Erie News Now continues to share "Homes of Hope," the heartwarming stories of billet families during the 2024 Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange.

"I felt like, how could you not help?"

This calling encouraged Katie Nagle to step up and host Daniil, a Ukrainian player who came to Erie for a second time in a row. The opportunity gave the Nagle family a true realization of the intensity of the war overseas.

"It really brought the human aspect to it, that it is not just two armed forces fighting," Nagle said. "These are families fighting."

They made sure Daniil felt right at home and loved, celebrating his birthday with family and friends during the month-long camp.

"They came with open hearts, and it was easy for them to settle in with you," Nagle said.

In Samantha Giddings' second year as a host family, she continues to learn from Ostap, Oleksii, and this year, brothers Davyd and Bodgen. The biggest lesson being that family means more than just relatives.

"I have more kids," Giddings said. " [I] was a mom of one, and now I'm a mom of five."

Giddings continues to stay connected with the kids, keeping up with their day-to-day activities and even grades at school. Giddings also has a message for her former house guests:

"I love you with all my heart, and you're always part of my family," Giddings said. "I promised them when they left that I would see them again soon."