Stories from the Gift Box distribution January 2014
Sarah wary of strangers Bulgaria
Sarah lives on the outskirts of a small Bulgarian village in an old iron railway carriage with her two small children . Home to them is one small room with a leaking roof and broken windows, it's impossible to heat . Very wary of the strangers bringing gifts Sara is soon amazed that people so far away as Switzerland could have thought about her and her children. The gifts bring joy and warmth to their little home. They will always bring memories of the people far away who thought about them and gave them hope for the future.
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Alexandra tells of her families happiness in Moldavia
Alexandra, aged 18, the oldest of six from Balti, Moldavia, said: "I can hardly describe the joy of our family when we receive the Christmas packages, my siblings were swimming in happiness. I gave them my toys but ate the chocolate , Oh how wonderful the Swiss chocolate was". Her father had just lost his job he earned just 70CHF per month half of which paid the rent . Now his youngest brother Ivan just three weeks old is already helping to support the family! For the coming eighteen months this struggling family will receive an extra 20CHF for the baby, a big help. When little Katja saw the toiletries she cried with joy "Mama, look at these you won't need to buy any for a while". The children were so proud and excited to show their school friends the school items having never before had new coloured pencils or school writing books pens or pencils. What happiness and help the boxes have brought to this family.
Valentina so happy in Moldavia with our gifts.
In Moldavia Valentina's family whom receive three time a year food packages, potatoes and clothing were so happy to receive their gifts. Young Sergei remarked, "Mama, foreign people who do not know us at all and who live far from here are so good. Just look at what great happiness they brought into our home." His sister exclaimed, " I am the happiest because it is I who has the greatest gift! " Aside from the toys and school stuff, she had received a huge chocolate bar! Alexander, seven years old had received exactly what boys his age prefer: cars, lots of small cars. Valentina said with so much sadness we have never been able to offer treats like these to our children, to see their happiness is wonderful ! They all wanted to say "A big thank you, you brought happiness to our family. We are very grateful. "
