Christmas donations at “Bonner Loch” Private persons organize help for the homeless

BONN · On Saturday morning, helpers from a private initiative set themselves up at the “Bonner Loch” across from Bonn’s central train station, offering clothing and food to the needy and homeless.

Marcel Belz (40) would not have thought there would be a small gift awaiting him already on the morning of Christmas Eve. His friend, Stephan Brandt (45) said, “I am surprised and thrilled.” The initiative “Helfende Helfer” (Helping helpers), once again took care of the needy and homeless, distributing donated clothing, shoes, shower gels, kleenix and chocolate Santa Clauses at the “Bonner Loch”, across from Bonn’s Hauptbahnhof (central train station).

The privately organized helpers are not only engaged at Christmas time; they are there on the first Sunday of every month. Along with clothing, they offer potato salad to go or soup - on Saturday it was with beef and there was also a vegan vegetable soup.

Michaela Weyler has been involved in the initiative for a long time and her son, Tizian had promoted it at his school. One third of his Year 7 class were a part of the project. But one commented, “I don’t really feel like I can talk to a homeless person,” although he said he wanted to make the effort. Class teacher Annette Otzipka said, “I thought our boys would have the chance to see just how good they have it.” She added, “Sometimes, you have to take responsibility for others and take care of them.”

Organizer Priya Köhler said, “I’ve been doing this since 2010.” The 26-year-old shared a personal experience. “Back then, I bought a hot chocolate for a homeless person.” That person was so grateful and it was a moving experience for Köhler. She asked herself, “Why can’t this happen more often?” At the first initiative for the homeless, the Restaurant Tuscola brought two big pots of tomato soup, to the great joy of many.

On Saturday morning, Stephan Brandt found a pair of shoes and a backpack for his daughter. Then he went with Marcel Belz to a lunch in the City-Station, where they ate goose, dumplings, red cabbage and had a small Christmas celebration.

The helping helpers would be grateful for any donations of warm food. Contact can be made per Mail or on facebook.

(Orig. text: Richard Bongartz)

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