Fans of VfL Bochum can make donations before the home game against KSC. UB 99 brings joy to children and those in need with “Christmas from a Shoebox.”

The Ultras Bochum 1999 collected donations for a good cause again this Advent. The “Christmas from a Shoebox” campaign has been running since 2014. This time, the VfL Bochum fan group explained on flyers and on their website that they wanted to ensure that children, but not only children, would benefit.

This editorial team learned that the Ultras distributed roughly 400 filled shoeboxes last year. The goal for 2025 was to collect at least as many.

And this year, that number was clearly exceeded. It is said to be a high three-digit figure. “Our ‘Christmas from a Shoebox’ campaign has collected more packages this year than ever before! Especially in times like these, you realize what solidarity can achieve,” write the Ultras Bochum themselves.

The Ultras are collecting for the Bochum soup kitchen, the University Children’s Hospital (Catholic Hospital Bochum), and ViA Ruhr e.V., which supports young people in need of social assistance, explain the organizers. “In this way, we are deliberately helping adults as well as children and young people who would particularly benefit from a little joy during this time,” write the Ultras.

Only certain gifts allowed for hospital children

There were clear guidelines for the shoeboxes for the hospital children: food, sweets, and hygiene items are not allowed. Permitted items include toys, coloring and craft supplies, stuffed animals (new and in their original packaging only), books, soft balls, and anti-stress balls. The ViA Ruhr association recommends toys and smaller gift items. Donors should label the boxes with “Soup Kitchen,” “Children’s Hospital – Boy/Girl,” or “ViA Ruhr – Boy/Girl.” On December 22, members of the Ultras will then deliver the gifts in person.