Christmas campaign launched for Ukrainian children

Gifts in a shoebox

Residents are asked to fill a standard shoebox with new gifts, wrap it in Christmas wrapping paper and attach a list of contents to the outside, stating the number of items and their weight - this is required under customs regulations. Please also note whether the parcel is intended for a girl or a boy and for which age group (0-2, 3-5, 6-10, 11-14 years). Information on this is available online, at various public locations and at the Bocholt Volunteer Agency. Empty boxes can also be collected there if you do not have a shoebox to hand.

Gift ideas for children

In consultation with the Ukrainian town of Verkhniodniprovsk, the Christmas parcels may contain, for example, stationery: colouring books, pens, pencil cases, paint sets, etc. They would also be delighted to receive toys such as dolls, cars, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, board games and the like. Personal care items such as toothbrushes, shower gel, shampoo, combs, deodorant, towels and so on would also be important. For the winter, gloves, hats, scarves, socks and so on are also good ideas. Items that are not permitted include, amongst others, used or broken items, war-themed toys, electronic devices, batteries, liquid or fragile gifts, as well as food or medication.

Transport to Verkhnodniprovsk

The parcels will be transported by lorry on 4 December 2026 to our Ukrainian twin town, Verkhnodniprovsk. This ensures that all parcels arrive in time for Christmas and bring joy to the children and young people. Mayor Mangen thanks all supporters: "My heartfelt thanks go to all the citizens who are bringing this campaign to life. Through their commitment, they are bringing a little piece of Bocholt to the children in Ukraine and making Christmas a little more special for them."