The traditional Christmas collection of the Evangelical Lutheran parishes of Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa helped thousands of people living in low-income households. As Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, several parishes received more gift cards and gifts than in previous years. A warm thank you to all donors!

The donations are a significant help to many low-income families at Christmas. The collection result varies regionally: 17 parishes responded unchanged or even improved results compared to the previous year, while four parishes saw a decrease in the number of donations.

– The collection was a great success. We were a little concerned beforehand about how we would be able to help as many people in need as possible in this economic climate. People's willingness to help and their ability to see the situation of their fellow human has touched us diaconal workers many times, says Elina Leppihalme, senior diaconal worker of Malmi parish.

Well over 4,000 people were helped through the collection called Dress the Christmas Tree. Most of the donations in the collection were gift vouchers for grocery and clothing stores. Almost 2,000 gift vouchers were collected, their value exceeding 90,000 euros. Donors also wrapped toys, clothes, film tickets and hamburger vouchers to fulfil the wishes of children and young people. Diaconal workers delivered hundreds of Christmas flowers and gift bags filled with items such as coffee and chocolate. Large quantities of woollen socks were also received as donations.

Numerous gift cards were received through the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and the Lions Clubs and the Martha Association. Additionally, several Lions Clubs organized food purchasing opportunities in grocery stores. The food items were then donated through diaconal work.

The situation of people living in poverty has become even more difficult

‍According to Outi Juntunen, senior diaconal worker for Helsinki Mikael parish, most of the people seeking help are long-term low-income earners.

– They live on a small pension or social assistance, for example, or are students. Cuts made by the Finnish Government have reduced housing allowances for many, while rent may have increased. Rising food prices also have an impact.

In Mikael parish, a record number of donations were received.

– This has probably been influenced by the public discussion about cuts to social benefits, as well as the plight of families with children that has been shown in media as Christmas approaches, Juntunen estimates.

Participating in the collection is a tradition for many people.

– This collection has been a well-established tradition in our region for years, so people in the area know to expect it. The local nature of the collection and the fact that the aid reaches the recipient without deductions are certainly good things, she continues.

Diaconal workers report widely positive feedback from the recipients of the gifts. "The help was really needed", "It's wonderful that someone cares", "God exists", "Has someone really thought of me?" are examples of the feedback received by the Espoonlahti parish. Donors were also grateful for the opportunity to do good.

The participating parishes’ diaconal workers have delivered the gifts. Some donations will be distributed in the new year as well.