In Gothenburg, Stadsmissionen has recorded a record number of applications for Christmas help this year, with 2500 households seeking support to buy gifts for their children. Families in financial difficulty can freely select toys in a special shop, donated by private individuals. The initiative, which has existed since the 1950s, reflects growing economic challenges among low-income earners.
Gothenburg's Stadsmissionen runs a Christmas gift shop on Första Långgatan where parents in financial difficulty can pick up free Christmas gifts for their children. The shop is filled with toys, games, dolls, soccer balls, stuffed animals, Lego, and speakers – all donated by private individuals.
This year, the number of applications has surged, from 1700 households last year to 2500 this year. The increase is particularly noticeable among single mothers with precarious part-time jobs in healthcare, preschool, or hotels. Eva Barron, responsible for Stadsmissionen's Christmas help, explains: “There is an increased need for help, especially among those with the lowest incomes. All prices have risen, but their incomes have not increased much, if at all.”
One visitor is Yanira Robles, 30, a single mother of two daughters aged three and one. She lives in a 19-square-meter apartment with a hot plate instead of a kitchen and is part-time employed in healthcare. With an income of about 11,500 kronor per month, the money goes to rent, food, and diapers. “Christmas is like a punch in the stomach,” Yanira tells Aftonbladet. She has selected a doll and a unicorn for her daughters, which she couldn't afford otherwise.
Yanira describes a tough daily life: “My money goes to rent, food, and diapers. Sometimes you go to bed hungry in the evenings. Then my daughter asks if I'm not going to eat, but I usually say I've already eaten so they can have the food.” She encourages others to seek help: “It's taboo to not have money, but there is help available.”
Stadsmissionen hopes to assist over 2000 households with Christmas gifts and food this year. The initiative began in the 1950s and brings hope to many families ahead of Christmas.
