Gulnara Zakirova, a volunteer from Bugulma, on the work of the humanitarian aid collection point.

      Since 2022 residents of Bugulma and the surrounding district have sent tens of tons of humanitarian aid to the defenders of the Motherland.

      A reliable rear and a good deed

      In Bugulma, at 182 Herzen St., there is a special warehouse where people bring everything the servicemen participating in the special military operation need. Gulnara Zakirova works here.

      The fighters in the zone of the special military operation are provided with everything necessary to carry out the tasks set before them. Nevertheless, parcels from volunteers are tokens of attention and care from ordinary people who are often not personally acquainted with the servicemen. This help allows the fighters to feel the support of their fellow townspeople.

      Everyone pulled together

      A wide variety of items in varying quantities arrive at the humanitarian aid collection point in the warehouse of the Voentorg store. Some people bring hygiene items and clothing, others deliver boxes of canned goods and medicine. All of this needs to be checked and sorted by volunteer Gulnara Zakirova and her colleagues. Items must be separated from medical supplies, and foodstuffs placed into boxes. The young women load heavy parcels into a vehicle and deliver them to the dispatch point. The warehouse noticeably empties after each batch is handed over, but soon it fills again with food and items brought by residents.

      People of all ages help the front: preschoolers, schoolchildren, students, caring pensioners, entrepreneurs and other concerned Bugulma residents.

      "Students together with teachers, pupils and staff of kindergartens hold charity fairs and raise funds to buy items needed by the fighters. Craftswomen from the House of Crafts sew pillows and blankets, entrepreneurs bring bedding, and villagers donate honey, fruit and vegetables from their own household plots. Parishioners of churches and mosques donate money and food, and grandmothers knit scrubbers and warm socks and give medicines. One resident of Bugulma particularly delighted the fighters by gifting them musical instruments: a bayan and an accordion. Many people send letters, postcards and drawings along with the items," said Gulnara Zakirova.

      Some want to remain anonymous, others send personal wishes to their fellow servicemen, but everyone acts sincerely, believing in a common victory.

      By the way, humanitarian aid arriving at Herzen St., 182 comes not only from Bugulma residents. Active support for our guys at the front is also provided by residents of Almetyevsk, Bavly, Aznakaevo and other towns of Southeast Tatarstan.

      Gulnara proudly notes that many people respond to the fighters’ requests. They call, write and ask what is still needed. According to her, such unity of the people and the great desire to support Russian servicemen are encouraging and give strength.

      An exact tally

      So that people can see how many items and how much money come in and what they are spent on, the volunteers created a chat in one of the messengers.

      "We publish information about collections and just chat, support one another, and share good news. We report on every amount that comes into the account: we take a screenshot and publish it. Subscribers also see the expenditures. We always send photo and video reports for people who donate funds. When possible, we post voice and video messages from our guys who thank everyone for the help and attention," notes the concerned Bugulma resident.

      A common cause

      Previously the woman ran a floral business, but a few years ago, when local entrepreneur and volunteer Tatiana Sazonova needed support, she came to help collect and send parcels to servicemen. She stayed on. Gulnara Zakirova spares no effort or time to organize the process quickly and efficiently, fully aware of the importance of her mission. The warehouse is kept in perfect order: every item has its designated place, and finding what is needed is no trouble.

      Over three years the volunteer has gathered and neatly packed several hundred boxes of humanitarian aid for servicemen, each of which reached its recipient. The Bugulma resident’s workday is irregular, with only one day off per week. She is ready to come to the warehouse at any time to promptly open it at the first call for anyone urgently needing assistance.

      "Things vary: early in the morning a fighter preparing to go to the frontline may call, and late in the evening someone may suddenly appear with bags of items for dispatch," reports the local resident.

      Volunteer Gulnara from Bugulma is a modest person who especially does not like to talk about herself, but her dedication to the cause and sincere desire to support those who serve the Motherland earn the respect of those around her.

      "Gulya is very kind, sincere and generous," say her fellow volunteers Tatiana Sazonova and Darina Kazanova (pictured with the flag). "Her heart is open to anyone in need, and she will always find a way to show her kindness and responsiveness."

      Residents of Bugulma come to her not only to drop off items, but to share their thoughts and feelings, talk about worries and ask for advice. Gulnara listens attentively to everyone and always finds the right words.

      "My contribution may not be as large or weighty as it might seem, but I am proud to be part of the big common cause that supports our guys where they have it most difficult," says volunteer Gulnara Zakirova.

      How to collect and pack humanitarian aid for participants in the special military operation:

      - Find out exactly what the fighters need. For this you can join one of the specialized groups on social networks. Requests from participants in the special military operation are posted there.

      - Only new and good-quality items should be included in the parcel. Used clothing or equipment are not suitable for humanitarian aid.

      - Items for servicemen should be packed in a cardboard box and marked "SVO" (special military operation). A packing list should be attached to the parcel specifying all items and their quantities. Addressed parcels should also include the serviceman’s details (full name, location, etc.).

      - The collected cargo should be handed over to an organization that sends humanitarian aid: at the GKS warehouse on Neftyanikov St., 3a; or at the Voentorg store warehouse on Herzen St., 182.

      PHOTO: personal archive.

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