How a Food Parcel Restored Hope to a Ukrainian Family

Oksana from Ukraine was struggling to feed her children and keep her family together. A food parcel brought relief, restored hope, and reminded them of love at Christmas.
Tanja Pretorius
22nd December 2025
A happy mother hugs her child in their small kitchen as unpacked food items sit nearby on the counter.

Oksana (33) lives in Ukraine with her husband, Bogdan (35), and their three children in a dilapidated home with poor insulation and no sanitation. Bogdan earns little as a stove maker, while Oksana has been unable to find work. Life in poverty left the family struggling to survive.

“I remember standing by the stove one morning and crying because I couldn't provide anything for the children to eat.”
Oksana

At My Wits’ End

When they were young, Oksana and Bogdan dreamed of a hopeful future together. But poverty began to take its toll. Bogdan started drinking, and Oksana feared he might become violent, recalling his father’s behavior. Arguments replaced the peace they once knew.

“I felt at my wit’s end. The need for money was increasing, we had a lot of expenses, and I felt we couldn't cope anymore," Oksana shared.

Just before Christmas, our local worker Lyudmyla visited the family during our Operation Christmas Love campaign, delivering a food parcel filled with essentials, treats and Christian literature about the true meaning of Christmas.

A playful mother laughs with her three children as they run together outside in the snow on a winter day.

A Loving Gesture

Receiving the parcel brought Oksana immense relief. “Thanks to you, I know there is hope. The fact is that all the joy of Christmas has disappeared from Ukraine in recent years”

Thanks to you, I know there is hope. Oksana

She was thrilled to prepare a Christmas meal for her children and husband.

Lyudmyla adds, “A tangible sign of love is sometimes more important than words. It opens people's hearts.”

Happy siblings embrace in their small kitchen, surrounded by unpacked food items.

Learning Life’s Truths Through Scripture

Oksana’s family joined our sponsorship programme to receive not only material support but emotional and spiritual guidance. Lyudmyla encourages her to integrate faith into marriage and parenting.

“I enjoy talking with Lyudmyla. Her kindness, tolerance, and wisdom are good examples for me… The Bible is a great help. I want my children to have a better future, but also to develop values like kindness, honesty, and fairness, ” Oksana shared.

The war has left many families under extreme stress. By combining material, emotional, and spiritual support, we help families endure hardship and find hope. Your support can bring hope to families like Oksana’s.

Give a food parcel
Three children gather around a snow sled with a food parcel, outdoors in front of a clothesline.