For the 13th time this year, a convoy of lorries is setting off to make needy children in Romania happy at Christmas time. Organised by Round Table Germany, a total of 24 vehicles with 90 helpers and around 60,000 Christmas parcels on board will set off on 30 November. These include the presents that Round Table 94 Giessen has collected over the past few weeks. "People are happy to donate something if they know that it will actually arrive at its destination," explains Jens Ihle, President of Round Table Giessen. Sven Lindemann, parcel coordinator of the campaign in Giessen, promises: "With our Christmas parcel convoy, everyone can be sure that their gift will bring a merry Christmas to a child in need."
Some members of the Round Table and other volunteers accompany the lorry convoy to its destination in Romania. There, they personally distribute the gifts to children's homes, schools, nurseries and hospitals. Last year, Annette Leber, who works in the local transport department at Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG), took part for the first time. "Looking into the eyes of children beaming with joy really touched and overwhelmed me," says the SWG employee, describing her experiences. She was determined to support the campaign again in 2013. She also called on her colleagues to support the Christmas convoy. "We wanted 75 parcels - another good deed in the anniversary year of Stadtwerke Gießen," explains Annette Leber. On Wednesday 20 November, Annette Leber handed over the parcels and the symbolic donation cheque to Jens Ihle and Sven Lindemann. The two expressed their sincere thanks for the 75 parcels and the commitment of SWG and the SWG employees. "It's great that Stadtwerke Gießen is helping us with this campaign. We are proud to make such a great contribution to this project here in Giessen," emphasised Jens Ihle. He also called on people from Giessen and the surrounding area to follow Stadtwerke Giessen's example and take part in the Round Table's Christmas campaign themselves. "Presents for the children in need can be handed in at the Neils & Kraft distribution centre in Marburger Straße until 27 November."
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Round Table Giessen asks all donors to note on the parcel which age the gift is best suited to and whether it is intended for a boy or a girl.
All information is also available on the Internet at www.weihnachtspaeckchenkonvoi.de.