"Christmas Joy" 2008

„Once again every year”

That is how a well-known German Christmas carol begins. It can also be said of our Christmas Joy parcel drive.

For over ten years people from our region of Germany and elsewhere, season after season, have been giving Christmas joy to children in Transcarpathia, in western Ukraine. They have thus made our parcel drive truly a small success story. Last year alone over 3700 faces of boys and girls beamed with joy over a personal gift from faraway Germany. We can only be amazed over and over with gratitude. We offer our sincerest thanks.

As it has been for some time, over 80% of the people in Transcarpathia are unemployed. The average monthly income is somewhere between 100 and 125 dollars. There is no prospect of fundamental improvements—on the contrary. Currently the people are unsettled because of the new restrictive policy of the Ukrainian government toward minorities.

Precisely under these circumstances it is often important to give a whole family a little hope with a package like this. It is very easy to give an unforgettable surprise at Christmas to children in need, and to make their eyes sparkle. Your 5 dollar donation will go a long way will go a long way toward making children happy and cheerful. The child's package will contain chocolate and other sweets, pencils, school supplies, toys, shampoo or body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, oranges and something warm to wear, like a cap, socks or gloves.

This is why we sincerely ask for your support for our parcel drive “Christmas Joy”! Give these children a little hope and help us with your donation.

We will collect donations in Germany and take the money to Ukraine. Our volunteers in the Reformed Church in Transcarpathia will purchase the gifts. Those who live there know best what the children need and what they will be thrilled over. They will lovingly pack the gifts and distribute them to the children. Over the years this has proved to be the simplest, most effective, and most partner-oriented method for this project.

Your contribution is however the most important thing in making the children's eyes sparkle. Join our efforts and say it again!

The 5 advantages to our system:

• The purchase of gifts on location means costly transport expenses are avoided, which then benefits the children.
• Many of the gifts are far less expensive there, thus more presents for the same money.
• The gifts packed locally are not subject to import and customs inspection.
• Purchasing in Ukraine supports local merchants and contributes to local incomes.
• Our partners in that country know best what will make the children happiest.They are delighted to take an active part in this work with activity that is possible for them. We thus enable them to do something for others, so they need not always be on the receiving end.

Please send your donation eo our bank account at the bank Sparkasse Vogtland.

Account no.: 381 20 10 908
Routing code : 870 580 00
Key word: CHRISTMAS JOY

Or simply donate online:

We support this charity drive – will you join us??

Gunther Emmerlich Singer and entertainer	„For over 2000 years mankind has been celebrating the birth of the Christ Child. Today Christmas still gives us new perspectives and is a symbol for peace and joy. We can pass on this joy, for example, to poor children in Transcarpathia. And – please don't forget: Christmas begins in your heart!”
Björn Kircheisen His awards include German championship in 2008, as well as silver and bronze medals in the 2007 World Championship in Nordic Combination skiing	„The suffering and poverty of others have touched my heart, since I know how important it is to grow up in a secure environment. That is why I support this effort with my name.”