Street lights out, sirens wailing: Kyiv adapts to daily blackouts and missile alerts.
But even in these trying times, some children are finding moments of magic this holiday season – thanks to Adelina and her Secret Santa initiative.
For many kids – those from low-income families, families in territories occupied by Russia, or children who have lost one or both parents – the holidays can feel empty.
But Adelina, a 25-year-old woman from Kyiv originally born in Luhansk, is trying to change that. She runs a travel agency with her mother, but her real passion is the “Leaders of Changes” charity foundation for which she has volunteered since the start of Russia’s war.
Through this charity, she organizes Secret Santa, connecting children in need with volunteers who want to give them gifts – and a little hope.
“I realized so many children had stopped expecting gifts,” Adelina says. “They’ve grown used to expecting nothing. I wanted to be a small miracle for them – and I had to act now.”
The idea started quietly. “It wasn’t dramatic,” she recalls. “I just saw these children, learning not to hope for anything. I thought, if I can create a small miracle for one child, I must do it. Ever since I was 14, I’ve dreamed of adopting a child. This initiative became my way of bringing that dream to life, even if only for a moment.”
How Secret Santa works
Children or their guardians would send applications, and Adelina would personally review every story to make sure the kids really need help.
“Children or families fill out applications when they are struggling to provide gifts themselves. Sometimes the children write directly. It’s emotionally difficult to sort through the applications – I always cry when reading them,” Adelina says.
Gift-givers then receive the child’s first name, age, gender, and their letter to Secret Santa – but no personal contact information, to protect privacy.
“This year alone, we’ve helped 100 families,” Adelina says. “The total value of gifts and donations is around $7,000. But for me, it’s never about the numbers – it’s about each story. Each child has a story, and I want to honor it.”
Volunteers respond enthusiastically. Adelina expected a dozen participants but received over 200 applications. “People want to give, and they want to help, and it’s incredible to see the community coming together,” she says.
The best part is seeing the kids’ reactions. “Time seems to stop when I see their faces,” Adelina says. “Many children don’t believe in miracles at first. If I can give even one child that belief, it may stay with them for life. That’s why I do this every year.”
Donors also get a piece of the magic. They receive photos, letters, and drawings from the children. One child even wrote back to a soldier on the front line. “Often, I feel that the gift is for me too,” Adelina says. “Seeing the smiles and the joy pushes me to do even more.”
Behind the scenes
Running Secret Santa isn’t easy. Adelina turns her car into a delivery van and coordinates volunteers, schedules, gift distribution, animators, and even office work. Every detail is handled so that each child gets their gift at the right moment.
“It’s hard, physically and emotionally,” she says. “I read every application, see every child, and sometimes I cry. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even if one child gets a gift, I know it’s not in vain.”
Donors can give toys, sweets, or practical items, but every child in a family must get a gift. Gifts go through the charity to make sure it’s fair. Some donors choose to stay anonymous – and their wishes are always respected.
For Adelina, Secret Santa is more than just gifts. “It’s about showing children they are seen, they matter, and miracles can happen,” she says.
“Even in the middle of the war, children should feel joy, hope, and love.”