In December of last year, Radovan Petranic, a Red Cross volunteer and recipient of the “Iskra” award for philanthropy, traveled to Golija to deliver New Year’s gifts prepared by the Nikšić “Red Cross” for the children at the “Branko Višnjić” Elementary School. It was there that he learned about a boy living in challenging conditions. Together with fellow humanitarians Ljiljana Femic and Milodarka Zoric, they sprang into action, initiating an ongoing mission: visiting rural schools to distribute items like balls, cakes, sweets, and school supplies, generously provided by “Jolly Commerce”, while receiving warm smiles, hugs, and lunch invitations in return from the students.

Should they discover any children or families requiring additional support, their mission takes on even greater significance.

Radovan vividly recalls their first initiative, particularly the experience in Golija.

“That event was the most emotionally challenging volunteer experience I’ve had throughout my decades of volunteering. I encountered a child in a difficult financial situation and reached out to Ljiljana in Golija. Remarkably, within three days, she had raised nearly all the necessary funds for him. To ensure he wouldn’t feel singled out, Milodarka, along with ‘Jolly’ and her family, prepared school supplies and gifts for other children as well. However, the emotional weight of that action took a toll on Ljiljana, landing her in the hospital. We planned to go together, but had to leave her at the Internal Medicine Department while Milodarka and I proceeded to Golija. Milodarka purchased ‘famous’ boots for that boy, and the moment he unwrapped them, the flood of emotions was overwhelming—he was laughing and crying simultaneously from joy, prompting tears from his teacher and Milodarka. In that pivotal moment, I instinctively hugged him, igniting our determination to continue our support for other village schools and friends in need,” Radovan shares, who has dedicated time to volunteer and donate blood almost 90 times.

And thus, one school at a time, they spread joy—next was Velimlje and then Donje Crkvice, followed by visits to the Šavnik region, Bijela, and Boan.

“The cakes, typically shaped like books, always carry a special message. I recall one cake we brought to Crkvice adorned with indigo-blue fondant, sending the children running into the hallway to admire their ‘blue’ tongues in the mirror, while their teacher captured the joyful chaos on camera,” Ljiljana reminisces, having learned long ago that true happiness comes from sharing joy, kindness, and assistance.

Each school and child holds a unique significance, but Donje Crkvice has particularly captured their hearts due to its welcoming atmosphere, a sense of community, one special boy named Bogdan, and the familial spirit of the school.

“At the school with just six students, we felt right at home. Everyone treated us with warmth—from the principal to the teachers and hygienist, to our new friends. The night before our visit, Bogdan insisted on having cookies prepared, eager to welcome city guests for lunch… every school embraced us like family,” says Milodarka, one of the unsung heroes we initially recognized during the pandemic but gradually overlooked.

During the pandemic, many individuals ventured into remote villages, reaching out to the sick and underprivileged with essential supplies like food and medicine. Numerous people also sewed masks, as free breathing felt “prohibited” during that time.

Milodarka was among those, tirelessly sewing masks alongside her team and family to distribute to the community at no cost.

“Words fail to express the joy I feel from helping someone. The night before I leave, I hardly sleep, my mind racing with thoughts of the schools we’ll visit and the children we’ll meet. This work fulfills me; it completely transformed my life,” Milodarka admits.

While Ljiljana engages with her friends, both young and old, as they confide in her their secrets and joys, Milodarka and Radovan quietly observe for anyone in the community needing additional assistance.

“So far, we’ve returned to three schools for a second visit, providing support where needed, including baby food—though that remains between us,” Radovan mentions.

Their activities never cease, as they have a network of friends and acquaintances willing to donate to each school visit. Their families and “Jolly” constantly support them.

“Our friends often check in, asking where we’re headed next, which school we’re visiting, and what supplies we require. If a child or family is in need, we can gather contributions in just two days. One instance involved a boy seeing his mother packing items for needy children and choosing to include his favorite toy and some fruits from their table. He repeated this gesture during our next visit, which brought me immense joy—not only for his gifts but for the empathy he showcased at such a young age,” Milodarka shares.

Ljiljana recounts colleagues who donated clothes with tags, while Radovan mentions a laborer from Nikšić who set aside two days’ wages to buy gifts for the altruistic trio of children.

Though they know they can’t fully alter the lives of the students they visit, they strive to brighten at least one day for them. As they put it, there should be more such memorable days.

“The head of a school in Herceg-Novi organized an event where his students visited Crkvice, spending the day alongside their peers and bringing gifts. It would be wonderful if more schools adopted this approach, hosting children from rural areas and sharing experiences, such as attending plays, matches, or films. Conversely, city schools should also visit rural schools to understand the realities of studying in less resourceful environments, where children must milk cows before class, as their primary duty is education,” stresses Radovan.

The trio also notes that village children exhibit unique pride, grace, and respect towards their elders, characteristics that are sometimes overlooked by their urban counterparts.

“On our second visit to Golija, a first-grade boy rushed down the stairs and froze upon hearing ‘guests’ from his teacher, paying us respect. This happened in every school we visited; the children’s elegance and politeness were truly remarkable. Their camaraderie left me speechless,” Ljiljana expresses, fondly recalling a spirited second grader named Sara from Boan who captivated them with her directness and openness.

“We often gift hairpins to girls, and one girl from Crkvica repeatedly admired hers after pulling it from her bag. It was delightful to witness,” says Milodarka, whose husband, motivated by a desire to uplift children from his birthplace, facilitated their visits to two schools in Šavnik.

He bought necessities for the children, and the trio brought gifts to share. They left filled with joy, knowing they spread love to those they visited. By the end of the school year, students from Vraćenovići, Petrovići, Grahovi, and Vilus will also experience this joy of giving. Then, as a new school year begins, there will be new schools to visit, new friends to make, and the same joyful exchange of gifts and smiles.

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