Nikopol, once a vibrant city home to 80,000 people, now faces an uncertain future. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, nearly 40% of its population has been forced to flee, leaving behind a community struggling to survive. Russian forces, entrenched on the other side of the river, have turned the area into a training ground for artillery, with civilian buildings in Nikopol bearing the brunt of this aggression. Amidst the constant threat of shelling, those who remain — especially the children — endure hardships that most of us can scarcely imagine.

At UAid Direct, we’ve been working tirelessly since the summer of 2022 to provide essential aid to the people of Nikopol. But beyond just meeting their physical needs, we wanted to offer something more: a moment of joy and relief for the children who have known only fear and uncertainty. Thanks to your generous donations, we’ve been able to bring toys, puzzles, art supplies, and even a few sweets to the children of Nikopol. It’s a small gesture, but the smiles we’ve seen on their faces remind us of the power of hope.

Working hand in hand with a local priest and a community worker, we’ve helped create a safe space for 1,500 people across the city and nearby villages. In this space, children can play, create, and share meals together — moments that offer them a brief but precious return to normalcy. In the mornings and afternoons, these children gather not just to be fed but to laugh, to draw, to connect — things every child deserves, but many in war-torn Ukraine have been deprived of.

The situation in Nikopol remains dire, and the hardships these families face are unimaginable to those of us who have never lived through war. Yet, through it all, the resilience of these children shines bright. It is their strength and spirit that keep us going, and it is your support that makes all the difference.

PlebeianHelpers for Ukraine has been an incredible partner in making this possible. Together, we are ensuring that even in the darkest of times, the children of Nikopol still have reasons to smile.

But we need your help to continue this vital work. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us bring joy to children who need it more than ever. Your generosity is their hope.

Help Us Bring More Smiles

Please consider donating today to UAid Direct USA. With your support, we can continue delivering humanitarian aid and much-needed moments of joy to the most vulnerable in Ukraine. Together, we can make a difference.