A Matter Close to One's Heart
Once again this year, BREDEX was delighted to support the “Päckchen für Braunschweig e. V.” campaign. This remarkable initiative, launched by Julia Swiatkowski, who was 15 at the time, aims to bring special joy to children from financially disadvantaged families during the Christmas season. From October 24 to December 9, they collected donations in the form of Christmas gifts in lovingly wrapped shoeboxes.
An Overview of the Highlights:
A Strong Team of Volunteers
The association founded by Julia Swiatkowski has now been in existence for eight years. It is deeply committed to ensuring that no child in Braunschweig goes without at Christmas. Supported by numerous volunteers and institutions such as youth centers, gyms, and drugstores, which serve as collection points, “Päckchen für Braunschweig” is now the largest campaign of its kind in the region. A complete list of collection points can be found on the association’s website. After thorough inspection by the association, the parcels are handed over to local organizations for distribution. It is only through the dedication and commitment of the volunteers and donors that this campaign is possible on such a scale.
A Moving Experience
The children’s response is deeply moving every year. This campaign aims to put a smile on the children’s faces and recognize them as unique individuals. Lovingly packed parcels filled with toys, books, or pens reached large numbers of children of all ages. As in previous years, organizations such as AWO and Caritas reported their needs to the association. These lists contained information about the recipients, such as their age and gender, as well as frequently needed materials. The volunteers do their best to meet these requirements as well as possible. This year, the challenge was to find enough gifts for boys aged 11 and older, as the selection is often complex. However, the team is confident that this gap can be closed thanks to generous donations. Every year, thousands of children who would otherwise not receive any gifts at Christmas receive a Christmas miracle. A few years ago, Julia also handed over some packages herself, and the children’s beaming faces when they received the packages were so moving that it has remained in her memory. Every package is worthwhile and makes a difference.
Record Number of Parcels
When we handed over our packages to Julia, the enormous commitment and warmth of all the volunteers was immediately apparent. Julia emphasized once again how crucial every packed parcel is—it is only through such individual dedication that this campaign can continue. The sight of the children’s shining eyes and beaming faces is the greatest reward imaginable. Last year, a new record was set with over 4,000 parcels collected, and this year there is a good chance that this target will be exceeded again.
Future and Challenges
A recurring problem is the lack of suitable halls for storage and organization. Every year, the association looks for a hall where the parcels can be collected, checked, and forwarded for the months of October to December. As a result, they are often located in different places than in the previous year. Providing unused space, such as an empty sports hall or warehouse, during the pre-Christmas period could therefore be a great help to the association.
Thanks to the generous commitment of all those involved, many children’s eyes will be lit up again this year. We are proud to have made a contribution and look forward to this campaign continuing next year.
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