A friendly young bear named Motya, living in a village, made many friends with whom he swam in the river, played games at the edge of the forest, and in the evenings, sitting on a bench, they shared their impressions of the day that had passed.
My brother is a volunteer!
Boasted young wolf Tishka (he was nicknamed this for his quiet, calm nature).
Who did he what to?
Asked squirrel Dusy.
Not what to, but vol-un-teer.
Tishka repeated, syllable by syllable.
I heard his teacher call him that. She said: "Tolik, congratulations, now you're a real volunteer."
And what does your brother the vol-un-teer do?
Asked Motya.
I don't know, but he's always disappearing somewhere. Maybe he's a super hero who eats ice cream?
Or maybe he fights the villain Brawler!
Dusy chimed in.
Or maybe he's Spider-Man and constantly saves the world.
The friends let their imaginations run wild.
I have an idea! I suggest we follow my brother and catch him red-handed!
Exclaimed Tishka.
Great, I'm in!
Supported Dusy.
Early in the morning the friends gathered. They armed themselves with toy pistols, little swords, and ropes, just in case.
And so, Brother Tolik left the house and headed along the street. Peeking from behind the corner of Tishka's house, the friends watched the volunteer.
Tolik went into a shop.
Aha, for ice cream. Let's continue watching.
Whispered Dusy.
Tolik came out of the shop with two full bags and headed to the old neighbourhood where half-ruined houses stood, living out their final days. Only three elderly women lived on the outskirts.
So he has his headquarters in these ruins. He's set up nicely. And look at all the groceries he bought—he must be staying there for a while.
Motya shared his guesses.
But, to everyone's surprise, Tolik first went to one elderly woman, left one bag with her, then went to the second elderly woman and gave her the remaining groceries.
I don't understand what he's doing.
Stammered Tishka.
Meanwhile, Tolik went to the third elderly woman's house. And the friends, creeping up to her house, watched through the window as Tolik skilfully wrung out a floor cloth and mopped the grandmother's floor.
Ah, maybe he decided to earn some money—save up for a new bicycle.
Exhaled Tishka.
But, as he was leaving, the grandmother hugged Tolik and sincerely thanked him for his help.
He didn't take any money. Tolik is just helping for free?
Tishka's mouth dropped open in surprise.
Tolik, wait, stop! Explain to us!
The friends called out, chasing after Tolik.
What are you doing, Tolik? Why are you helping these frail old women?
Tishka pressed his brother.
Because they have no one else to help them. They're lonely and have no one. I visit them, bring them groceries, help with chores, and sometimes we just chat. I tell them the news about what's happening in the world and in our village.
Answered Tolik.
So you feel sorry for them?
You could say that.
Answered Tolik.
Come with me. Our school has a volunteer movement. Kind kids who aren't afraid of challenges and want to be useful to society—that is, to other people—join our ranks. Come on, I'll introduce you to them. We're having a meeting right now.
Volunteer Tolik brought his friends to school. They entered a spacious classroom:
Hello everyone, I've brought some friends who want to know what volunteers in our village do.
Hello, I'm Katya. My friend Asya and I are library volunteers. We present new books that arrive at the library, remind kids who forgot to return their books, and organize creative evenings.
Greeted a sweet little cat.
I'm Misha. My friends and I—athletes Kolya, Kostya, Seva, and Vika—patrol the village and keep watch over public order. If something happens, we call the police, but that's very rare. People respect us and are a bit afraid of us.
Introduced a young bear.
And we're volunteers at the cultural centre.
And we're hospital volunteers.
We want to help people too. Do you take everyone?
Said squirrel Dusy.
Of course, friends, join our volunteer movement. We have plenty of work. Soon our village will be hosting sports competitions. We need volunteer helpers for the organizers. But since you're still small, you'll be junior volunteers—that means volunteer helpers.
Suggested Tolik.
And they'll trust us? Will we help the athletes?
Asked Motya.
Of course, volunteers help everyone. We'll teach you a bit and prepare you, and you'll bring joy to other residents of our village!
Now that's super happiness for everyone!!!
Exclaimed Motya.
That's cooler than superheroes!
Continued Tisha.
And so our friends became super volunteers.
