Every year on the eve of Christmas, thousands of children in Bulgaria receive gifts prepared by their peers in other European countries through ADRA's international initiative, “Children Helping Children.” ADRA is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Now in its 25th year, the project continues to unite children, families, and communities around empathy and solidarity.

The initiative began with ADRA Germany, inviting children in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and France to take an active role in supporting peers living in difficult social or economic circumstances in some of Europe’s poorer regions. Each year, more than 40,000 children carefully prepare gift boxes, chosen and wrapped with a specific child in mind.

Bulgaria is one of the countries reached by these acts of kindness. Through coordinated logistics, partner organizations, and a network of volunteers, ADRA Bulgaria distributed more than 8,300 gifts this year, reaching children in vulnerable communities, social service centers, and schools in more than 100 locations across the country.

"For many of these children, this is not just a gift. It is a sign that someone is thinking of them, that they are not forgotten. For some, this will be the only present they receive all year, and we are glad they will receive it specifically from ADRA," says Marian Dimitrov, executive director of ADRA Bulgaria.

Recipients were aware that the gifts were prepared by other children from Western Europe. Nine-year-old Vesa, from the village of Patalenitsa, opened her box to find a winter hat, pencils, a pencil case, treats, toys, and school supplies.

“I want to thank the child who made this great gift for me! It made me feel very good!” she said.

Fifteen-year-old Todor, from the town of Roman, wished his anonymous donor success in the New Year and encouraged them to continue doing good deeds.

This year, public figures also joined the distribution. Reneta Kamberova, a Bulgarian Olympic medalist in rhythmic gymnastics, and Orlin Pavlov, a Bulgarian actor and singer, visited several schools and kindergartens to help deliver the gifts. Organizers said their presence encouraged children and helped make the visits especially memorable.

"These boxes are eagerly anticipated because every year there is something new, something different.‘Children Helping Children’ is more than a charity campaign. It is an educational and upbringing process that teaches children—both those who give and those who receive—about empathy, care, and responsibility toward others," commented Ivet Simeonova, director of a social center in the town of Roman.

Organizers said the project demonstrates that even the smallest gestures can hold great significance and that kindness, when shared, has the power to change lives.

The original article was published on the Inter-European Division news site.