Debrecen4U December 12, 2025

Many people living near Debrecen have already enjoyed receiving their Christmas gifts

This was already the 13th “Farmstead Christmas”(Tanyasi Karácsony) in Nagycsere, and this year donations exceeded even last year’s amount.

“Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the Lord will deliver them in times of trouble.” This biblical quote perfectly reflects the important work carried out by the organizers of the “Farmstead Christmas”event since 2013. The tradition continued this year as well: for the 13th time, families in need living in Nagycsere and Haláp received donations in the days leading up to the holidays.

The initiative was launched by the Zrínyi Miklós Hunting Association, whose commitment to social responsibility serves as an inspiring example for other organizations. In addition to this charitable work, they regularly organize forest cleanups, litter collection, and cultural or educational programs, most of which focus on fostering the love of nature. The event is supported by the Debrecen‑Nagycser‑Haláp Reformed Missionary Congregation and the Contemporary Salon Cultural Foundation.

For seventeen years, Zoltán Jenei has served as pastor of the Debrecen‑Nagycser‑Haláp Reformed Congregation. He also does his share of the tasks, recalling that organizing the event requires enormous effort. Planning begins well before Advent, with careful coordination of processes and outreach to donors. “Over the years, many kind‑hearted and generous people have joined the hunting association’s program, and thanks to this, we have been able to provide significant support together for people facing hardship year after year,” said Zoltán Jenei.

Szilvia Zahari revealed the figures that this year nearly 300 people were supported, living at 120 addresses—many of them in nearby farmsteads. Last year donations exceeded HUF 4 million, and this time even more was directed to those in need.

“This year, donations amounted to HUF 4 million 350 thousand, with 13 organizations contributing to this charitable effort,” Tibor Both, the chief organizer, added.

The packages once again contained everyday essentials—useful before, during, and after Christmas, or even during the holiday: non-perishable food, household goods, cleaning supplies, health products, and some sweets to literally sweeten the lives of the recipients.

“This is help I’ve received now, but otherwise there isn’t any other support. For example, I applied for a firewood voucher as part of housing assistance, but there are always excuses—one reason or another. In the end, whether they send something or not remains a mystery,” said László Nagy.

Deputy Mayor Diána Széles emphasized the importance of having compassionate citizens in Debrecen who believe in helping others, strengthening not only their own lives but also the life of the community.

“In Debrecen, the power of love and solidarity is alive, because our city is made up of people who are willing to act for others—even now, during Advent,” she highlighted.

Many of the campaign’s supporters were involved in delivering and handing over the gift packages. Among them were local government representative Gyöngyi Dankuné Nagy and Edit Bódor, chair of the Debrecen Charity Association. 

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu