Christmas for everyone: parcel campaign gives prisoners hope!

Christmas for everyone: parcel campaign gives prisoners hope!

In the run-up to Christmas there is a very special commitment - the “Light for Christmas” campaign in the Waldeck prison. Pastor Martin Kühn, the prison chaplain, has launched an urgent appeal to bring a little joy to more than 200 prisoners. The initiative is not only a sign of hope, but also a way to show those incarcerated that they are not forgotten. How NDR reports, the special requirements placed on the packages are an exciting challenge.

Packages that meet certain criteria can be submitted for the campaign until December 15th. Food, coffee, tea, tobacco, books, sweets, hygiene products and an invisible card greeting without a return address are permitted. Flammable or perishable items are explicitly excluded. These small gifts can be given at various locations: in the Dummerstorf municipal administration, the Kessin parish, the Catholic parish “Herz Jesu” in Rostock or directly in the Waldeck correctional facility as well as by post. A little hint: If you can arrange it, it's best to bring your packages in person!

A ray of hope in dark times

Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many prisoners. Pastor Kühn notes that these months in particular are characterized by feelings of loneliness. “We would like to give every prisoner a package to show that they are being thought of,” he explains. Pastor Asja Garling also emphasizes the importance of these small gifts for the prisoners, who are often at an emotional low point. Smaller gestures can make a big difference in these difficult times.

On December 2nd there will be an open confirmation hour in the Biestow parish to provide information about the project. In addition, package packing campaigns are planned for December 16th with confirmation candidates and volunteers who will actively help prepare the packages. Pastor Kühn uses such opportunities to communicate his important work in the Waldeck correctional facility and to motivate others to participate.

Regional partnerships and engagement

The commitment in the region is considerable. Churches and communities have come together to support the campaign. You can't start getting involved early enough. The “Charity Liberated” group has already gained experience from previous campaigns, where 1,666 packages were distributed for last Christmas. Thanks to a large number of donations and joint efforts, all correctional facilities could be reached. This shows how strong cohesion is in society and that every individual can make a difference.

As in many national communities, relatives are not allowed to send packages directly for security reasons. Instead, the packages are distributed to the prisoners via the prison chaplaincy. This approach guarantees that every prisoner receives a small piece of home. Reactions from prisoners show gratitude and illustrate the importance of this gesture. This makes Christmas not only a festival of joy, but also a festival of charity and hope.

The commitment of communities, combined with the support of volunteers, is creating a wave of solidarity that extends far beyond prison walls. If you would also like to take part in this campaign, please do not hesitate to get involved and give a light of hope. Further information about the package campaign can be found on the website Church MV or at Charity Liberated.