In Balabanesti, Moldova, life has become a daily struggle for grandmother Valentina* and her two young granddaughters. The family was devastated by tragedy when the girls lost their mother to suicide. Now under the care of Valentina, they face not only the emotional toll of their loss but the relentless challenges of simply surviving day to day.
The house they live in lacks even the most basic comforts - no running water, no reliable heat and little to shield them from the harsh realities of winter. For Valentina, every day is a question of how to make ends meet, how to stretch her limited resources far enough to keep her granddaughters fed, clothed and safe.
Together with our partners Hope4, Goods For Good has committed to supporting them on a regular basis. Through this partnership, the girls receive much-needed clothing, shoes and essential items that help relieve Valentina of the overwhelming pressure of deciding what must be sacrificed. Will today’s money go toward food or warmth? What will they do when shoes are outgrown or the last threadbare blanket wears thin?
These donations remind Valentina she is not alone in this fight, "Knowing there is someone who sees our struggle and cares enough to act is a source of strength," said Valentina. For the girls, each item received is a small step toward feeling like their lives matter, that their future isn’t defined by the tragedy they’ve endured.
Help us support more families like Valentina's
Our recent visit to Moldova took us to orphanages, refugee centres and remote villages where the need is heartbreaking. For families like Valentina's, survival isn’t just about getting through the day; it’s about finding reasons to believe that better days are still possible. Goods For Good are working to make those better days a reality - not through grand gestures but by providing small, consistent acts of care that mean the world to families who feel forgotten.
With your help, we can reach even more families struggling to get through each day. A small act of kindness, whether it’s a donation or getting involved in our work, can make a lasting impact on families like Valentina’s.
*Valentina's story is real and based on true events however, in order to protect her identity her name has been changed.
Every month, we support thousands of vulnerable people by delivering essential toiletries and hygiene goods. Can you arrange a collection with friends, through a community group or through your workplace? Find out more about how you can arrange a collection event.
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