GNK Dinamo Zagreb and its foundation Nema Predaje have launched their second annual campaign to collect school supplies for children in need across Croatia. The initiative, titled “Nema predaje, ni u školi!” (No giving up, not even at school!), aims to provide essential learning materials to students from orphanages, social care institutions, and families with limited financial resources ahead of the new academic year starting September 7. Last year’s goal was to equip 800 students, but due to overwhelming public support, donations were collected for over 1,800 children nationwide. The campaign has already reached multiple cities and towns across Croatia, including Zagreb, Cres, Karlovac, Osijek, Petrinja, Pula, Sisak, Slavonski Brod, Split, Vodnjan, Zadar, and dozens of smaller villages. This year, organizers are encouraging donors to contribute either entire school bags filled with supplies or individual items such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, art supplies, and more. All donated items must be clean, undamaged, and functional, whether new or used. School bags can be new or used, but they must be free of drawings and in good condition. Pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers can be used but must still work properly. Art supplies such as crayons, markers, tempera paints, and brushes can be new or previously used, but they must remain intact and usable. Notebooks of all sizes are also being collected. Donors have several options for contributing. Items can be sent by post to Darija Drnić at Ulica Slavka Kolara 18, Kuče, 10419 Vukovina. Alternatively, individuals can drop off supplies in person at designated locations. These include Tuesday, August 18, in the Dynamo fan zone before the match against Viking; Saturday, August 22, in the fan zone prior to the game against Varaždin at Stadion Maksimir; and from August 19 to 23 during the Dani Maksimira event at the sports field of XV Gymnasium, MIOC. Another collection point will be on Sunday, August 23, at the “Živim svoj san” tournament organized by ŽNK Dinamo at the grounds of NK Ban Jelačić in Vukovina. Organizers have requested that each donation package be labeled with information about the intended recipient, such as “Girl, 5th grade elementary school” or “Boy, 2nd grade high school.” They emphasized that participation does not require donating a fully packed school bag, individual items like a notebook, pencil case, set of crayons, or pack of pencils are equally valuable and welcome. The campaign builds on last year's success, which saw an unexpected surge in contributions far exceeding initial expectations. Organizers expressed confidence that fans would continue to show strong support, particularly during upcoming matches against Viking and Varaždin. Additional information about the campaign is available via email at info@zakladanemapredaje.hr and through the foundation’s social media channels. The initiative reflects a growing trend among Croatian football clubs and foundations to engage in community outreach efforts beyond sports. By leveraging their popularity and reach, organizations like Nema Predaje aim to address pressing social issues while fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility among supporters. The campaign highlights the importance of collective action in addressing educational inequality. While the primary focus is on providing tangible resources, the underlying message is one of hope and encouragement for children facing economic hardship. As the new school year approaches, the effort underscores the role of local communities and institutions in ensuring that every child has access to the tools needed for a successful start to the academic year. The organizers plan to distribute the collected supplies to eligible students before the official start of the school year, ensuring that no child begins their education without the necessary materials. Updates on the progress of the campaign and distribution logistics will be communicated through the foundation’s official channels.
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