Many wish lists were hung on the Christmas tree in the foyer of Aachen Town Hall at the end of November. And a correspondingly large number of presents were delivered to the town hall just in time. "This campaign is a wonderful tradition and yet always exciting for everyone involved. And especially for me, because this is the first time I've been able to take part," said Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons. This year, the people of Aachen were particularly quick to "pick" the wishes of the children and young people in Aachen's youth welfare facilities from the Christmas tree. "We had 371 wishes on the wish list tree here, which were sold out after four days," says Ziemons. In the meantime, the presents have been lovingly wrapped and delivered to the town hall.

Five days before the festive season, the Lord Mayor presented the presents today (December 19) to the representatives of the participating institutions Maria im Tann - Center for Child, Youth and Family Support, Evangelische Kinder- und Jugendhilfe Aachen-Brand and Zentrum für soziale Arbeit Burtscheid. The Lord Mayor thanked all the committed citizens who were able to fulfill the children's Christmas wishes. He also thanked the employees of the three institutions and the staff at the town hall, who ensure that the campaign runs smoothly, accept gifts, answer questions, wrap presents and check that all wishes have been fulfilled.

Only seven gifts were not returned this year. A number of Aachen residents were interested in the gifts that could still be bought afterwards. However, these were then procured by the organization team with the help of the many donations that Aacheners handed in at the town hall in addition to the gifts. Citizens who were "too late" to get hold of a wish list themselves, for example, donated a total of 500 euros. In addition to the gifts that were subsequently organized, 90 euros in cash will go to each of the institutions so that they can organize enough Printen and cookies for the Christmas party with the children and young people.

Each institution will also receive a check from the Lord Mayor in the amount of 500 euros.