Christmas Joy 2010 Parcel Drive

Do you remember Christmas when you were a child?

Excited anticipation, a secret peek through akeyhole, then wide eyes with joyful expectation under the Christmas tree, a warm candlelight and happy laughter in your face over presents which were often not all so great as is customary today. Christmas joy goes deep into our hearts.

Christmas is, first and foremost, a Christian holiday, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. The events of Bethlehem back then have changed the world up to the present day. Hope instead of resignation, courage and strength instead of fear and doubt, peace and joy instead discord and sadness now fill our lives, despite all worries and difficulties.

80 to 90 % of the inhabitants of the western Ukraine area of Transcarpathia are unemployed. The average monthly income is about $120, a pension is about $70. Under these very circumstances it is important to give the children an unforgettable thrill once a year.

For over the last ten years many people in our part of Germany and elsewhere have been giving Christmas joy to boys and girls in Transcarpathia. That is over 30,000 happy children to the present time, about 4300 last year alone. We can only view this with amazement and we thank you very sincerely.

This year as well we ask you in all sincereity for your support for our "Christmas Joy" parcel drive!

Give joy and hope, and let us help you!

We will collect donations and take the money to Ukraine. Our volunteers in the parishes of the Reformed churches of Transcarpathia will purchase the gifts, assemble the gift packs with love and distribute them to the children.

Your contribution is still the most important thing for bringing a sparkle to the children's eyes.

Speak to your relatives and acquaintances, neighbors, friends and co-workers about our Christmas parcel drive and wonderfully simple way to bring an enormous surprise to children living in the shadows of existence.

We are thrilled to hear any idea for school groups, kindergartens, businesses, social clubs or sport teams to participate.

Christmas begins in the heart and does not depend on one's possessions. We can often do a lot with a little money. With less than 7 dollars you will bring a sparkle to a child's eye.

Our 5 advantages:

• The purchase of gifts on site saves lots of money on costly transportation; money that then goes to the children's benefit.
• Lots of gifts are significantly cheaper there. Thus more gifts for the same money.
• There is no need to be concerned with import and duty fees on the parcel contents.
• Purchasing in Ukraine supports local retailers and contributes to their livelihood.
• Our partners know best what will delight the children. They gladly take part in the Christmas drive and handle all necessary tasks at site. This partner-like cooperation is very important to us.

We request your donation to be wired to our account at Sparkasse Vogtland.

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

Or simply give online:

We support this drive -- how about you?!

Gunther Emmerlich singer and entertainer	"Announcing Christmas Joy!" The joy and delight which the Christmas message brings is often easier said than done. "Joy to all" also means bearing burdens, seeing a need, and helping the message to arrive. The impoverished children of western Ukraine's region of Transcarpathia need help-our help.
Björn Kircheisen Multiple medal winner in Olympic Games and world championships in Nordic combination skiing.	"Small gestures often have large results and there is nothing nicer than to see children's eyes sparkle. That's why this cause is so close to my heart."