Gifts for seniors: Wish tree campaign fights loneliness

Gifts for seniors: Wish tree campaign fights loneliness

In the cold season, when the darkness is often more severe, a special initiative in Bad Bramstedt puts a smile on the faces of numerous senior citizens. This year, for the first time, the senior residence “Am Park” took part in the wish tree campaign, which was launched by the Diakonie Altholstein social department store “Attraction Point”. Reported about this action NDR.

The idea behind the wish tree is simple but ingenious: Volunteers fulfill the seniors' diverse wishes, which were written anonymously on cards. These wishes are often down-to-earth and range from a cozy visit to a café to puzzle blocks and calendars to new reading glasses or delicious chocolates. The gifts are lovingly wrapped and distributed to the seniors, which not only brings joy but also triggers emotional reactions.

Helping hands

The campaign aims to alleviate loneliness during the Christmas season and was supported by numerous volunteers who act as “Christmas angels”. These helpers collect the gifts that were picked within a short period of time and ensure that everything gets to the seniors on time and beautifully packaged.

But it's not just in Bad Bramstedt that the helpers have their finger on the pulse. Wishing trees were also set up in the Pinneberg district, and the “The North Helps” association created four trees for children’s families in need. In addition to the gifts, this association also packed 819 packages of food to alleviate the families' needs. This shows how togetherness is strongly encouraged during this special time, just like it Wishing tree.digital describes.

Digital wishes

The concept of the wishing tree is increasingly being implemented digitally. Employees from different facilities can enter requests online in a central system that is visible to everyone. This digital version significantly reduces the organizational effort. A selected employee enters the wishes and the participants can select a wish from the comfort of the office or from home, get it and bring it to the agreed location or send it directly to the company address. This idea not only contributes to efficiency, but also promotes team cohesion.

Anyone who would like to launch their own wish tree campaign also has the opportunity to specifically support local institutions such as animal shelters or places that look after children. If everyone pitches in and has a good hand for this matter of the heart, we can spread a lot of joy together.

A look at other cities shows that the implementation of such campaigns is already working well. The senior wish tree in Würzburg was launched in November 2022, where all wishes were picked and fulfilled within a few hours. Here too, the gifts were very well received and helped to enrich the everyday life of the seniors Wü-Care reported.

While the pre-Christmas period has a special meaning, the wishing tree campaign shows how important it is to think of those who are often lonely. A few small touches can have a big impact and significantly improve the festive mood. Let us all make a small contribution and perhaps become a “wishing tree” angel ourselves.