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Voice of America recently highlighted our family’s efforts to support Ukraine from our suburban New Jersey home. We shipped over 20 tons of critical medical supplies—like tourniquets, bandages, and warm clothes—to field hospitals and combat medics in Ukraine. Journalist Nina Vishneva visited us to learn more about our mission and how we continue to make a difference for those on the frontlines.
Amy Kellogg, a veteran foreign affairs correspondent, recently interviewed Anastasia to discuss her recent trip to Ukraine. Known for her in-depth and candid approach to interviews, Amy asked tough questions that made Anastasia reflect on difficult topics, revealing raw and thought-provoking insights into her experiences. Amy, who has reported extensively from conflict zones and covered some of the most significant global events of the past few decades, is no stranger to asking hard-hitting questions. In this interview, she guided Anastasia through a personal reflection on her humanitarian efforts, the challenges faced on the ground in Ukraine, and the emotional toll of such a mission. This intimate conversation was shared on Amy’s social media page, offering a deeper understanding of the personal and political complexities of Anastasia’s journey to help Ukraine.
Marshall University professors, in collaboration with invited guests and experts, host weekly panel discussions on the War in Ukraine, sponsored by Marshall University Libraries. These discussions feature updates on the war, followed by in-depth explorations of its impact on Ukraine, Russia, and other nations. Anastasia has been invited to present at one of these panels, where she will share insights from her recent trip to Ukraine, offering a personal perspective on the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian challenges.
Recently, Anastasia Bard, co-founder of Helping Hands for Ukraine, shared her powerful experiences from a trip to Ukraine in an interview with Channel 13 News, a Huntington, WV station. Anastasia spent 10 days in Ukraine, visiting her dad and delivering critical medical supplies and tourniquets to those serving on the frontlines.
In the interview, she recounted the emotional roller coaster of joy and sorrow—celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day but also witnessing the daily struggles of war. She highlighted the resilience of Ukrainians, adapting to electricity rationing and constant air raid sirens. Despite the psychological toll, Anastasia remains committed to supporting Ukraine and raising funds to continue delivering aid.
This interview underscores the importance of Helping Hands for Ukraine’s work and its partnership with Sunflower Seeds International, a West Virginia-based nonprofit. Together, these organizations are providing much-needed relief to the people of Ukraine.
Anastasia Sirotkin, President and Co-Founder of Helping Hands for Ukraine, and her friend and a fellow volunteer, Lyubov Ferara were interviewed by Voice of America in September of 2022.
In the interview, Anastasia discusses the heartwarming journey of our charity, which began as grassroots volunteers in the spring of 2022. One of the first initiatives was the opening of a free store for Ukrainian refugees in New Jersey. Located in the Episcopal Church of St. Elizabeth, the store offers everything from cosmetics to mattresses, providing essential support to those in need.
Anastasia, who moved to America from Kyiv at 14, has a deep personal connection to Ukraine, with her father still residing in Kyiv and her great-aunt in Odessa. She shares how difficult it was to sleep at the beginning of the war, but now finds solace in the work we do, sending aid packages and helping those affected by the conflict.
The store started when many people approached Anastasia with donations, leading her to search for a free space to distribute these items. Lyubov Ferara, born in a small town in western Ukraine and living in America for 20 years, joined forces with Anastasia, finding a room in the local church to set up the store. The store is organized for convenience, with clothes and shoes arranged by size, and new underwear and backpacks for schoolchildren being regularly provided.
To learn more about the store, visit Ukrainian Support Center NJ
We are thrilled to share that Lyubov Ferara and her husband Edward, dedicated volunteers and supporters of Helping Hands for Ukraine, have been recognized for their incredible contributions to the Ukrainian cause. Recently, they received a formal letter of thanks from the commander of the 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This brigade is renowned for its courageous defense efforts in some of the most challenging zones of the ongoing war.
The letter, adorned with the Ukrainian national emblem, was awarded in recognition of Lyubov and Edward’s significant volunteer work. The recognition highlights their invaluable role in supplying medical equipment and humanitarian aid to frontline medics and hospitals, directly impacting the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians in need.
This acknowledgment is not just a testament to Lyubov and Edward’s dedication, but also a reflection of the strength and resilience of the broader network of volunteers supporting Ukraine in these critical times. Their partnership with Helping Hands for Ukraine has enabled direct and efficient aid to reach the heart of the battlefield, ensuring that those defending Ukraine have the tools and support they need to continue their brave efforts.
At Helping Hands for Ukraine, we are incredibly proud to work with individuals like Lyubov and Edward. Their commitment to the cause serves as a powerful reminder of how collective action and solidarity can make a profound difference in times of crisis. Their recognition by the 81st Brigade is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the real and lasting impact of their efforts.
Let’s continue to rally around Ukraine and support our volunteers who are making this essential work possible. Slava Ukraini!

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, two dedicated volunteers, Anastasia Sirotkin and Lyubov Ferara, have been working together to support Ukrainian refugees in New Jersey. As grassroots volunteers for over 2 years, they have organized various initiatives to provide aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine.
In September 2022, they organized a school supply drive to support Ukrainian refugee families adjusting to their new life in the United States. Recently, Anastasia co-founded the charity Helping Hands for Ukraine. The charity’s efforts aim to provide humanitarian aid and essential medical supplies to those in need. Their dedication to helping Ukraine is a testament to the power of community and grassroots efforts, making a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the war.
You can read the full article on CBS.com
In the spirit of giving back, Ridgewood resident Anastasia Sirotkin, who has Ukrainian roots, is making sure that refugee children from her homeland get the gifts they need to thrive. Sirotkin, who co-founded the charity Helping Hands for Ukraine, has been working tirelessly to provide essential items such as school supplies, clothing, and toys to Ukrainian refugee families adjusting to their new life in the United States.
With her own personal connection to Ukraine, Sirotkin understands the challenges that these families face and is determined to make a difference. Her charity has organized various initiatives to collect donations and distribute them to those in need. By doing so, she hopes to bring joy and comfort to the refugee children and their families.
This heartwarming story is a testament to the power of community and the impact one person can have when driven by kindness and compassion.
You can read the full article on Patch.com
