German communities launch shoe box donation drives for children in Ukraine and Eastern Europe

Various communities in Germany are organizing charitable donation drives to provide Christmas gifts to children in need across Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

In Geilenkirchen, the “Friedensboxen im Kreis Heinsberg” initiative will collect shoe boxes filled with new, unused items such as stuffed animals, stationery, clothing, and sweets. These boxes are intended for children in the Nikopol district of Ukraine to provide moments of hope during the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at the Geilenkirchen City Library from November 16 to December 4.

In Velbert, the “Weihnachten im Schuhkarton” campaign is also collecting gifts. The central collection point has moved to the Christuskirche to improve accessibility. Participants can donate filled shoe boxes or individual new items. These donations will be distributed to children in several countries, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary.