INFO:

The Tkachenko family's story is a testament to both the hardships they have faced and the gratitude they hold for the newfound support they have received. The memory of tanks shelling their home while they were inside, with their daughter and grandson seeking safety in the basement, paints a stark picture of the horrors they endured. Amidst Russian soldiers' relentless shots and a line of tanks firing upon their village, the family's house was hit, marking the beginning of a new chapter of adversity. Forced to leave behind their family history held within the walls that sheltered generations, they now reside in what was once a barn, which they've transformed into a makeshift home. The days are filled with hard work tending to the garden, growing vegetables, and reclaiming a sense of normalcy. With winters requiring them to keep the stove burning for warmth, their hope for a peaceful retirement remains steadfast. Amidst the trials, the Tkachenko family is deeply grateful for the transformative gift they've received. From the simple joys of having running water to the profound impact of the support that has enabled them to rebuild, their appreciation knows no bounds. After enduring unimaginable challenges, the family cherishes this newfound opportunity to live with dignity and comfort. Through their story, we witness the resilience of the human spirit and the immeasurable impact that kindness and support can have on those facing adversity. HelpingYouHelpUkraine #ToUkraineWithLove You can help a Ukrainian Family have a home. Learn More: https://toukrainewithlove.org/homes/ Transcript: We are overjoyed, there are no words to describe it. There were tanks in our garden, and they shelled our house, while me and my wife were inside. Our house started to burn.Our daughter and grandson were in the basement at that moment. My husband and daughter tried to contain the fire, as our neighbors tried to help us. During that time Russian soldiers continued to shoot at us. Over there was a line of tanks, and were shooting at our village. We were the first ones to get hit. My mother used to live here, and so does my grandmother, and now it's us. We live here , and drive to work in Kyiv. During the weekend we work outside in the fresh air, there is always work to be done around the house. We grow potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers in our garden. At the moment we live here, I hope temporarily. Before it used to be a shed (barn). We used to keep our cows, chickens and goats. Now it's our home. We made it a little bit more comfortable , we got a bunk bed from volunteers. This is our stove, in the winter we use it as a heater. We also cook here. Now it’s hot so we don't need to keep it on. We have lived like this since May of 2022. It gets pretty cold in the winter, so we have to keep our stove on with wood. During the summer I use my electric stove. The kettle foe tea. We want to rebuild and have a peaceful retirement. We are at that age , when we want peace. While we have strength and will we want to rebuild. We are grateful for your generous gift from the bottom of our hearts. For your kindness, we will be eternally grateful. This is amazing, we have running water here! We never even hoped for something like this. This is so beautiful. Very beautiful. After everything we have been through, this gift is very important for us.