The children of Kherson do not grow up in years, but in seconds... between the sound of a gunshot and the moment of impact.

The children of Kherson don't walk the streets with headphones on, because the music stops them «watching the sky». They know the sound of each type of drone better than they know the names of the birds.

The children of Kherson don't go for walks in the parks. Instead, they run for cover under the awnings of the houses and in the saving shade of the trees to hide for a moment from the «eyes» of the enemy.

With our friends from the Union of Help to Kherson (https://biz.ks.ua), we've understood that we can't yet give them back a peaceful sky, but we can give them back the right to be children, at least for one evening.

Inside each backpack, they'll find toys, crafts and board games to share with friends and family, as well as a paint-by-number kit. And, of course, an external battery to make sure kids stay connected at all times. 

We'd also like to say a special thank you to Pascal, a German donor, and his friends, without whom none of this would have been possible. Pascal approached us some time ago with the idea of raising funds for this project through a run he took part in in Berlin, sponsored by his friends and family.

This wonderful chain of generosity and solidarity won't stop there: following on from Pascal's efforts, we have received donations from Canada, the Netherlands and Germany... Stay tuned!

Thank you to everyone who is helping us to put smiles back on the faces of the children of Kherson. They are our future, and we must protect them above all else. 

You can help us do more by making a donation to our association.

*Note: all photos of children shown here are published with the permission of their parents.