Gelsenkirchen.
The association “Warm through the night” had invited to the Christmas party in the St. Augustine community center in Gelsenkirchen. Almost 150 people came.
Christmas is not just about togetherness and conviviality. That is also so much food that first the tables bend and then the bellies bulge. And of course plenty of presents. The association “Warm durch die Nacht” offers all this once a year to those who are not on the sunny side of life – this year for the first time not in the open air, but in the community center of St. Augustine.
It’s just before five o’clock when all the helpers go to their posts. Below, in front of the door, a crowd of people is already waiting. Then the gates open. The guests come up the stairs with a big “Hello”. There are so many that one can only marvel. The first encounter between the guests and the volunteers takes place with a big heart and joy and countless Christmas greetings. Then everyone streams into the hall. The tables are occupied in no time, the 120 chairs are occupied. The building is quickly expanded so that everyone can find space.
Togetherness, like in a family
Petra Bec, member of the board, is visibly pleased. For many years, her association has organized a Christmas party for people in need, otherwise always at the train station, where the regular food distribution takes place. Due to Corona, the celebration has not been possible in recent years. And now this: “We said it would be nice to celebrate in a room where you can take off your jacket. That the parish of St. Augustine makes this possible for us is great.”
And so there are more than fifteen beautifully set tables that await the guests. First there is coffee, cake and of course gingerbread. A warm meal will come later – with dessert. “We try to sing a Christmas carol in between,” says Petra Bec. Even more important: “We are enough helpers that there is time to sit down and talk to the guests – like in a family.”
Giving back to society
You can feel the family here. Many volunteers have been active in the association for years. Just like Babsi Hisserich. She’s been there for eight years. Also at Christmas. “It’s a fixed date. The whole family knows that. The second holiday is reserved.” Why is she doing this? “It’s not just the Christmas spirit. It is clear to me that you also have to give something back to society.”
As soon as everyone has found their place, coffee cups rattle and forks jingle on plates. The story is told out loud while Norbert Labatzki plays Christmas music in the background. Conni is sitting near the stage and is very happy. “It’s so important for people,” she says, otherwise she wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas at all. She didn’t even eat anything on Christmas Eve. However, today is Christmas for her and everyone in the room. “It’s so nice that a lot of people come together to celebrate together, it feels like family, that everyone is happy and even laughs.”
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