Twice a week, before the sun rises, World Link student Viktoriia, from Ukraine, starts her day in a way few high schoolers experience. At 5:00 a.m., while most of her classmates are still asleep, she and her host dad, John, start their day by volunteering for a local nonprofit bakery in Amarillo that is committed to serving their community while supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
What began as a simple family outing turned into one of Viktoriia’s most meaningful experiences in the U.S. so far. In September, her host family attended a community Ukrainian dinner hosted by the bakery. There, she met Glenda, the baker who runs the nonprofit, along with other Ukrainians, exchange students, and members of her local community. Inspired, she immediately saw volunteering for the bakery as “a great opportunity to contribute to the community here” while sharing her culture in authentic, everyday ways.
Soon after, Viktoriia began volunteering twice a week from 5:00 to 7:30 a.m. before school. “My host dad takes me to school afterward,” she said.
“Volunteering at the bakery reminds me of my roots and makes me feel proud of where I come from.”
Their early-morning service has become a family routine, strengthening their connection and creating memories they both cherish. “I love my host dad so much! We have so much fun at the bakery!” she said.
One of her favorite memories: when John introduced her to the classic American song “Big Bad John,” and she surprised everyone by playing it in the bakery, which gave everyone a laugh.
Viktoriia’s host dad, John, co-worker, Teri, and Viktoriia posing for a picture.
Strengthening a Local Community Through Service
Viktoriia’s impact on the bakery quickly became clear. When Glenda traveled out of state, Viktoriia and her host dad stepped in to help keep things running. “Teri, who was working that day, was so grateful,” she said. With customers visiting constantly, there is always work to be done, and Viktoriia is there, mixing, cleaning, packaging, greeting, and helping with whatever is needed.
But her contribution extends beyond tasks. By turning on Ukrainian music in the bakery and explaining the meaning behind the songs, she has created a space where American customers and volunteers feel welcomed into her culture. She has taught the staff about ‘syrnyky’, a cottage-cheese dessert, and is excited to make it with them soon.
“Even small things, like helping customers or answering questions, made people feel welcome and more interested in learning about my country.”
These acts, while small in moment, make a big impact. Her work helps create connection and support both for the local community and for Ukraine.
Viktoriia in front of the bakery.
A Cultural Bridge, Built Through Warmth and Food
For Viktoriia, volunteering at the bakery has been more than service hours. It has been a way to stay connected to home while building relationships in America. She recalls moments that meant the world: Glenda hugging her and saying she was proud of her; the bakery surprising her with borscht on her birthday; and the joy of gifting them an embroidered picture made by her grandmother in Ukraine, “a piece of my home,” she said.
“Food and friendly conversation can bring people together and create understanding across cultures.”
Even her World Link Kindness Cookies project became a cultural exchange. Unsure what to bake, she asked Glenda for advice, and together they created sugar cookies decorated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Viktoriia decorating her Kindness Cookies at the bakery.
An American Community Enriched by One Student’s Heart
Through early mornings, shared songs, and countless trays of pastries, Viktoriia has brought a piece of her Ukrainian heritage to her host community. Her service supports a local nonprofit, uplifts a community tradition, brings people together, and strengthens American understanding of Ukraine.
“Small contributions can make a positive impact on the community.”
And along the way, she’s built a stronger bond with her host dad and discovered the joy of sharing her heritage with those around her. Through her kindness, cultural pride, and willingness to serve, Viktoriia is proving that even small acts can create meaningful connections in her American community, one early morning, and pastry at a time.
Viktoriia with Glenda.
