"Box of Courage": thousands of gifts for young patients to mark the 24th anniversary of the United Russia party

      More than 8,000 gifts were handed over to the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Children's Clinical Hospital. Toys, books and educational games were ceremoniously presented to children undergoing long-term inpatient treatment. The collection took place as part of the regional charity campaign "Box of Courage." The event was timed to coincide with the 24th anniversary of the founding of the United Russia party.

      "Children who, due to the severity of their illness, are forced to spend a long time in the hospital need not only medicines and careful medical care. A good mood, the opportunity to spend their free time with interest, and distractions are important. The 'Box of Courage' campaign is aimed at creating such happy moments that help make treatment and hospital stays easier, and give strength for recovery. We see how such meetings positively affect the emotional atmosphere and help children cope with treatment more easily. Even a small gift is enough to brighten their hospital days and help them recover faster," said Yuri Balashov, deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      A welcoming address was delivered by Olga Kuzmicheva, Deputy Chief Physician for Pediatrics of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Children's Clinical Hospital. She expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants of the campaign for their attention to the children undergoing treatment.

      The importance of supporting the young patients was emphasized by Dmitry Filipenko, head of the regional executive committee of the United Russia party:

      "Supporting children who are fighting illness is our duty and responsibility. For more than ten years, the 'Box of Courage' has become a true tradition of mercy, and we see how important such concrete, targeted assistance is. It gives strength to children and confidence to their parents that they are not alone. Every toy handed over is a contribution to the child's recovery, a sign that we are together and ready to help. Seeing the happy eyes of the children is the best reward."

      At the end of the ceremonial part, each child could take any toy they liked from the "Box of Courage."

      "I am here with my son. He couldn't be at this celebration because he has a procedure now; they're putting in an IV. I'll choose a toy for him myself. He will be very happy! And for me the best gift is his smile," shared Anna Mastovykh, a mother of a patient at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Children's Clinical Hospital.

      Young patient Vika from the hospital's hematology ward chose markers and modeling clay. According to the girl, the gifts will help her please her mother.

      "I love to sculpt and I want to make a rabbit out of the clay. My mother asked for such a present. I'll give her this toy," she said.

      "Boxes of Courage" have been collected in the region for 13 years. The campaign has become an important tradition in the region. This year more than 5,000 residents of the region responded to the call to support the children. The total number of collected toys exceeded 17,000 items.

      "Of course, children always need toys. In our oncohematology ward, the children undergo treatment for a long time. That's why we always look forward to such campaigns and such concrete help. And now, with the approach of the New Year holidays, the gifts are especially timely. Many thanks to everyone who took part in the campaign!" said Larisa Kuzovenkova, caregiver and educational organizer of the Department of Hematology and Chemotherapy at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Children's Clinical Hospital.

      More than 9,000 gifts will be sent to district hospitals in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. This good deed brought together party representatives, medical workers, public organizations and caring residents of Nizhny Novgorod. Deputies at various levels, pupils of schools and kindergartens, and activists of the "Young Guard" took active part in the campaign in 2025.

      Evgeny Kostin, head of the United Russia faction in the City Duma, handed over books, coloring books, markers, pencils, puzzles, modeling clay and colored paper for the young patients.

      City Duma deputies Mikhail Ivanov and Pavel Pashinin purchased special sports equipment and developmental games for the rehabilitation of children for Hospital No. 17 in the Sormovsky District.

      "This kind campaign brings young patients not only joy from bright toys, but also a deep sense of confidence in their own abilities, strengthening faith and helping to overcome difficulties," noted Pavel Pashinin.

      City Duma deputy Sergey Plyaskin said that for many years he has been donating gifts to Children's Hospital No. 27 "Aibolit" as part of the "Box of Courage" campaign.

      "I am very glad to take part in such a kind campaign. I always find out from the hospital management what needs to be purchased first at the moment. I hope that the gifts received by the children will become an incentive for a speedy recovery!" the deputy said.

      It should be recalled that the charity campaign "Box of Courage" is held annually. During the gift collection days in Nizhny Novgorod, drop-off points are open at the regional executive committee of United Russia and at the Party's Public Support Headquarters.

      The campaign is aimed at supporting children undergoing long-term treatment in hospices, oncology centers and other medical institutions. The donated toys are intended to help children cope more easily with medical procedures, provide positive emotions and support them during treatment.

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