This year, 236 letters to Santa Claus have been received from children in the Khmelnytskyi crisis center and Novabikovka secondary school.
"For the war to end sooner, for fathers and brothers to return home safe and sound, for the family to be together again – these are the greatest hopes of Ukrainian children, which they have revealed in their letters to Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas. It is not within our power to fulfill these wishes, but we want to make Ukrainian children happy with practical gifts that will bring joy and be very useful in everyday life, living and learning in war conditions," says Kaspars Bērziņš, who is managing the project.
The authors of the letters are children of various ages from areas affected by the war. Some children have indicated specific wishes, but the majority of the young Ukrainians will be happy with a gift chosen and prepared by generous elves according to the child's age. Letters to Santa Claus expressing the children's wishes can be found here .
There will be a special "Christmas in the hangar" charity event organized by "Tavi draugi", which will take place on December 15 from 12.00 to 18.00 in Riga, at Ventspils street 50. Building on previous 'hangar' events, visitors both big and small will be able to see the "Christmas Express Latvia – Ukraine" truck in person, hand over gifts and donations, participate in creative workshops, buy their own gifts, and also enjoy excellent musical performances performed by Latvian and Ukrainian artists.
"Tavi Draugi" also invites the public to donate winter clothes and shoes for adults and children, food with a long shelf life, such as canned goods and quick meals, power banks, generators and other things that Ukrainian civilians need in the winter season.
On the other hand, chemical heat packs, thermal socks and underwear, winter gloves and hats in neutral shades, as well as sleeping bags designed for winter weather will be very useful for Ukrainian soldiers in cold weather.
"Christmas Express Latvia - Ukraine" will run into early January 2025. More details: https://www.tavidraugi.lv/
