More than fifty families in Kryvyi Rih received free firewood from Voice of Romni with the support of Save the Children.

“We crack nuts and burn the shells for heat.”

This may sound like something from a fairy tale or a fantasy story. But for many people living in Ukraine’s frontline regions, this has been the reality for more than one winter. This is exactly how Yurii’s* family in Kryvyi Rih heated their home — with nutshells. The house quickly filled with cold and darkness. The family of two adults and four children searched for ways to keep warm, using whatever they had on hand.

Another family in the same city — Liubov’s* — faced similar hardship. Almost every day, Liubov searched for firewood and brought it home in a wheelbarrow, while caring for a family of seven, including two people with disabilities.

Liubov* says:

“I have children and grandchildren. There was nothing to heat the house with. That is why I registered for the firewood distribution. We received it. Now I will not have to keep hauling it in a wheelbarrow. We will be able to stay warm and cook food.”

Yurii* adds: “Now it will be warm, the children will not be cold, and we will no longer have to heat the house with nutshells.”

These families, along with more than fifty other households in Kryvyi Rih, received nearly 314 cubic metres of firewood in total. This should be enough to heat their homes for around one and a half to two months. Each family has its own story and its own challenges. Along with practical support in the form of firewood, they also felt a sense of solidarity that helps people hold on to hope and shows that even in difficult times, they are not left alone to face hardship.

This was made possible through cooperation between Voice of Romni and Save the Children, thanks to the generous support of the American people provided through the Government of the United States of America. The contents are the responsibility of Voice of Romni and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of the United States.

*Names and surnames have been changed for security reasons.