Lives We've Touched
Meet Sasha
A refugee mother reached out to us asking for help finding toys and items for her child – items that they had to leave behind.
Sasha was eagerly awaiting a bicycle and scooter but when she saw the roller skates her eyes lit up. Her little shoes quickly came off and her foot was in one roller skate before we could even unlace it. She held onto a toy stroller and draped a toy car seat on one arm while the other arm grabbed for a little keyboard piano.
Then her eyes noticed all the princess dresses of her favorite characters. She paused and squealed from excitement but quickly took off for a ride down the driveway. She skated back towards the car, examined a few more items, found a tiara and took off again.
We talked with her parents for a bit about their journey here and then we saw Sasha lose her balance and fall. We rushed to help her up but, like a true Ukrainian, she said “vse normalno” (everything is okay), straightened her crown and kept going.
Thank you, Sasha, for reminding us to always keep moving forward!
BEST DAY EVER!
“It’s scary to think what they had to endure. The kids are much better now, but they still startle at loud noises. Plus, they talk amongst themselves about who, how and where they hid during the bombings.”
When we read this message, sent to us by this family’s aunt, we could barely hold back our emotions. It’s not something that should be heard in today’s world–especially not from children.
We packed a car full of items they requested–nightstands, lamps, rugs, clothes, toys–and headed to meet them and pick out their bikes. When the little girls approached us, the first thing they said was, “it has been our dream to have bikes!” The girls excitedly picked out their helmets, jumped on the bikes and were off cruising down the street. Their cousin, Ilusha, is still learning to ride and was following a few blocks behind.
As we said our goodbye, Ilusha gave us high fives and with the biggest smile on his face said, “this is the BEST DAY EVER!”
Hot Rod
This little daredevil was anticipating our arrival for the past 3 days. When he heard that we were just 30 minutes away he ran around the house and announced it to all of his siblings. When this precocious little boy saw his new Mini Rod his jaw dropped. He turned to his mom and said, “I feel like I’m in Ukraine, again.”
THIS. This priceless moment is why we keep helping families–to make kids like this feel more at home.
Quilting Queens
Thank you to Kathleen Donohue for arranging a very generous donation of handmade quilts to give to arriving Ukraine families. These wonderful quilts came all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio from a group of ladies called The Quilting Queens. We immediately incorporated them into our deliveries.
Both families were so touched by these special quilts. One particular quilt with Dalmatians was liked by all the boys but ultimately, the older brother claimed it!
The second family, Natalia and Victor, loved the bassinet and all the baby items we brought them. Teary-eyed Natalia was so touched that complete strangers have been so kind to her and her husband.
We are so glad that we could put these happy smiles on all of these sweet faces!
Check out more photos of some of the families we have helped...
