Together for Refugees: Appeal for Welcome Baskets

A new donation drive has launched in Gütersloh to support refugees arriving in the city. The initiative, led by the Evangelical Church’s Asylum Working Group in partnership with local authorities, aims to provide essential welcome packages. These kits will include household basics, children’s supplies, and hygiene products to help newcomers settle in.

The Asylum Working Group has long promoted a culture of welcome in Gütersloh. Working alongside the city and other organisations, they now seek donations to fund the packages. Each kit contains orientation materials, school and art supplies for children, laundry baskets, towels, and hygiene essentials.

Volunteers play a key role in assembling the packages. Karin Elsing, the group’s spokesperson, stressed that every contribution makes a difference. Financial donations can be made via Sparkasse Gütersloh, using the reference *AK ASYL / Welcome Packages*. The drive comes as Gütersloh prepares to welcome more refugees from January, following the closure of emergency shelters. Deputy mayor Henning Matthes praised the volunteers’ dedication, noting their work helps newcomers build a life in the city. Beyond donations, the group is also recruiting long-term volunteers. Opportunities include mentoring, language support, and integration assistance. Interested individuals can contact Katharina Stein at *katharina.stein@diakonie-ourwebsite* or Hildegard Karhoff-Müller at *[email protected]*.

The welcome packages will offer practical support to refugees arriving in Gütersloh. The initiative also signals the community’s commitment to inclusion. Organisers hope the drive will smooth the transition for new arrivals in the coming months.