They thanked the enthusiastic work of the diligent acorn collectors

The organizers invited those who joined the "Let's collect acorns in Orosháza!" call to an awards ceremony. The Orosháza library was full on Thursday; participants in the acorn-collecting campaign were enthusiastic across all age groups.

Kindergartens, schools, institutions, private individuals, supporters—everyone who considered it important to join the project—were awaited by the organizers. The acorn-collecting campaign lasted for months.

At the end of the campaign, winners were announced in several categories. (Photo by the author.)

The Németh Imre Foundation embraced this noble cause in Orosháza. Its president, Melinda Mészáros, told our news portal that there had been an earlier initiative linked to Emma Varga, who approached the foundation about continuing it…

"Back then, she carried it out together with the Sixty Thousand Trees Association. The goal then, as now, was for every acorn to become a seedling, then a sapling, and later to be planted in parks, schoolyards, and forests. In September our foundation, as host, launched the collection campaign."

Melinda Mészáros, the foundation's president, reported on the campaign's success. (Photo by the author.)

The acorn-collection campaign became a success story

"It became a success story. In nearly three months, 800–900 students collected 1 ton of acorns at several locations around the city. From this, we can truly plant trees," the president said hopefully.

Kindergartens, schools, high-schoolers, a retirement home, and private individuals joined in—an exemplary, broad collaboration took shape. Part of the acorns were received by the Sixty Thousand Trees Association in Békéscsaba, and by the Kiss Ferenc Forestry Technikum in Szeged.

From there came Imre Csepregi, forest engineer and instructor, who also prepared a short lecture for the awards. He told the audience about the developmental stages of oak trees, the severity of rainfall shortages, the importance of afforestation, how helpful this collection campaign is, and what will become of the acorns.

The acorn-collection campaign also supports community afforestation

"I've been in contact with the people of Orosháza for years. Our school also received acorns from this local collection. We have a nursery where two weeks ago we planted 300 kg of acorns, and in the coming days we'll plant this newly received amount as well. The long-term aim is to provide saplings for roadside planting, urban greening, and community forest projects."

The children eagerly awaited the awards ceremony, where it was also said that no one had dared hope so many people would be enticed outdoors and that the collection would achieve such results. From toddlers to pensioners, every age group mobilized for the good cause. To close the project, one winner per category (the most collected per person) was awarded, and participants were then treated to refreshments.

Ilona Csete

www.beol.hu