Gifts from the bottom of their hearts: Uzhhorod schoolchildren support wounded defenders

War is not only horror and pain, but also examples of boundless humanity, kindness and support, which are manifested even in the youngest hearts. Children who live in war conditions not only observe the tragedies of adults, but also seek to help. They want to be useful, they want their small gestures to bring hope and joy to those who risk their lives for the peace and safety of others. It is this desire that is at the heart of an extremely moving action organized by Uzhgorod schoolchildren to support wounded soldiers.

Gifts for wounded soldiers

On the eve of the winter holidays, students of Uzhhorod schools, together with teachers, parents and volunteers, decided to give a piece of warmth and attention to defenders undergoing treatment in local hospitals. The initiative provided for the creation of personal gifts for each soldier. The participants of the promotion carefully prepared the sets, putting in them all the most valuable things: necessary things, souvenirs, goodies, and most importantly – drawings made by children’s hands, which speak more than any words.

One of these gifts was prepared by third-graders of Uzhgorod Lyceum No. 3. Together with the teacher and parents, they collected a box filled with warmth and care: headphones, a power bank, sweets, souvenirs, as well as drawings that the children made especially for the soldiers. The gift was given to the soldier Oleksandr, who comes from Kharkiv Oblast and has been receiving treatment from his injury in Uzhhorod for four months. For the defender, it was a real surprise, which caused sincere emotions of gratitude.

“I didn’t know that something like this would happen. It’s very nice. Thank you very much to the children for their support,” – Oleksandr shared his impressions.

But the children did not limit their help to the soldiers themselves. They also thought about their relatives, who are also in hospitals with the wounded, taking care of them. The children also prepared a small gift for Oleksandr’s mother. The woman admitted that such a gesture not only warms the heart, but also helps not to lose faith in the best.

Photo: Suspilne Uzhgorod/Tetiana Rozhnovska

Gifts from all schools of the city

Similar visits were organized by students from other schools. Seventh-graders of the same lyceum visited another defender – Yuriy, who arrived for treatment just a few days ago. The man is from Kharkiv and has a daughter, so he was especially touched when he saw the children who came to him with gifts.

“It’s incredibly nice. This kind of attention from children reminds me of my own family and gives me strength to fight on.” Yuriy said.

Even the smallest students – first graders of Uzhgorod Primary School No. 1 – joined the action. Together with the teacher, they handed over a gift to defender Andrii from Mykolaiv Oblast.

“Thank you for this! Such moments really support, cheer up and remind you that you are not alone.” Andrii noted.

Volunteer organization and purpose of the action

The initiative to help the wounded was organized by volunteers of the non-governmental organization “Movement to Support the Transcarpathian Military”. According to one of the organizers, Iryna Samus, the action is being held for the second year in a row. This time, more than 40 classes of Uzhhorod schools, as well as local enterprises, joined it. In total, more than 50 defenders received personal gifts.

“We want our soldiers who are far from home to feel in a warm atmosphere, as if at home. This is very important for their morale.” Iryna said.

The importance of such initiatives

Actions initiated by children have a special power. They not only give joy and support to the military, but also form children’s understanding of compassion, gratitude and civic responsibility. Every picture, every signature on a postcard, every smiling look of a child reminds the soldiers that their struggle is not only about the front, but also about the future of those waiting for them at home.

Such initiatives are a symbol of the unity of generations and different layers of society for a common goal. Children show that even the smallest gesture can be a source of great power. It is in such moments that true humanity and hope for victory is revealed.