In the war-torn regions of Ukraine, children are expressing their hopes and dreams through letters sent to a dedicated volunteer group known as the “reindeer.” These volunteers, named after the magical creatures of holiday folklore, work tirelessly to bring a sense of normalcy and joy to young lives greatly affected by the conflict.
Despite the ongoing hardships, the reindeer volunteers focus on fulfilling the simpler requests made by these children, such as power banks for families facing electricity shortages, bicycles, books, and sometimes even pets. The initiative, known as St. Nicholas’ Reindeers, was started by Inna Achkasova and her team in 2015, and this year they received over 2,300 letters from children in frontline areas of Ukraine.
The heartfelt wishes from these young writers reveal their innocence and resilience. Many of them have faced tragic circumstances, including losing loved ones to shelling or living under occupation. One boy, who wrote about his father being held captive, asked simply for a leather football, demonstrating his desire for a bit of normal childhood joy amid chaos.
Project psychologist Kateryna Shutalova emphasizes that children have little say in the harsh realities of their lives, making them particularly vulnerable. Yet, their letters often blend sorrowful experiences with the simple wishes that all children have, such as playing sports or spending time with family.
The volunteers braved the frosty weather to deliver gifts to the city of Izium, which had previously been occupied by Russian forces. They set out adorned in reindeer antlers, transforming what could be a somber occasion into a heartwarming celebration. Initially, the children watched with apprehension, but as the festivities unfolded, their joy grew.
One young girl, Alina Soboleva, had a dark cloud over her heart after witnessing the death of her mother and grandmother during a shelling incident. Despite her suffering, she wrote about wanting two pet mice, reflecting a longing for companionship and comfort. Her grandmother, who took her in after the tragedy, voiced the simple yet profound wish for peace.
Anna Bolharska, another mother attending the celebration, shared her experience of fleeing Izium with her children during relentless attacks. “We try to move forward,” she said, acknowledging the mental toll of remembering those dark times. Her daughter, Myroslava, dreams of becoming a veterinarian and asked for a guitar in her letter, demonstrating how children’s dreams have shifted during the war.
As the reindeer volunteers plan to cover over 40 towns in the coming weeks, they hope to bring happiness to these resilient young souls, understanding that while some wishes may be impossible to fulfill, every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and loved.
Through their efforts, the volunteers not only deliver gifts but also a crucial message: that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of childhood and hope can still shine brightly.
