From Saturday morning, December 5, the Mikulástroli, a trolleybus dressed in festive decoration and lights, will roam Budapest for a limited time. Onboard, the passengers can meet the Mikulás, the Hungarian Santa Claus, and the Krampus. Passengers can even donate shoeboxes full of goodies for children, as BKK will help the Hungarian Baptist Aid in their annual charity campaign. BKK and BKV Zrt. will join the Hungarian Baptist Aid again this year for its 17th gift-raising campaign. The pandemic does not only make the lives of struggling families harder, but it also hinders the gift-raising campaign, so there is a greater need than ever for collaborations and donations.
According to BKK, until December 19th, people can travel with Santa in Budapest on trolleybus lines 72M, 75, 76, 77, 80, and 83 and give gifts to those in need. Santa will not give out candies this time, and two security guards will ensure the proper distancing, but they guarantee that the donated gifts will reach even the poorest, most remote parts of Hungary to bring a smile to the face of the children who are in need.
Source: BKK
This trolleybus is not only special because Santa is sitting on it but also because of the unique lights and interior decoration. Put these all together and they are sure to provide a festive atmosphere.
Taking advantage of the possibilities provided by the vehicle, this unique trolleybus, thanks to its batteries, will travel on an extended route to the city centre. Trolleybuses 75 and 77, for example, will travel to Puskás Ferenc Stadium, and trolleybuses 76 and 80 will go as far as Blaha Lujza Square instead of the Keleti Railway Station. This way, Santa can ensure that as many people as possible can reach the Mikulástroli and help children in need.
You can travel on the Mikulástroli as you would normally do on any trolleybus, and the fare is also the same. You can find out the traffic schedule of the special trolley at this link and the departure times from the BKK timetable by clicking on the trolleybus icons.
You can find out more about the shoebox donations by visiting the website of the Hungarian Baptist Aid, but such gifts can also be handed over at five BKK Customer Centres. They include the Central Customer Service at the Rumbach Centre, Kelenföld, Széll Kálmán Square, Szentlélek Square, and Baross Square, where all epidemiological regulations are observed.
As part of the 17th “national shoebox campaign”, there are 150 additional collection points.
The toys, stationery items, sweets, hygiene items, and books packed in a sturdy shoebox will reach the children who are the most in need with Santa’s little helpers, in other words, volunteers. The shoebox should be wrapped in coloured wrapping paper, preferably with the top and bottom separately (to be able to be monitored for any inappropriate items), optionally tied with a ribbon, and clearly marked on the box what aged girl or boy the gift is intended for.
The boxes are delivered to children’s homes, large family organisations, hospitals, schools, associations, foundations, and family support organisations dealing with the development of children with disabilities. The gifts can be delivered to the collection points by December 20th. The complete list can be found at www.ciposdoboz.hu, as well as much more useful information.
From December 5th to January 6th, another Fénytroli (Light trolley) will also roam the city of Budapest similarly to how the light tram works. After the Mikulástroli’s campaign has ended (after December 20th), it will also function as a light trolleybus. This way, it is ensured that
as many people around the capital as possible can enjoy the festive ride. These special trolleybuses also run during the day, so do not hesitate to see them for yourself.
Beautiful – we ALL need a bit of tender loving care at this point of time in History.
Those, less fortunate than use – especially those little ones – children, the “deeds” we do for them and ALL in need, good for the Soul.
Touching story, and Thank-You to ALL who tirelessly work for this to Happen.
I know we will as citizens of Hungary, through our selflessness and generosity support your wonderful caring and compassionate citizens and community focused project.
Beautiful – we ALL need a bit of tender loving care at this point of time in History.
Those, less fortunate than use – especially those little ones – children, the “deeds” we do for them and ALL in need, good for the Soul.
Touching story, and Thank-You to ALL who tirelessly work for this to Happen.
I know we will as citizens of Hungary, through our selflessness and generosity support your wonderful caring and compassionate citizens and community focused project.