Volunteers of the State Emergency Service prepare cosmic lard and collect body armor: stories of heroes

International Volunteer Day is about people who perform good deeds every day

Many people at the State Emergency Service, after finishing their work day, continue to do the critically important task of helping our defenders and civilians.

One of the vivid examples is Olena from Volyn, who, along with her team of volunteers, prepares legendary "cosmic lard" for the fighters. For the military, it is not just a delicacy, but a warm symbol of home and support.

Oksana Ryabchuk from Rivne Oblast also shares her warmth - she bakes homemade treats and brews vitamin teas. She says these simple things become for the fighters the "taste of home," which is so necessary at the front.

The scope of work done by Tetiana Fedenko from Chernihiv, head of the charity fund "Unity of Chernihiv," is impressive. In the summer of 2025 alone, the fund delivered over 20 tons of aid: medicines, food, hygiene products, camouflage nets, trench candles, anti-drone nets, and even fuel boilers. Tetiana became a volunteer in 2022 and later headed the fund, receiving the People's Honor Sign "Volunteer of Ukraine".

Vasyl Ukrainets from Ternopil also joins large volunteer initiatives, being a participant in the project "Run to 100 Thousand Bulletproof Vests," which has raised over 2 million UAH for protective gear.

And Viktor Oliynyk from Kyiv Oblast, a volunteer of the "Green Corridor" mission, together with his team helps injured soldiers and their families. Recently, he delivered an electric tricycle to a fighter who lost both legs, restoring his ability to move and be independent.

In each of these stories is the strength of unity and our shared belief in victory.

We thank all the volunteers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine - those who create light in the darkest times.

Together we are strong!

The bright examples of volunteer activities across the country show that small actions by each person can have a great impact on those who are at the forefront. Volunteers not only provide material help; they also offer support and the warmth of their hearts in difficult times, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose among the people.