In Chorzów, Poland, located in the Upper Silesian coal basin, the dominant industries were metallurgy and mining. However, over the past twenty years, these industries have declined, resulting in many people losing their jobs and an increase in poverty. The urban area of Chorzów (population 100,000) faces social challenges that are visible in pockets of poverty, which have mobilised the Daughters of Charity.

The Daughters of Charity caring for children and elderly people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Chorzów 

"Our community runs a socio-therapeutic day centre for 40 children from dysfunctional families and a social centre for 82 to 100 elderly people aged between 60 and 100. Many of them are disabled and live alone. We support a religious group of about 40 elderly people, as well as a community of about 30 deaf-mute people." Sr Anna

Most of the people receiving assistance are of low social status. They earn very low wages, have no insurance and have a low level of education. They are simple people, but they are willing to work hard. 

The most vulnerable children are those from large or single-parent families, with low levels of education and particularly exposed to financial or social difficulties. These children suffer from material deprivation, have limited access to extracurricular activities, live in poorly heated homes and are not always adequately fed. The most serious issue is that they often experience emotional distress or prolonged periods of psychological stress. 

"They don't have good role models. Parents sometimes try to feel better by consuming alcohol or drugs. They hear a lot of bad language and sometimes witness violence at home." Sr Anna

The project: to offer a moment of joy at Christmas with their families for these children who are going through very difficult times in their lives. 

Many of these children do not know the true meaning of the holidays because they have not experienced it at home. They only see Christmas on billboards, in shop windows or in television adverts. 

"We want these children to see the holidays as a time for building family and community ties. Being poor or making mistakes does not take away a person's right to love, regardless of their situation." Sr Anna

The project will take place at Christmas time. 30 children and 70 people in difficult circumstances will be the protagonists and guests at this celebration.

- The children from the nursery and the socio-therapeutic day care centre, with the help of volunteers, will prepare a special Christmas Mass for parents, carers and employees.

- After Mass, everyone will be invited to a Nativity play. Saint Vincent will appear in the play, which will tell real stories of how Jesus' love changes bad behaviour.

- Then, in rooms decorated with Christmas trees and festive decorations, Saint Vincent will greet parents, offer them his Christmas wishes and share with them what their children want most during the festive season: family ties, love, health and safety.

- The children will perform a concert of Christmas carols and give their parents small nativity scenes for their homes and handmade gifts. Finally, everyone will share the Christmas wafer (oplatek) and sit down to a real Christmas Eve dinner!

Parents will be proud of their children who will have helped maintain the grounds of the shelter and prepared a Christmas dinner for the city's poorest residents, as well as food parcels.

"We want to bring joy and magic to the eyes of these children
who need love, kindness and a normal family life." Sr Anna

With Them, Thanks to You

Photos 2024 of a festive Christmas full of peace and love

If the project is funded beyond its target, the surplus donations received will be allocated to a similar project.