The Schweinfurt Kindertafel in Germany works hard to make sure every child has a present under the Christmas tree for the big day. Bicycles, soccer shoes, dolls and all sorts of toys will be sure to make children’s eyes light up when they’re unwrapped as part of the Kindertafel’s “Weihnachtshaus” (“Christmas House”) campaign. This project helps provide presents for children whose families are short of funds.

Children up to the age of 13 were allowed to request a toy for 30 euros, with over 300 wish lists received by early December. Thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, the Kindertafel have been able to make these children’s wishes come true. Poverty is far more widespread in Germany than you might think: in fact almost two million children and teenagers are affected.

Alongside their main Christmas present, each child was also given a Secret Santa package filled with Christmas tea, among other things, to take home. Mix for Kids donated three large bags of the fruit tea, which students from Adolph Kolping School in Schweinfurt packed into more than 400 bags before labeling. In the process, the students also learned about the hygiene regulations in place for handling food.

The partnership between the school, the Kindertafel and Mix for Kids was brought about by the “Jugend mit Zukunft” association led by chair Eva Dümmler. Like Mix for Kids, “Jugend mit Zukunft” is committed to helping children and teenagers. The charity from Schweinfurt focuses on preparing young people with additional educational needs for the working world and is partnered with Adolph Kolping School and the Kindertafel. Once a week, students from the additional educational needs vocational school gain experience working at the Kindertafel.

Since it was founded in 2009, the Schweinfurt Kindertafel has made it its mission to deliver a healthy breakfast free of charge to children in need at schools and kindergartens. The charity now feeds more than 350 boys and girls every day thanks to its chair Stefan Labus and more than 25 volunteers. But that’s not all the volunteer organization does.

The charity’s soup kitchen also provides hot meals for those unable to afford it, while everyday necessities like clothes, toiletries and food are hung outside on the fence in front of the building. This way, those in need can help themselves to anything they’re missing. Now, the launch of the “Weihnachtshaus” appeal will help make Christmas a little more special for children too.