A quiet life shattered by war

Before the war, Olena’s* family lived a quiet, peaceful life. Their days were filled with normal routines, school, work and time together. But when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, everything changed in an instant.

Loud explosions woke them early that morning. Panic filled the streets. Olena and her 6-year-old daughter quickly realized what was happening — war had begun.

Fleeing for safety, facing the unknown

To keep her daughter safe, Olena made the difficult decision to leave their home. They fled to western Ukraine and eventually settled elsewhere. Olena’s husband remained behind to serve in the military. His service is not only an act of courage but the family’s only source of income — one that barely covers their most basic needs. 

Olena longs to give her daughter a sense of stability, a space to grow and learn, even amid conflict. But life in displacement is hard.

Now, Olena is doing her best to meet her daughter's needs, but even basic decisions feel impossible. “If we can afford food, we can’t afford [other needs],” she said. The weight of that choice brought her to tears.

That painful tradeoff weighs on her daily.

Relief in the midst of war

This spring, something changed. Volunteers from Mission Eurasia visited Olena’s home and delivered a supply of MannaPack® Rice — the impact was immediate.

As a former food technologist, Olena noticed the rice’s quality right away. After reading the label, she was filled with relief.

“My daughter and I will be able to get all the essential vitamins and minerals we need,” she said. “Thank you so much! These are so nutritious!”

For Olena, receiving something as simple as fortified rice meant more than just food on the table — it gave her breathing room. It meant she didn’t have to choose between nutrition and giving her daughter a small piece of the life they once knew.

How you can help families like Olena’s

In the midst of war and uncertainty, that gift — practical and full of hope — made all the difference. You can help more families like Olena’s by donating today. Every gift brings relief when it’s needed most, donate now >

*Name changed for privacy.