Zaporizhzhia today is a city of contrasts. Here, the everyday rhythm of a large industrial center intersects with the anxious breath of war. On the streets, you can see those rushing to work, those standing in line for humanitarian aid, and those who left their homes far away and are now starting life from scratch. The war has changed the usual order, and now even the simplest things — warm clothes, a food package, or a blanket — have become not just support but true salvation for many.
To respond to these needs, the Reimer Center organizes regular humanitarian distributions. Twice a month, the doors of the center are open to everyone in need — both local residents and internally displaced persons. Here, everyone can receive the necessary clothing, food, and other basic items.
This support has become especially important with the onset of autumn cold. Just this Friday, more than 250 people visited the center: families with children, people with disabilities, pensioners, young people — all united by the need for warmth and support.
Even before the distribution began, dozens of people had gathered at the doors. Some held a bag in their hands, others — documents for registration. “Do you know if they will give out some food today?” — this is the question most often heard among the people.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by volunteers who register them and help to navigate where to find the needed things. A large part of the team are also IDPs, so they deeply understand the situation of those who come for help and try to be attentive to them.
This Friday the Reimer Center turned into a place where dozens of people could look through neatly sorted and displayed clothing. People carefully chose items, consulted with each other, some tried on jackets right there, while others regretted that the size didn’t fit and moved on. Volunteers constantly accompanied the visitors, helping them pick shoes or find sweaters.
In another part of the hall, small food packages were distributed: cereals, canned goods. It’s not much, but it is such a valuable support for people. One woman, who has several small grandchildren, also took some baby mashed potatoes which she had received before — and the children had eaten with joy.
In the air, one could feel not only the need but also mutual support. People exchanged words of gratitude, volunteers shared smiles, someone helped another carry a bag to the exit. One elderly man, leaving the Center, began sharing with those still waiting in line the joy of receiving new winter shoes in a large size, which he hoped would last him the whole winter. And people sincerely rejoiced for him. “I really love to see such acts of humanity! Despite the difficult circumstances uniting us all, we can still be sensitive to each other!” shared Olha, one of the Center’s team members, who witnessed the scene.
For many, this is not just the distribution of humanitarian aid. It is an opportunity to talk, to see familiar faces, to feel that they are not alone in their struggles. “I come here not for the first time,” said an elderly woman. “There is always a warm atmosphere here. And it’s not just about the things. Here you can talk, you can feel a human attitude.” The same thought is echoed by Yana, who came closer to the end of the distribution. Three months ago, she first visited the Reimer Center, and this Friday she found the courage to come again. For her, this place has become one where her need was heard and not ignored. Yana knew she could return.
This is confirmed by Olena, one of the volunteers: “We see that people need not only material help. Often, they just want to be heard. We try to give them both.”
Within three hours of distribution, hundreds of people received the most necessary things. For someone it was warm pants, for someone — a package of groats, for someone — a toy for a child or a hygiene kit. All these are small things, but together they create a sense of safety and care in a difficult time. The Reimer Center plans to continue these actions. Even small help can warm not only the body but also the heart. After all, the Center is not just a humanitarian initiative, but part of a large Christian community that strives to embody the biblical values of mercy and love for one’s neighbor. That is why it is important for us to be near those who need support.
