Serhij from Ternopil (8 years old) wants to grow up as quickly as possible. “So I can go to work to earn some money and help my family,” explains the boy. Together with his mother he takes care of his sick grandmother, and his dad works abroad to give the family some money for the medication that both grandmother and Serhij’s sister need. Last January the boy had forgotten his problems and was happy. Like other Ukrainian children from needy families and orphanages, he received a Christmas package from Czech donors. It was handed to him by the staff of the Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc. “The box was big and there were lots of presents: a ball, a hat, minions, some pencils, pencil case, sharpener, forming balloons… Our whole family was playing with the balloons, we made figures from them and it was fun. And the gifts I got were not only good, but they also were needed. Thank you! ” says Sergij.

The “Christmas present” action will be announced by the Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc for the eleventh time this year. Gifts that are prepared by individuals, families and companies from the Czech Republic then will be handed over to children in Ukraine by the staff of the Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc. “For children and their families, this present is a significant material aid that will save money to pay for food, energy or rent. For those children who do not live with their parents, the present is a symbolic gesture that there is someone in the world thinking of them, ” says project coordinator Khrystyna Novodvorska, adding that this time the Christmas package will be handed to 379 children in Bortnyky, Lopatyn, Kolomyja and Ternopil.

Who and what to give

People who want to participate in the “Christmas present” action can arrange an agreement with any Caritas in the Olomouc Archdiocese (Olomouc Region and part of the Pardubice, Zlín and South Moravian Regions). More information can be found on this website and from there it is possible to pass to the database with children and learn how old they are and what the size of their clothes and shoes is. “However, before people make gifts, they have to follow our rules. The package for one child should contain only new things worth around CZK 1,000. Also, the package should not include sweets and its weight should not exceed 4 kilograms”, warns Khrystyna Novodvorska. Those interested who cannot get to the Internet or the nearest Caritas can ask for details by phone: 581 115 218.

The Christmas presents must be delivered to the nearest Caritas no later than December 6.

People of good will can also support the event financially through our bank account – 4030207/0100

THANK YOU

Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc