A friendly young bear named Motya lived in a village and made many friends. Together they 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.
My brother is a volunteer!
Boasted Tishka the young wolf (they called him that because of his quiet, calm nature).
Who did he what?
Asked Dusy the squirrel.
Not what, but vol-un-teer.
Tishka repeated, syllable by syllable.
I heard his teacher call him that. She said: "Tolik, congratulations, now you are 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 Brajnik!
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 propose we follow my brother and catch him red-handed!
Exclaimed Tishka.
Great, I'm in!
Supported Dusy.
Early in the morning, the friends gathered, armed themselves with toy guns, little swords, and ropes, just in case.
Soon, Tolik left his house and headed down the street. Peeking from behind the corner of Tishka's house, the friends watched the volunteer.
Tolik went into a store.
Aha, for ice cream. Let's continue watching.
Whispered Dusy.
Tolik came out of the store with two full bags and headed toward the old neighborhood, where half-ruined houses stood, living out their final days. Only three elderly women lived on the outskirts.
So he has a 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 suspicions.
But, to everyone's surprise, Tolik first went to one elderly woman and left a bag with her, then to the second woman and gave her the remaining groceries.
I don't understand what he's doing.
Stammered Tishka.
Meanwhile, Tolik went to the third woman's house. The friends crept up to her window and watched as Tolik skillfully wrung out a mop and washed the floor for the grandmother.
Maybe he decided to earn some money—save up for a new bicycle.
Exhaled Tishka.
But as Tolik was leaving, the grandmother hugged him and sincerely thanked him for his help.
He didn't take any money. Tolik is just helping for free?
Tishka's jaw dropped 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 old women?
Tishka pressed his brother.
Because they have no one else to help them. They are lonely and have no one. I visit them, bring them groceries, help with chores, and sometimes we just talk. I tell them the news about what's happening in the world and in our village.
Tolik answered.
So you feel sorry for them?
You could say that.
Tolik answered.
Come with me. Our school has a volunteer movement. Kind kids who aren't afraid of challenges and want to be useful to society—to other people—join our ranks. Come on, I'll introduce you to them. We have a meeting right now.
Volunteer Tolik brought his friends to school and they entered a spacious classroom:
Hello everyone, I 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.
Said 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 are volunteers at the cultural center.
And we are hospital volunteers.
We want to help people too. Do you take everyone?
Said Dusy the squirrel.
Of course, friends, join our volunteer movement. We have plenty of work. Soon our village will be hosting sports competitions. We need volunteer assistants to help the organizers. But since you're still young, you'll be volunteer assistants—that means helpers to the volunteers.
Suggested Tolik.
And they'll trust us? We'll help the athletes?
Asked Motya.
Of course, volunteers help everyone. We'll teach you a bit, 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.
