Behind the Blue Bucket Campaign: Building resilience and restoring hope in Eastern Europe

Distributing food in blue buckets to older people and families in vulnerable situations is at the heart of Dorcas’ Blue Bucket Campaign in Eastern Europe. However, the initiative is about more than just providing food: it also focuses on offering personal attention, restoring self-confidence and fostering stronger communities.

In addition to the annual Dorcas Food Campaign in the Netherlands, Dorcas runs a separate food initiative called the Blue Bucket Campaign. This campaign takes place each year in Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Albania – countries where Dorcas operates in Eastern Europe.

Volunteers, churches and schools collect food in blue buckets for older people and families in vulnerable circumstances. The buckets primarily contain non-perishable items such as oil, flour, and beans, though local fresh produce is often included too.

Attention and appreciation

For many of those who receive the buckets, the food provides a welcome addition to what little they have. However, distributing food involves much more than just handing over supplies. Volunteers who deliver the buckets take the time to chat, offering personal attention that makes older people feel seen and valued. These interactions restore dignity and offer renewed hope for the days ahead.

A snowball effect

The Blue Bucket Campaign has been running in Romania since 2009. Food and monetary donations are collected from supermarkets and other locations.

‘Our campaign grows every year. It truly has a snowball effect. Last year, we almost doubled our efforts, collecting an impressive 5,860 buckets of food,’ explains Mihai Coste, Programme Coordinator at Dorcas Romania.

‘This year, we aim to expand the campaign further. We are seeking to engage more partners and have established a volunteer committee to coordinate the initiative here in Cluj, where our office is located. By involving additional stakeholders, we can reach and assist even more people.’

A social safety net

The Blue Bucket Campaign has a significant impact on communities. It raises awareness of the difficult living conditions often faced by the older generation. It encourages people to look out for one another and offer support to those in need.

Mihai adds: ‘We strive to involve as many community members as possible. We collaborate with churches, volunteers, local development organisations and businesses. Through this approach, we aim to build stronger communities. Ultimately, this creates a social safety net within the community itself, reducing long-term dependency on our assistance.’

> Find out more about the Blue Bucket Campaign <

18 December 2025