- Case study
When 3D printing helps: Collection boxes for the Pomozte dětem appeal
How to combine modern technology with charity? For the Civil Society Development Foundation, we designed and produced almost 300 new collection boxes for the Pomozte dětem (Help the Children) project. The iconic yellow Chick with a lifebuoy has thus gained a new form that is more durable, practical and ready to help across the whole country.
Customer
NROS – Pomozte dětem
Region
charity, non-profit sector
Year
2024
Turnaround time
3 weeks
Technology that helps
3D printing is most frequently associated with prototyping. Occasionally, however, it gets the opportunity to help even where it is not a matter of technological innovation, but of something much more important. When the Civil Society Development Foundation approached us to find a new form of collection boxes for the Pomozte dětem project, we immediately knew that this was precisely where digital manufacturing could offer an interesting solution. The goal was not merely to create a new look, but to design an object that would be practical, durable, and withstand long-term use during collection campaigns across the country.
The chick that has been helping for over 20 years
The Pomozte dětem project is among the best-known charity collections in the Czech Republic. Its symbol is the yellow Chick with a lifebuoy, which over more than two decades has become an easily recognisable icon of help for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. During the project's existence, the foundation has gone through several different forms of collection boxes. Some were cheap and practical, others more visually attractive. However, none of the variants met all the requirements for durability, lifespan and simple production in the long term.
When the mascot turns into a piggy bank
Instead of a traditional collection box, we designed a solution that directly draws on the visual identity of the Pomozte dětem project. The collection box itself thus took the form of the iconic yellow Chick with a lifebuoy. The result is a fundraising item that is immediately recognisable and at the same time acts as a natural brand carrier for the entire campaign. People do not encounter an anonymous box for contributions, but an object that directly recalls the purpose of the collection. Thanks to digital design and 3D printing, it was possible to quickly test individual variants and finalise the design within a short time.
Manufacturing using 3D printing
The money boxes were produced on Original Prusa MK4 3D printers using Mango Yellow Prusament PETG, which matches the characteristic colour of the project's mascot. Each print was subsequently fitted with laser-cut and engraved transparent acrylic side panels. Thanks to the transparent parts, it is possible to watch the money box gradually fill up, which contributes to the greater appeal and credibility of the entire collection. At the same time, the combination of 3D printing and laser processing made it possible to achieve a professional appearance while maintaining reasonable production costs.
Almost 300 collection boxes across the country
In PrusaLab, we printed, assembled and prepared nearly 300 collection boxes, which were subsequently dispatched to all corners of the Czech Republic.
They were deployed for the first time during the traditional Feather Week, when volunteers raise funds to help children in difficult life situations. The new collection boxes thus immediately became part of one of the largest public fundraising events of its kind.
Thanks to their robust construction and durable materials, they will be able to serve for years to come, which represents a significant difference compared to the single-use or less durable variants used in the past.
We help not only through manufacturing
We did not participate in the project merely as a manufacturing partner.
We at Prusa Research also got involved directly in the collection, with one of the collection boxes placed at the company reception. Employees thus had the opportunity to contribute personally to helping children and become part of the whole initiative.
It is precisely projects like these that remind us that technologies are not an end in themselves. They only gain true value the moment they help solve concrete problems and bring a positive impact to real life.
Result
New collection boxes for Pomozte dětem show that 3D printing does not only have to serve industry, development or technical projects. It can equally well help non-profit organisations and charitable initiatives.
A solution has been created for the Civil Society Development Foundation that is resilient, easily reproducible, visually attractive and ready for long-term use. For us at PrusaLab, this project is proof that even a relatively simple product can have a real social impact.
And if, thanks to it, helping children is truly somewhat “lighter than a feather”, it has fulfilled its purpose perfectly.
