"Everyone is in it together here": stories of volunteers helping Nizhny Novgorod residents at gas stations

      July 14, 2026 15:12 Society While Nizhny Novgorod residents continue to stand in line at gas stations, volunteers are coming to the aid of drivers. Today, more than a thousand volunteers from various organizations are working at the region's gas stations. They help motorists navigate, regulate queues, indicate where fuel is available, and often become those who help maintain calm in a tense situation. A correspondent from NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" visited several gas stations and spoke with volunteers about why they decided to come to the aid of motorists. Kirill Maisyuk became a volunteer after hearing a friend's story, who enthusiastically shared his experience.

      "I really liked how my friend was thanked, how grateful people were for his help. And why can't I do the same? I am a person of the people! I can also go out and help the residents of my area!" he stated in a conversation with NIA "Nizhny Novgorod."

      This is not Kirill's first shift at the gas station. During this time, he has often had to help drivers who arrived at the gas station with almost empty tanks.

      "I helped push a car to the gas station. Not just me, but other drivers too — everyone here is in it together!" assures the Nizhny Novgorod resident.

      With a smile, Kirill says that volunteering has another pleasant bonus:

      "You don't sit idle, and you get to sunbathe all the time! Even though you're on your feet all day, you contribute to a common cause — helping the community. This is important in our time."

      The work of a volunteer at a gas station is not only about informing people about fuel availability and regulating the flow of cars. Sometimes, it involves supporting people who find themselves in difficult situations.

      "One mother with a child was very worried: they were in a hurry, but couldn't refuel before the technical break. I was surprised at how skillfully my colleague calmed her down. She suggested where gas stations were currently open and how to get there faster. And then they even gave her a chocolate bar in gratitude. That was very sweet," recalls Kirill.

      According to the young man, his decision to become a volunteer was supported at work as well.

      "By the way, my workplace let me go without any issues. The manager is very supportive of my desire to help people. He even said he would be waiting for photos and stories about how everything went here."

      Each volunteer has their own motivation. For Svetlana Shustova, the main reason was the desire to help people cope with stress.

      "This is my first time today, and I'm surprised at how people, in the face of emotional stress due to the lack of gasoline and worries that it might run out, simply don't see the available pumps or don't understand that they can approach them," said the interviewee from NIA "Nizhny Novgorod."

      Fuel problems have also affected her family. Like many Nizhny Novgorod residents, they too have to stand in line waiting for the opportunity to refuel.

      "You worry about the person, but sometimes you can't help them at all," Svetlana says with some sadness.

      At the same time, it is the gratitude of drivers that, according to her, gives strength to continue.

      "I believe that in such a situation, the city administration made the right decision and directed volunteers. I felt my usefulness today and am sure that other volunteers feel it too," notes the woman.

      Volunteer Alexander Zheltobryukh knows from personal experience what it's like to spend a night in line at a gas station.

      "Once, a girl offered to go with her to the gas station. It seemed like that night lasted an eternity. Then I saw that volunteers were being recruited from the university and decided to give it a try. It's a great opportunity to help not only a close person but also the people around," he shared.

      According to Alexander, in a tense situation, people sometimes forget even the simplest things.

      "Sometimes it seems like they forget which side the gas tank is on. That's where volunteers come in to help. The main thing is not to accidentally direct someone to the wrong pump, but so far, that hasn't happened to me," he smiles.

      He is confident that in this work, not only attentiveness and organization are important, but also a sincere desire to help.

      "When you love people, you don't even pay attention to the heat and your own fatigue. Help comes from people and is for people," concluded Alexander.

      Text and photo: Inna Koroleva NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+