wish-list action University Staff Provide Gifts for Heidelberg Children
9 December 2025
160 parcels handed over after wish-list action in cooperation with Diakonisches Werk
A new record and a small anniversary: Jens Andreas Meinen, Kanzler of Ruperto Carola, was able to present 160 lovingly packed gifts to Martin Heß, managing director of Diakonisches Werk Heidelberg, as part of the traditional wish-list action. This year, too, a large number of university administration staff participated in the action, which took place for the 15th time and produced the highest number of Christmas parcels to date. They go to support families and single parents from Heidelberg in difficult or financially worrying situations. The Diakonisches Werk, the social welfare organization of the church, will now see to the distribution of the gifts, ranging from toys to books to clothing.
During the handover, also attended by the university’s Rector Prof. Dr Frauke Melchior, the Kanzler thanked all those involved and underlined the importance of the action: “Each year our wish-list action is a nice opportunity to focus on people who do not have it easy. In times characterized by uncertainties, crises and dwindling cohesion, we would like this project to put down a marker for community, mutual support and humanity,” said Jens Andreas Meinen.
Martin Heß was also impressed by the great response: “The record number of parcels shows what a special community has formed here at the university. For the children and families who receive these presents it means that wishes come true that would otherwise have to remain unfulfilled. The parcels are a special highlight at Christmas and bring a smile to the children’s faces.” The strong support is also a source of satisfaction to Elisabeth Trnka-Hammel, who initiated the wish-list action and coordinated it this year as well.
The Christmas parcels were handed over on 8 December 2025 in the entrance hall of the university administration in Seminarstraße 2.