625 Christmas parcels on their way to Verkhniodniprovsk

The city of Bocholt successfully completed this year's Christmas parcel campaign with a humanitarian aid transport on Sunday, 14 December 2025. A total of 625 lovingly packed Christmas parcels for children were sent on their way to the Ukrainian solidarity partner city of Verkhniodniprovsk.

In addition to the numerous gift parcels for children, the 40-tonne lorry also transported a large number of donations in kind. These mainly include used but urgently needed school furniture, beds and mattresses, blankets and 27 bicycles. The transport is supplemented by smartboards from the German Association for International Cooperation and refurbished IT equipment from the city of Bocholt, the provision of which was supported by the Service Agency Communities in One World.

The donations were collected and loaded with great personal commitment by German and Ukrainian volunteers from the association "Helfende Hände St. Josef Bocholt e.V.". The transport itself was organised by Blau Gelben Kreuz e.V. from Cologne. In Verkhniodniprovsk, the Christmas parcels were handed over to the children as part of a Christmas performance and then ceremoniously distributed.

First City Councillor Björn Volmering expressly thanked all those involved for their commitment: "The enormous willingness to donate and the personal commitment of many citizens, associations and volunteers show how strong the solidarity is here in Bocholt. With this transport, we are not only sending urgently needed help, but also a clear sign of solidarity and solidarity to Verkhniodniprovsk."

The city of Bocholt would like to thank all supporters who have contributed to the success of the campaign through their donations, their organisation and their active commitment.