Small Steps That Make a Child’s Day Brighter

Every day, around 410 children and young people step into one of the 13 day centers run by the Maltese Order. For many of them, these centers are the only safe place they know — a space where they can eat a warm meal, do their homework, feel seen, and simply be children.

We invite you to help us prepare 13 essential-items baskets, each valued at a minimum of €100. Families, school classes, teams, departments, and companies — everyone can contribute. Every basket matters. Every basket supports the daily well-being of these children.

“How was your day?” — “Good.”

 Sadly, many children never hear this simple question at home. Together, we can help change that — by improving their everyday experience at the day centers.

Why Your Support Matters

 The Maltese Order supports children and youth facing a variety of life challenges:

• Growing up in at-risk or vulnerable families
• Returning from foster care
• Lacking stable support from parents or relatives

To meet their needs, the Maltese Order has established 13 day centers, with 2 more on the way.

A Growing Need

• 366 children attended in 2024
• 410 children have already visited in the first three quarters of 2025

Two trends are especially clear:

Rising demand in smaller towns – For many children who return home alone after school, the day center becomes the safest place to stay — where they can:

• Do schoolwork in a calm environment
• Receive a warm meal
• Build social and emotional skills

More children with special needs – Day centers are increasingly supporting children with various disorders or special needs, making daily structure and access to help even more essential. At the day centers, children discover not only support but possibility — a community that accepts them, helps them grow, and encourages their confidence.

What the Baskets Provide

A recent assessment showed that day centers play a crucial role in meeting children’s basic hygiene and school preparation needs.
Each basket includes:

• Stationery
• Hygiene products
• Other essential everyday items

Minimum value: €100 per basket.

We invite you, your family, your class, your team, or your company to donate one basket for a day center.

Contributions are welcome until December 10.

We’ll Take Care of the Rest. The Fenix Charity and Support Foundation will manage:

• Purchasing
• Packing
• Delivery

And once we reach the required amount, we will add a small gift or holiday treat to each basket — just to bring a little extra joy. This initiative is a meaningful continuation of our ongoing partnership with the Maltese Order, and we’re grateful to build this support together.