1. What is the Dress the Christmas Tree campaign?

Dress the Christmas Tree is a joint Christmas campaign of the Lutheran parishes of Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen, and Vantaa. It is open to anyone who wants to donate a gift or gift card to a neighbour in need and thus bring Christmas joy. The parishes’ diaconal workers deliver the donations to families and people who live alone.

Local parishes organize the collection in different ways. Please see rakennajoulupuu.fi for information on how to participate in the collection in each area. Donations can be made anonymously. Gift vouchers will also be distributed after Christmas, when there is still a need for help. Every donation is important.

2. How will the actual need of the recipients be verified?

The diaconal workers in the parishes will ascertain the applicant’s situation, as they always do when a person applies for financial aid from the parish. In the current economic climate, the need for help is growing.

3. What percentage of donations goes to those in need?

Donations are delivered to recipients in full. The collection is part of regular work in the parishes and the donations are not used for any other purpose than to help those in need.

4. My own financial situation is pretty tight, but I'd be happy to help someone who might be even tighter. Can I participate with only a small donation?

Anyone can donate a gift card and contribute to the extent they feel comfortable with. In many churches you can also donate things like coffee or chocolate or woollen socks. Every donation makes the recipient happy.

5. I don't have time to go to the shops to buy a gift or a gift voucher, but I would be happy to donate money online, for example. How can I do that?

If you wish, you can help by donating money through Kotimaanapu Charity in Finland, which hosts collections set up by diaconal workers to meet their clients’ specific needs. You can also donate through Finn Church Aid and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission. These charities are not limited to Christmas but operate all year round. LINKS

In Helsinki, you can also donate to the Lutheran parishes’ diaconal work. This donation method is also available at all times, so that diaconal workers can help people throughout the year. LINK https://www.helsinginseurakunnat.fi/artikkelit/vahavaraisialahimmaisiavoitukeadiakoniatyonkautta

6. My living situation is difficult and I have to cut back on many things at Christmas. How can I or my family get a gift or gift voucher?

Different parishes have different policies on this. You can find out more from your local church's diaconal worker or search the parish website. Some parishes require you to fill in an application in order to receive a Christmas gift. Deadlines vary from parish to parish, and it is important to apply well in advance.