Christmas Joy 2011 Parcel Drive

Christmas gifts...?

....Perhaps you have already thought about how you can surprise the older and younger people in your life this year, or whether you can make them some attention. Why not give presents to your co-workers or neighbors happy by showing children you don’t even know? Is there a nicer way to say thank you than a pair of sparkling eyes and the happy, cheerful laughter of children? That’s how it is with the little girls from Transcarpathia in our picture.

For over ten years many people in our part of Germany and elsewhere have been giving gifts to boys and girls in Transcarpathia. So far that makes almost 40,000 happy children, about 4,500 last year alone.

Something special happens – thanks to your help!

We can only be amazed about it time and again. Thank you very much!

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The events of Bethlehem back then changed the world fundamentally. Hope, peace and joy now fill our lives. Despite all worries and problems.

Eighty to ninety percent of the inhabitants of Transcarpathia in western Ukraine are unemployed. The average monthly income is about $130, a pension about $80. Under these very circumstances it is important to give the children once a year a bit of joy that is unforgettable.

So we are asking you this year also for your support for our parcel drive "Christmas Joy".

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.

So that many children’s eyes may sparkle, we need you, your friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Tell them about this wonderfully simply way to give children living on the edge of existence an enormous surprise at Christmas.

We are delighted over any idea for school classes, kindergartens, businesses, civic groups or sport clubs to participate.

Each and every parcel makes a child’s eyes twinkle. We can often accomplish so much with so little money. With just 5 Euro (about 7 dollars) you will charm a sparkle into a child’s face. Take part and do it again!

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 the children and what will make them happy. They gladly take part in the Christmas drive and handle all necessary tasks at site. This partner-like cooperation is very important to us.

Please send your donation to the account at the Vogtland Sparkasse bank

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

Or simply donate online:

We support this cause -- what about you?

Gunther Emmerlich Singer and entertainer	"Help is needed in many places. You can help. At Christmastime it has been a tradition for many years to remember the needs of children in Transcarpathia and help them. I support this cause from the bottom of my heart!"
Björn Kircheisen Winner of many medals in Olympic Games and world championships in Nordic combination skiing	"I support this cause because I am convinced that it will improve the lives of the children in this region."