We have taken advantage of the fact that this area has not been the target of missile attacks until now. We loaded seven pallets of food parcels into our Help Team Bus, and after a six-hour journey across the Carpathian Mountains, and many checks, we finally arrived in the afternoon in the town of Černovice. Representatives of the local government, Ms. Elena and Mr. Yuri, were already waiting for us at the aid centre, which houses more than 240 refugees. Most of them are seniors and mothers with children. 

The food parcels, which weigh 14 kilograms, were too heavy for many. So we helped a number of beneficiaries to take the parcels directly to their rooms. Unwittingly, we peered into rooms where six to twelve people, men and women, all living together. Each has a bed and a small space around it for personal belongings. They now have boxes of humanitarian aid from us added to their rooms. There is also a pavilion for the mentally handicapped, people in wheelchairs, and mothers with children. 

 

On the way, Maria managed to tell me her story: „I came from Mariupol. My house is in ruins. I have nowhere to go back to. My son is at the front and I have no news of him... I pray for him and for this hell to be over. I am old now, but I never thought I would experience war again, as I once did in the last century...“ 

The distribution of aid was peaceful. The people were extremely organised and very grateful. The children brought a bit of joy to it, as they also received their little box of candy.

 

Tired but positive, we went to sleep. Early in the morning, however, we were awakened again by sirens from our mobile phones, announcing new missile attacks: „Take cover quickly to the nearest shelter“. We looked at the map on the mobile app. Red alarms were lit in the next area. We turned to the other side and tried not to fall asleep yet. After all, we had a seven-hour drive back, and the loading and distribution of aid in Uzhhorod ahead of us.