Last year, the Stadsmissionen in Karlstad participated and handed out 75 food bags the week before Christmas. This year, the corresponding number will land at 500 food bags.
372 packages
The desire from families to get help with Christmas presents for the children has also been great this year. And thanks to generous private initiatives, help from the municipality and companies, as well as about 15 volunteers, a total of 372 packages can be distributed. But there have been challenges with getting all the claps in.
– Last year we got a lot in, but this year I was terrified at first. It has been more successful, says Marie Björklind, director of operations at Stadsmissionen in Karlstad.
But after going out on social media with what was wanted in Christmas fashion, the gifts started rolling in. One theory is that more people have a tougher time financially and don’t have the same opportunities to donate things.
– It’s so cool about the private initiatives that have made it possible for us to implement this, says Marie Björklind.
In the clip, we meet the volunteer Kim Olsen, who is one of those who worked hard to get the Christmas gift bags out to the families.
Age appropriate
The clappers are adapted to the age of the children and thanks to finally receiving so many gifts, they have also been able to put a little extra in the Christmas sacks.
– The bag that each family receives is pretty much maxed out, says operations manager Marie Björklind.