The “Children Helping Children!” initiative, organized by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Germany, is celebrating 25 years of bringing joy to children in need.

The project began in 1999 as a private effort of the Marienhöhe School Center in Darmstadt. The idea was sparked when the daughter of then-ADRA managing director Erich Lischek gave her father a stuffed animal to share with a child during a business trip. From that simple gesture grew a nationwide effort to encourage children in Germany to pack Christmas parcels for children in underprivileged regions. Since 2000, ADRA Germany has coordinated the initiative across the country.

Over the past 25 years, volunteers have collected and distributed more than 774,000 packages to children in need. In 2024 alone, 26,771 parcels were packed, and organizers hope to surpass that figure during the anniversary year, according to ADRA spokesperson Andreas Lerg.

Target Countries and 2025 Campaign

This year’s campaign begins September 20, 2025. Families across Germany will prepare gift parcels filled with school supplies, toys, warm clothing, and sweets. More than 300 action groups nationwide are supporting the initiative.

In 2025, parcels will be distributed to children in Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The collection campaign will run until mid-November to ensure timely delivery before Christmas.

Helping While Learning

According to initiative leader Olena Surovtseva, “Children Helping Children!” has two main goals: to provide direct aid to disadvantaged children in partner countries, and to teach children in Germany the values of empathy, kindness, and the joy of giving.

“Every package is a symbol of compassion, empathy, and solidarity,” Surovtseva said.

The anniversary celebration will be held on September 20, World Children’s Day, at Marienhöhe in Darmstadt, where the initiative began. The following day, September 21, the campaign will officially launch at Darmstadt’s marketplace and Peace Square. An information booth and interactive activities will run throughout the day to highlight ADRA Germany’s work and engage children in the spirit of giving.

About ADRA Germany e.V.

Founded in 1987 and based in Weiterstadt near Darmstadt, ADRA Germany employs 61 staff members and is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is part of the global ADRA network, which operates in 119 countries and provides development cooperation and humanitarian aid worldwide. ADRA Germany is also a founding member of the Association for Development Policy and Humanitarian Aid (VENRO), “Action Germany Helps,” and “Together for Africa.”

The original article was published on the Adventistischer Pressedienst German news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.