– The danger is that some children will not receive Christmas presents. I find that absolutely terrible to think about. Anikken Hjelde is behind “Good Christmas, little friend”. A gift drive that will ensure that children in low-income families receive Christmas presents under the tree. It all started in Drammen. A city where every fifth child lives in poverty. The campaign has now spread to 11 cities. Over the past 11 years, she has collected 150,000 Christmas presents that charities have distributed, but this year there are more families reporting a need for gifts and fewer who can afford to give. – This year has been something completely different. I see that there is a decline everywhere. In Drammen this year, just over 600 have signed up so far. Normally we would be over 1,000, explains Hjelde. And there is desperation in the text messages Anikken receives on her phone. The messages keep coming in, even though she has hidden her number. November 2022Mother: Hi, I need your help. I have five children and no money, how can I get help with Christmas presents? Can you call me back? Anikken Hjelde: Hi! I suggest you contact the Salvation Army in Drammen. I wish you lots of luck. Sincerely, Anikken The need for help is greater than before. People sign up in advance to give gifts, so she sees how big the decline is. In Trondheim, over 2,000 have signed up. But in recent years the number has been both 3,000 and 4,000 at the same time. In Bergen, there are 100 registered, while at this time there are usually 500. – This can probably be explained by the fact that people generally have less money. I think that it fits terribly badly with the situation that many find themselves in, says Hjelde and adds: – Those pieces don’t quite fit together. Because now there is probably a need for a much larger contribution than before, and so people are a bit wait-and-see with that contribution because they are perhaps a bit disadvantaged themselves. – What consequences does it have now? – What is happening is that we get fewer Christmas presents. The organizations that receive the gifts from “Good Christmas, little friend” have fewer Christmas gifts to give out to the children with whom they have contact. Are you thinking of making a donation to charity before Christmas? No, I have been given worse advice and must take care of myself. I will try to give even if I have received worse advice. Yes I will. Show result Anikken Hjelde holds up the T-shirt from the first time she organized “Merry Christmas, little friend”, 11 years ago. Photo: Caroline Bækkelund Hauge / news I think the gift support has been invaluable – A little board game has come in here. Lill Torunn Løwe heads the Salvation Army’s care center in Drammen. In the hallway is a bag that some random ladies have brought to the door. Lill Torunn Løwe is manager at the Salvation Army’s care center in Drammen. Photo: Caroline Bækkelund Hauge / news The Salvation Army is one of the organizations that has received gifts from “Good Christmas, little friend”, which they can pass on to their users. – The support we have received via “Good Christmas, little friend” has been absolutely invaluable. It has made it possible for us to help many children in Drammen, says Løwe. – So we hope that when December approaches, that there are many people who think that “I have the opportunity to go out and buy an extra gift”, she adds. Because she admits that she is worried about the increasing pressure. – We know that it is hectic before Christmas and that many people make contact. Anikken Hjelde and Lill Torunn Løwe have worked together for several years. Here from the handing over of Christmas presents in 2019. Photo: Azad razaei / news Don’t want to complain – It may suddenly turn around. That you have been someone who may have previously given to “Good Christmas, little friend”, who now actually needs to receive, says Løwe. Neither she nor Anikken Hjelde want to appear as if they are complaining. They both have a great understanding that the economic times are tough for many. Anikken is a single mother of two children. – I notice it myself. I’m not one of those people who have to stand in a food queue, but I can definitely feel the changes in my body. Higher loans, higher food prices. It goes around, but I have to be very careful when I buy food and what I spend the money on. There won’t be so much super food in the future. It is more expensive to live, says Hjelde. Anikken Hjelde started by chance what has become the country’s largest Christmas gift drive. A Facebook group that was originally supposed to be closed to the group of friends was suddenly open to anyone who wanted to join. Photo: Caroline Bækkelund Hauge / news Since its inception in 2011, the need has only grown. – I almost feel a responsibility to keep this going. – How do you think this Christmas will be? – As I sit in the middle of it and see now, I really want to say a bad word. But it looks *beep* bad. From the gift delivery in Drammens Theater in 2019. Anikken Hjelde hopes that more donors will sign up for this year’s Christmas gift drive. Photo: Caroline Bækkelund Hauge / news
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More people report a need for gifts, while fewer can afford to give
