Mirela Geko was four years old when the war started in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a little girl in besieged Sarajevo, a New Year's present was her dream. And then a present from Elna, a girl from Sarajevo who fled to Denmark with her relatives had arrived. 

“Even though we never met, we never got to know each other, she prepared a present for me, which we're now preparing presents for the children of Ukraine. At the moment when everything around us is collapsing, when we run to the basement every day and we don't know how long we will stay in that basement, we are looking for a safe place to survive. I know exactly what the letter looked like, what kind of paper it was, I know what was in that little gift box. It had wax crayons, wooden crayons, a notebook, a colouring book, toothpaste… That was the first time I saw a children's toothpaste. I remember the taste…,” Mirela told N1.

Before the New Year, she decided to donate presents to children in Ukraine. In this way, she supports the action of the Museum of Wartime Childhood, of which she is an employee.

“The presents we're sending to Ukraine also include sweets and snacks, which all children love, it could also include something that will have sentimental value, something that will have practical value. It may be a toy, but actually, the main focus of the present is the letter that would also be included. A short letter with words of support.” – Mia Babic from the Museum of Wartime Childhood explained.

F.Z./N1

F.Z./N1

F.Z./N1

F.Z./N1

F.Z./N1

F.Z./N1

F.Z./N1

The Museum of Wartime Childhood receives all donations until December 23, and all the details about the preparation and donation of these presents can be found on the Wartime Childhood Museum in Sarajevo’s website.