A friendly young bear named Motya, living in a village, made many friends with whom he swam in the river, played skittles 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 (they called him that because of his quiet, calm nature).
Who did he rub something for?
Asked squirrel Dusy.
Not rub, 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 do, this vol-un-teer?
Asked Motya.
I don't know, but he's always disappearing somewhere. Maybe he's a superhero who eats ice cream?
Or maybe he fights the villain Bragnik!
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.
Perfect, 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 his 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 observing.
Whispered Dusy.
Tolik came out of the shop with two full bags and headed towards the old quarter, where there were half-ruined houses, living out their final days. Only three elderly ladies lived on the outskirts.
So he has his headquarters in these ruins, he's set himself up nicely. And look at all the groceries he bought—he must be planning to stay for a while.
Motya shared his suspicions.
But, to everyone's surprise, Tolik first went to one elderly lady, left one bag with her, then went to the second lady and gave her the remaining groceries.
I don't understand what he's doing.
Stammered Tishka.
Meanwhile, Tolik went to the third lady's house. And the friends, creeping up to her window, watched as Tolik expertly wrung out a floor cloth and washed the grandmother's floor.
Ah, maybe he decided to earn some money—save up for a new bicycle.
Sighed Tishka.
But, as she saw Tolik off, the grandmother hugged him and sincerely thanked him for his help.
He didn't take any money. Tolik is just helping for free, then?
Tishka's mouth fell open in surprise.
Tolik, wait, stop! Explain to us!
The friends shouted, chasing after Tolik.
What are you doing, Tolik? Why are you helping these frail old ladies?
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-hearted children who aren't afraid of hard work and want to be useful to society—that is, to other people—join our ranks. Come on, I'll introduce you to them. It's just about time for our meeting.
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 children who forgot to return their books, and organise 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 an eye on 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 community 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 there will be sports competitions in our village. We need volunteer assistants to help the organisers. But since you're still small, you'll be volunteer assistants—that means helpers to the volunteers.
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 the 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.
