Gifts that don’t require a passport.

*Children from the elementary school in Ivanchany, Ukraine

Smiles filled the room at Ivanchany Elementary School in western Ukraine as children proudly held up their new school care packages — gifts sent with love from families at Grant Elementary School in Petaluma, California. Each folder, notebook, and pencil carried more than supplies; they carried encouragement, kindness, and a reminder that they are seen and valued by friends across the world.

For the students in Ivanchany, these care packages came at just the right time. With the challenges families continue to face in Ukraine, simple school essentials can make a big difference. The children’s excitement was contagious as they opened their bags, compared colors, and gave enthusiastic thumbs-ups to the generous supporters who made it possible. Teachers and staff shared how meaningful it was to see their students encouraged not only practically, but emotionally, by such thoughtful gestures.

This exchange is also deeply meaningful for Caminul Felix. As we prepare to build our next family village in Ivanchany — a place that will serve children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or made vulnerable in any way — moments like these help lay the foundation of trust, friendship, and partnership within the community. These connections matter. Long before the first home is built, relationships are already forming.

The partnership between Grant Elementary and Ivanchany Elementary is a beautiful example of children helping children, families helping families, and communities standing together across borders. It reminds us that compassion doesn’t need passports, and hope travels far when people choose to care.

We are grateful to the families and students of Grant Elementary for their generosity, and to the teachers and children of Ivanchany for their warm welcome. Together, we are building more than care packages — we are building bridges of love, dignity, and hope for children who need it most.