Garden Tools and Seeds Empower Ukrainians in War-Torn Areas
Garden tools and seeds, plus chickens, from Samaritan’s Purse provide vital resources to people struggling in war-torn Ukraine.
A Challenging Winter Looms
The annual chill is setting in across eastern Ukraine, bringing with it fears of another harsh winter. Civilians endure relentless attacks on essential infrastructure, making it difficult to stay warm and fed. Every resource counts in this dire situation.
Supporting Over 1,200 Families
Thanks to Samaritan’s Purse, more than 1,200 families had access to nourishing resources this fall, a stark contrast to last year.
Homestead Hope Project in Action
The Homestead Hope project distributed seeds, tools, and gardening equipment to families last spring, and now, their cellars are filled with canned vegetables, fruit teas, potatoes, and other produce from successful gardens. Chickens and feed delivered in late summer and early fall have yielded protein-rich eggs, providing sustenance and income for families.
Stories of Resilience
At 5 a.m. on February 24, 2022, Oksana's* home in eastern Ukraine came under attack. She, her husband, and their children fled, eventually settling near friends. Despite doubts, they've chosen to stay, finding relative stability in their current village, though occasional drone attacks persist.
Oksana utilized the seeds, tools, and plant protection kit from Homestead Hope, resulting in a bountiful harvest of beets, carrots, onions, zucchini, watermelons, cabbages, tomatoes, and more. She also received 10 chickens, which provided her family with eggs and extra income to invest in alternative heating and other necessities.
"We use a lot of what you’ve given us," Oksana said, "and we can keep it over a long time for the winter." She's filled her cellar with jars of summer's bounty, including homemade borscht.
Another beneficiary, Svitlana*, a single mom of four, struggled to find work until she received seeds from Samaritan’s Purse. She successfully grew cucumbers, sweet peppers, radishes, lettuce, beets, and more, providing her family with a rich harvest.