Shatabdi traveled with her cat Crimsee into Poland, walking for 37 miles before waiting in a 12-hour line to cross the border, all with no food or water. She found a wheelchair to sit in and ate her first meal from WCK since embarking on her journey.

Maryana is 3 years old, and she was at home with her mother during a recent Russian missile attack in Ukraine. When the explosion hit, her mom shielded Maryana who was confused as to what was happening. As they ran, Maryana’s mom told her the rescue teams arriving were superheroes.

Sasha, a single parent, who is physically impaired raised Oleg since he was two years old. With the help of his brother, all three traveled by bus and foot to Iasi, Romania. In Odesa, Sasha worked as a chef’s helper—now he’s volunteering at the kitchen shelter where he is temporarily staying. “We’ll do anything to give back the help we have receiveed. For my son, to receive shelter, a warm meal, and a kind word after so many days alone, on the road, with our backs broken and our bellies empty, it’s just a blessing that we need to pay forward.”