Over a Hundred Tons of Christmas Donations

More than a hundred thousand kilograms of Christmas donations arrived at the Santa Claus Factory Christmas donation collection points this year, the organizers told the state news agency MTI this Sunday.

According to the information, there was a company – the Ebes center of the 'Privát' food chain Kerekes Ltd. – which donated 16,000 kilograms of food to the needy. “This was the biggest donation in the last 17 years of the Santa Claus Factory," Endre Zsolnai, the main organizer of the Santa Claus Factory, said in the statement.

One of the largest fundraising campaigns in the country was open for 21 days, during which time 107,000 kilograms of donations were received, more than 75% of which were durable food and cleaning and toiletries. In addition, donors also brought toys and warmer clothes.

Donations could be dropped off in the City Park, at the Pólus Center and at major post offices across the country. Nearly 4,000 kilograms of gifts arrived in Budapest with the help of the Hungarian Postal Service, according to the announcement.

It was noted that the amount of gifts could increase further, as for the second time this year, several collection points were operated in Germany, from where not all donations have yet arrived.

This year marks the 17th edition of the Santa Claus Factory charity event. The donations collected are distributed on a need basis by the Oltalom (‘Protection’) Charitable Association and the Hungarian Red Cross.