Holiday decoration at Kaarster Town Hall during the festive season, featuring a beautifully adorned Christmas tree.
In the heart of Kaarst, a charming town in Germany, a new tradition has taken root – the Wish Tree action. This community project, which replaced the previous shoebox action, invites residents to hang their wishes, hopes, or messages on a designated tree or installation.
The Wish Tree action is managed voluntarily by the Gaspers family, with the cooperation of the "Kaarster helfen" association since 2021. The city of Kaarst has shown its support for this initiative, making it a cherished part of the local community.
Unlike the previous shoebox action, adult wishes now also hang on the Wish Tree. These wishes are for people who may not receive gifts at Christmas, often elderly people or those unable to work due to disability. The gifts collected during this action are then distributed to the recipients during the holiday season.
Mayor Ursula Baum has taken an active role in the Wish Tree action, picking wish cards from the tree for the upcoming holiday season. She encourages many participants, stating that small wishes can make someone's holiday brighter.
The Protestant and Catholic churches in Kaarst also participate in this heartwarming initiative, adding a spiritual dimension to the project.
If you wish to learn more about the Wish Tree action or participate, you can contact Sigrid Hecker at Tel. 02131 / 98 75 22 or [email protected]. Gift collection times at the town hall are as follows: December 8 (2-5 pm), December 14 (5-7 pm), and December 16 (10 am-2 pm). In exceptional cases, gifts can be collected at the Kaarst town hall information desk.
The Wish Tree action has been running for 16 years in the city of Kaarst, fostering community spirit, reflection, and creativity among its residents. It serves as a reminder that the simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life.
The Gaspers family, on a voluntary basis and with the help of the "Kaarster helfen" association, have managed the Wish Tree action since 2021, which has become a cherished part of the local lifestyle in Kaarst, integrating home-and-garden aesthetics into the community project. During the holiday season, adult wish cards from the Wish Tree are transformed into gifts for those who may not receive any other presents, sparking a ripple of kindness throughout the community.
