most importantly themselves. I hated having to miss Last Bell and celebrating with the children and teachers. I traditionally give an end of year speech, and this year (as last year) Inna had to read my speech at the closing ceremony, in my stead. Here’s what I wrote, and here are some of the gorgeous photos taken that day…
Memorial Day is Everyday in Ukraine
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor all military personnel who died in the service of our country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This Monday, Americans all across our country will have the opportunity to do just that.
Meanwhile, just in the past year, Ukraine has suffered 124,500-131,000 total casualties, including 15,500-17,500 killed in action and 109,000-113,500 wounded in action, according to the document entitled "Russia/Ukraine - Assessed Combat Sustainability and Attrition." And not just on Monday, but on every day in Ukraine, people just like us remember and honor the loved ones who have died these past 457 days defending their country. With your help, Hope Now does whatever we can to help protect Ukrainian lives – civilians and soldiers alike.
Meanwhile, just in the past year, Ukraine has suffered 124,500-131,000 total casualties, including 15,500-17,500 killed in action and 109,000-113,500 wounded in action, according to the document entitled "Russia/Ukraine - Assessed Combat Sustainability and Attrition." And not just on Monday, but on every day in Ukraine, people just like us remember and honor the loved ones who have died these past 457 days defending their country. With your help, Hope Now does whatever we can to help protect Ukrainian lives – civilians and soldiers alike.
Joy Comes in the Morning
Finally! After what seems like months, our volunteers were able to travel to visit the kids at the orphanage. Our dream team of Inna, Lena, Simon, and Ruslana bravely packed up “Franko” (our trusty Volkswagen van) with goodies and useful things and set out for the 50-mile journey to Shpola. Of course, it takes longer to get there during wartime, as there are various checkpoints to pass, and having to stop to seek shelter when the air raid sirens go off.
Life Goes On
“We cannot stop living our lives…that’s how the enemy wins!”
In every country around the world, and especially in Ukraine, young people are the future of the nation. A year ago, many Ukrainians were simply unable to fathom the idea of making plans. The idea of “tomorrow” for many people was just too uncertain and too far away. Over the past several months, however, a new sentiment of “just living life” has got many young people bravely making plans for the next phase of their lives.
In every country around the world, and especially in Ukraine, young people are the future of the nation. A year ago, many Ukrainians were simply unable to fathom the idea of making plans. The idea of “tomorrow” for many people was just too uncertain and too far away. Over the past several months, however, a new sentiment of “just living life” has got many young people bravely making plans for the next phase of their lives.
Another Day, Another Death
Maybe you have already heard of Bakhmut.
Maybe you are sick of hearing about Bakhmut.
The battle of Bakhmut has already claimed 30,000 lives.
Including two of our precious Ukrainian sons.
And it has not been won yet.
Maybe you are sick of hearing about Bakhmut.
The battle of Bakhmut has already claimed 30,000 lives.
Including two of our precious Ukrainian sons.
And it has not been won yet.
Donations on the Front Lines
How do your donated items get to the front lines? And what about the financial gifts that are given? How does Hope Now get much needed funds over to Ukraine? Many of our donors are curious about this.
Rest assured, the practical items that people like you purchase off our Amazon Wish List arrive in Atlanta, are sorted, repackaged, and packed up ready for Children and Soldiers. The boxes of hats, scarves, and warm gloves that American school kids send in are laundered, sorted, and divided up. The plastic bags of hotel shampoos, soaps, and lotions that our traveling donors drop off are made into sets and are tucked inside the winter boots that are designated for the orphanage. The First Aid Kits are opened up and supplemented with 10 additional essential items that we manage to stuff inside. Every flashlight is filled with batteries, and an extra set of batteries is taped to it. The coats and snow pants from Goodwill are examined, washed & dried and used to line the bottoms of all our duffle bags. Since Ukraine operates as a cash society, the funds that you donate online, are turned into crisp $100 bills, and are allocated to our projects and put directly into the hands of our trusted volunteers for distribution (with receipts provided!)
Rest assured, the practical items that people like you purchase off our Amazon Wish List arrive in Atlanta, are sorted, repackaged, and packed up ready for Children and Soldiers. The boxes of hats, scarves, and warm gloves that American school kids send in are laundered, sorted, and divided up. The plastic bags of hotel shampoos, soaps, and lotions that our traveling donors drop off are made into sets and are tucked inside the winter boots that are designated for the orphanage. The First Aid Kits are opened up and supplemented with 10 additional essential items that we manage to stuff inside. Every flashlight is filled with batteries, and an extra set of batteries is taped to it. The coats and snow pants from Goodwill are examined, washed & dried and used to line the bottoms of all our duffle bags. Since Ukraine operates as a cash society, the funds that you donate online, are turned into crisp $100 bills, and are allocated to our projects and put directly into the hands of our trusted volunteers for distribution (with receipts provided!)
Women and Children First
March 8 was International Women’s Day! A whole day devoted to celebrating women and girls all around the world! Originally an American holiday – somehow, unfortunately, it did not catch on in the USA. However, in many countries around the globe, including Ukraine, March 8 is an official public holiday! The day is filled with words of friendship, flowers, chocolates, and small gifts for ladies of all ages.
This time last year, it was the beginning of the unprovoked war in Ukraine, and all of our energy was focused on organizing and implementing evacuations of women and children. Last year, International Women’s Day was put on hold. So, this year, I wanted to do something special for the ladies I know personally, who stayed behind to serve at the orphanage and with our ministry in Ukraine.
This time last year, it was the beginning of the unprovoked war in Ukraine, and all of our energy was focused on organizing and implementing evacuations of women and children. Last year, International Women’s Day was put on hold. So, this year, I wanted to do something special for the ladies I know personally, who stayed behind to serve at the orphanage and with our ministry in Ukraine.
A Tragic Goodbye
The name “Bohdan” means “given by God.” Twenty-one years ago, in Ukraine, God gave a mother, a twin sister and countless friends a much-loved gift – and his name was Bohdan. Sadly, for all of us left behind, this past week, Bohdan was taken from this earth by way of a Russian land mine that exploded. Shrapnel imbedded into Bohdanchik’s temple, leaving him in a coma for 3 days before going home to the Lord. During his short time on earth, he was a bright light shining in a dark place.
Taras Reports for Duty on the Frontline
Bought in 2015 by our dear friend, Daniel, his shiny black Mitsubishi Pajero was the perfect car for him to carry his motorcycle to various competitions. The entire back seat and 2 lift seats could be removed, providing plenty of space to place his motorcycle inside. I remember one time, Daniel picked me up to give me a ride some place, and I was momentarily surprised to see an entire motorcycle in the back seat. I thought – wow, I could fit a lot of children and stuff in this car! Four years later, I bought it from Daniel and suddenly I had my own handy, dandy 4 x 4, which was perfect for me to drive on extreme pothole filled roads to the orphanage. I decided to name my new car, “Taras” after Ukraine’s poet laureate and political figure, Taras Shevchenko.
Saying Goodbye to Our Hero
Since February 24, 2022, when the unprovoked attack on Ukraine began, it has tragically been reported that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 34,000 civilians have been killed. This heartbreaking data on the wages of war, has now hit home with the death of one our own, Andrei Boyko. However, Andrei was much more than a statistic. He was our much-loved exuberant friend, a devoted husband and father, a staunch patriot and most importantly, our fellow brother-in-Christ.
Ukrainian Soldier's Christmas List
All I want for Christmas is _____________.
Your 2 front teeth? A curly head doll that cuddles and coos? Elephants, boats, and kiddy cars too? Or maybe an Xbox, Apple Watch 8 or personalized wine chiller was at the top of your list?
Last month, the brave soldiers in Ukraine had a much different Christmas list than in previous years. The hottest gift items included drones, tablets, generators, binoculars, heat sensors, solar charged power banks and thermal underwear. Thanks to God and your generous donations, Hope Now was able to “play Santa Claus” and provide many of these items to Ukrainian soldiers defending their country.
Your 2 front teeth? A curly head doll that cuddles and coos? Elephants, boats, and kiddy cars too? Or maybe an Xbox, Apple Watch 8 or personalized wine chiller was at the top of your list?
Last month, the brave soldiers in Ukraine had a much different Christmas list than in previous years. The hottest gift items included drones, tablets, generators, binoculars, heat sensors, solar charged power banks and thermal underwear. Thanks to God and your generous donations, Hope Now was able to “play Santa Claus” and provide many of these items to Ukrainian soldiers defending their country.
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