New donation warehouse in Cologne-Poll: Diaconia stronger than ever after fire!

New donation warehouse in Cologne-Poll: Diaconia stronger than ever after fire!

In Cologne-Poll, Diakonie Michaelshoven has set up a new donation warehouse, which became urgently needed after a devastating fire in the old warehouse in Kalk. The fire, which broke out on the night of January 20, resulted in the destruction of all donations, including clothing, toys and household goods. Police are still investigating possible arson, but so far there is no suspect. Many Diakonie employees are people with severe disabilities or long-term unemployed who find a new professional perspective in the new hall.

The newly established warehouse at Poller Kirchweg 61 has a generous area of ​​1,233 square meters, which is over 400 square meters more than the previous warehouse on Dillenburger Straße. “Thanks to the great solidarity of the last few weeks, we were able to act quickly,” said Susanne Hahmann, the managing director of Social Aid, gratefully. The location was chosen due to the great commitment of the population after the Diakonie received 60 property suggestions. Of these, 27 were shortlisted, with support from the neighborhood being crucial, as Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

Well stocked and ready for the future

The warehouse is now well stocked with clothing, shoes, toys and household goods. Warehouse manager Sascha Bungarz emphasizes the efficient and quick work carried out in the new warehouse. The donations are carefully pre-sorted; Clothing is checked for cleanliness and damage, while broken items are sorted out. “We want to ensure that only flawless goods reach those in need,” explains Bungarz.

“The last few months have been very emotionally challenging for all of us,” says operations manager Daniel Genova, looking back on the time after the fire. A fair store was converted into an interim storage facility to maintain operations until the new warehouse could be moved into. Diakonie already has plans to resume accepting donations for its six fairstore social department stores.

A strong team for an important mission

61 people are currently employed at Diakonie Michaelshoven, 16 of whom work in the new donation warehouse. Many of them have a long professional career behind them and are finding a new home here. “For us it’s not just about material support, but also about people’s social integration,” explains Hahmann. The new camp will be officially opened in the coming weeks, which will allow the Diakonie to get started again to support those in need in the region, as Church Cologne previously reported.

Diakonie Michaelshoven is a shining example of cohesion and community support in difficult times. The hope for normality soon and a return to a fulfilled offer of help is now within reach.

Anyone who would like to donate can drop off household goods, toys and furniture; the latter should be registered in advance via email with photos.