The relief operation began in 1948, after SZ editors' calls to donate money and winter clothes for those in Munich who had been bombed - and had thus lost their homes and belongings. Today, the SZ Advent Calendar can no longer accept donations in kind due to organizational reasons. With monetary donations, however, they still support people in need as they did then. Thanks to cooperations with social community centers, youth services, district administration offices, the city of Munich, as well as many aid projects and charities, donations reach those in need without any deductions. All administrative costs are covered by Süddeutsche Verlag.