In Chorzów, Poland, the project "Stars with their hands" took place around Christmas, in the freezing cold of winter. 

"Our project was created to highlight the importance of building family and social ties." Sr. Anna

It was intended to offer a beautiful moment of sweetness in the family for children from the socio-therapeutic center who are going through very difficult moments in life, and for the most disadvantaged who receive meals from the Daughters of Charity.

It all started with a joyful urgency! A dozen days before Christmas, the usual places turned into real festive spots. Sr. Anna and the volunteers ran to find Christmas decorations, supplies to make small gifts to slip into the hands of parents, treats to brighten the children’s eyes, and to buy the ingredients for a good Christmas meal.

"Garden tools have been purchased so that the people who frequent the premises can, throughout the seasons, maintain the garden. Because dignity also comes from taking care of one’s environment." Sr. Anna

A vigil that changed lives

On December 22, the place lit up!

In the sisters' chapel, in front of their parents, the children presented a living nativity scene in which Saint Vincent de Paul appeared, reminding them that simple things done with love have great value and that everyone is able to do them.
Families who were victims of social exclusion felt closeness and unity.

Around a Christmas dinner shared between families, children and people from the street, the magic worked... The children served Christmas meals and distributed food packages so that the festival was not just an evening, but several days of comfort.

"Through this experience, they have learned that poverty does not prevent us from doing good. There is always someone weaker than us, someone who needs a hot meal, a conversation so they don’t feel alone, or a smile so they don’t feel sad." Sr. Anna

In total, about 100 people have benefited from this project: children, families and disadvantaged people of the city.

Stories that transcend us

Dawid and Mikołaj are two brothers. Their family was in pain, the ties with their parents had grown weak. They are happy that the boys regularly help serve meals to those in need. Family relationships have strengthened.

Daniel and his siblings had a difficult life. Their father, a drug addict, died. Their mother was in serious difficulty. After the Christmas meeting, she started coming more often to the center, talking about her children and seeking psychological help. Children now help people who are poorer than they are, and this helps them to heal and build better relationships, such as a gift of self therapy...

Stars that continue to shine

This project brought joy and connection. The parents interviewed enjoyed the family activities, they really liked the meeting at the chapel, they rated "excellent" the Christmas dinner. The majority said that the project was necessary and had improved family relationships. And the volunteers saw it too!

The children felt useful in carrying out the project.
The isolated people found a beautiful place.

"Thanks to you, the children in our therapeutic daycare had a wonderful Christmas. It was a wonderful moment, filled with joy, conviviality and shared love.
We want to continue. Not only to remake Christmas, but so that each season is an opportunity to find each other, to help each other, to heal together. Thank you for allowing us to light these stars. They are still shining. And with your support, they will continue to light hearts, well beyond the holidays." Sr. Anna