Since 1996, the American Women’s Club of Luxembourg (AWCL) has led the Gifts for Kids initiative, a volunteer-run effort to bring Saint Nicholas Day presents to children living in Luxembourg foyers. In Luxembourg, St. Nicholas Day is a traditional holiday celebrated across the country, where children in elementary school have the day off, and it’s customary for all children to receive a gift in honor of the occasion.

How does Gifts for Kids work?

Businesses, schools, and organizations across Luxembourg participate by displaying giving trees with ornaments that reflect the gift wishes of real children. Each ornament represents a toy chosen by a child from the Cactus Holiday Catalog. Individuals who wish to fulfill a gift wish simply provide the funds for the purchase, and 100% of the money raised goes directly to buying the gifts. AWCL arranges the purchase and delivery of these gifts, ensuring they arrive in time for Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th.

In 2023, Gifts for Kids brought joy to 1,453 children, the most ever. Students at St. George's International School and ISL also contribute by creating beautiful handmade cards to accompany each gift, adding a personal and heartfelt touch.

Social workers from Luxembourg foyers (group homes) have commented on the profound impact of the Gifts for Kids initiative has within their community:

“The gifts offered by your association to children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have a profound impact on their well-being and happiness. They bring not only joy, but also a feeling of inclusion and care, which is essential for their personal and emotional development.”  Stefan Schoos, Hëllef um Terrain (HUT) 

"We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the wonderful and unforgettable memories you create with the gifts you give to our children each year on St. Nicholas Day. They brighten up this festive season and bring immense joy to the children who attend our Center. Your generosity is truly inspiring and gives us the chance to see the wonder and smiles on the children's faces and is a great comfort in the lives of many families we care for."  Caty Diop Social Worker at Centre Oasis

“Bringing a smile to the children in our home is the best Saint Nicholas gift! For several years now, your association has been offering around fifty gifts to the children in our home. This event is prepared in the presence of Saint Nicholas to the great delight of the children and their parents. A gift for all! A slogan that we can proudly exclaim, thanks to you and your precious donors. Unfortunately, some parents do not have the financial means to buy a gift for each child and your initiative helps to reduce inequalities between families in the home."  

Fatou Ndiaye, Foyer Diekirch - Hëllef um Terrain (HUT)

On the first Saturday morning edition of the Melissa Dalton show, Melissa welcomed Corinne Koenig and Marwah Naseem from the American Women’s Club of Luxembourg to discuss the Gifts for Kids program. Tune in to learn how you and your company can support through donations or volunteering!

Will you help us fill more shoes in 2024?