Fulda's Charity Forest brings holiday wishes to life for children in need
A festive new tradition has taken root in Fulda this holiday season. On Thursday morning, the Charity Forest was officially unveiled at Galeria, transforming last year's single wish tree into an entire grove of giving. The event brought together city officials, store staff, and six local organisations dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and families. The project began as a small pilot in 2022, with just one Christmas tree holding gift wishes from social agencies. This year, it has expanded into a full forest of six trees, each representing a different organisation. Children and young people assisted by these groups wrote down their holiday wishes, which were then hung as lists on the branches. So far, 300 wishes have been collectedâalready nearing last year's total of over 340âwith more expected in the coming weeks.
The trees stand on the second floor of Galeria, where shoppers are invited to pick a wish, buy the requested gift, and return it unwrapped by December 16. Fulda's Lord Mayor, Dr. Heiko Wingenfeld, attended the opening and encouraged visitors to think of those in need during the festive season. He was joined by Galeria's branch manager Olaf Sichtig, department head Roy Ziuber, and other staff, including final processes manager Monika Melek and employee Sema ĂztĂźrk. Representatives from the six participating organisations also spoke at the launch. Susanne Saradj, managing director of the Caritas Association for Fulda and Geisa, noted that many struggling families cannot afford even modest gifts. The other groups involved include Malteser, MĂźtterzentrum MĂźtze Fulda, Round Table 189 Fulda, the Social Service of Catholic Women (SkF), and Verbund Region Fulda Youth Welfare.
The Charity Forest will remain in Galeria until mid-December, giving shoppers plenty of time to contribute. Each unwrapped gift returned will go directly to a child or young person in Fulda supported by the partner organisations. The initiative aims to ensure that more families experience a little joy this Christmas.
