Joy to Give! – 1,800 children to start the school year with dignity

The school supply donation campaign Joy to Give! — a joint initiative by the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta and SPAR Hungary—has successfully concluded once again this year, with countless generous shoppers joining the nationwide effort.

During the in-store collection held between 21–24 August 2025, nearly 100,000 school supplies and educational items were donated at INTERSPAR stores. In addition, shoppers wishing to help donated over 1.8 million forints through the purchase of donation cards, available since 1 August. SPAR Hungary further contributed 1 million forints to the cause, which the Charity Service will use to purchase more school supplies.

The donations will be swiftly distributed at the beginning of September: through the national network of the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, carefully prepared packages will reach 1,800 children in need, ensuring they can begin the school year fully equipped.

“Purchasing even the most basic school supplies can be a significant burden for the poorest families. With the Joy to Give! campaign, we are not just providing notebooks, pencils, or school bags—we are giving children a fair chance, so they don’t start the school year at a disadvantage. The support of volunteers, customers, and SPAR once again provided genuine help for thousands of children” emphasised Tamás Romhányi, Head of Communications at the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta.

“Every child deserves to start the school year with joy and a sense of security. It is touching to see how generously our customers support us year after year when it comes to helping families in difficult circumstances. We are proud to contribute to the September school start each year alongside the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta” said Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications at SPAR Hungary.

The results of the donation campaign and further details can be found at www.adniorom.hu.