Children's eyes should shine again

The ProKids Foundation is once again granting Christmas wishes and has accepted the largest donation since its founding from the Schwenningen-based company Diener Rapp. This is especially important in times of pandemic.

When Santa Claus can't deliver as he should, someone has to help out. For many years, that's been the ProKids Foundation, which has been making children's eyes sparkle with its Christmas wish campaign. Where even small Christmas wishes are too big for some budgets, the foundation steps in and provides gifts that bring great joy to little ones.

The principle is quite simple: Children can draw their wish—a toy or piece of clothing that should cost no more than €20—on a numbered wish card. This card is hung along with others on "wish trees" located at several locations in Villingen and Schwenningen. Whoever takes a card buys the gift listed on it and then returns it to the place where they got it.

200 cards designed

"It's important to write the card number legibly on the gift," explains Jürgen Müller, a board member at ProKids VS. Only then can the present be easily assigned to the correct recipient. The current Christmas wish campaign, the twelfth so far, is primarily attended by children selected through the church welfare organizations Caritas and Diakonie in Villingen and Schwenningen. They were able to design 200 cards, which are hanging on wish trees at Volksbanken Schwenningen and Villingen. Additional trees are located at SBS Burger in Schönwald, at the Sonnenklar travel agency, at the senior residence at Germanswald, and at the Villingen housing cooperative.

Anywhere here, you can pick up a wish card and make a child happy. Because the foundation already has a lot of experience, the timing is perfect. Now that the cards are ready, the presents should be handed in to the card distribution points by Friday, December 17th, where they will be picked up by foundation employees. This ensures that every child's gift will be under the right Christmas tree on time on December 24th.

Poverty is increasing

At ProKids, the focus is on ensuring that the gifts benefit only children from families in need. As poverty increases in society, the need and demand for such social initiatives remains unbroken, explains foundation board member Jürgen Müller, assuring that every child who draws a wish will have it granted.

Christmas gifts have a long tradition. Even though

Even though the Christian story is no longer always at the forefront of gift-giving, gifts are still associated with connection. "To find a suitable present, the giver needs to know the person at least a little," says Jürgen Müller. "With our cards, we compensate for the fact that you don't know the child receiving the gift; you know what they'd like." This is guaranteed to work – ProKids has proven it hundreds of times over the past few years.

And so, before Christmas, it's actually up to Joachim Spitz, Chairman of the ProKids Foundation's Board of Trustees, to bring joy to others, with projects like the Christmas Wish Campaign for Children. But this year, Spitz also feels richly blessed. He has now recorded the largest monetary donation since the foundation's inception.

The Schwenningen-based company Diener Rapp is donating €20,000 to the foundation. Spitz couldn't believe it when he realized the donation amount. Then the joy set in. "I'm very happy and proud that my work for the ProKids Foundation is being recognized like this," says the entrepreneur, who devotes a large portion of his time to volunteer work for children in need.

Through a variety of successful local projects, he has been able to assist many children and young people. One successful model that resonates far beyond the city limits is the foundation's baby hatch, which the Schwenningen native initiated years ago. Four newborns have already been found there; ProKids has thus been able to save four young lives and alleviate the suffering of children from predominantly low-income families in other areas as well. To this end, the foundation is more dependent than ever on the help of donors during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the restrictions, it has had to forego lucrative benefit and sponsorship events since the outbreak of the pandemic, which have significantly funded its work in the past. "I am grateful for every donation, as our benefit event planned for spring cannot take place again, and we can therefore put the money to good use," says Joachim Spitz. "We are also noticing that the need for help is growing during the pandemic."

This assessment is confirmed by studies such as the UNICEF report on the situation of children in Germany in 2021. The report, entitled "Children – Our Future!", warns of the serious consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for children's well-being. The pandemic is exacerbating existing problems and also presents parents with major challenges in providing the best possible support for their children. However, these challenges often prove too great, as short-time work or unemployment exacerbate the precarious situation of families. External help is then necessary. The ProKids Foundation is active in this area.

Money comes at just the right time

The generous donation from Diener Rapp comes at just the right time. This record donation gives the foundation more flexibility at the right time to continue helping wherever help is needed. Peter Rapp and Karin Engler-Rapp did not hesitate to sign the large donation check because they are absolutely convinced of the foundation's good work. Their children, managing director Daniel Miklosch, and the entire team at the anodizing plant fully support the donation and are pleased that the money will give the ProKids Foundation a boost in difficult times. Diener Rapp has over 40 years of experience in aluminum finishing and is therefore in high demand. The company's business consists of refining the surfaces of aluminum workpieces with a hard, corrosion-free layer using an electrochemical process; this is called "anodizing." This requires a great deal of expertise, as does chromating, where a soft, conductive layer is applied to aluminum products.



Successful financial year

Customers include companies from industry and trade, including sectors such as mechanical and precision engineering, medical technology, the furniture industry, and automotive suppliers. It was possible to hand over such a large donation because Diener Rapp had a very successful business year and explicitly decided not to offer customer gifts at Christmas.

The ProKids Foundation supports children in a variety of ways – from social events to clothing donations and school meals to the integration project "Fight For Your Life." BW Bank Villingen-Schwenningen is supporting this project with 3,000 euros.

"From the region, for the region," explains BW Banker Anatoli Rutz, responsible for private customer business in Villingen-Schwenningen. "That's why we are very happy to support ProKids in its social commitment. In all its activities, the foundation keeps a keen eye on the social needs here in the region and responds to them with positive projects and campaigns."

Together with Markus Thoma, Head of Private Banking, and Patrick Greuter, Head of Corporate Clients, Rutz presented the donation check to Joachim Spitz, Managing Director of the ProKids Foundation. Each member of the management team contributed to the St. Nicholas donation. A further portion also comes from BW Bank's premium savings program, bringing ProKids' total donation to €3,000.

BW Bank maintains a long-standing partnership with ProKids and has already provided financial support to the foundation several times. For example, a few years ago, it helped create the "Workout Park" in Villingen-Schwenningen. The fitness equipment is popular with young and old alike.

PS savers participate in a monthly drawing and also in the annual special drawing. 25 percent of the drawing fund is not distributed but goes to social causes. For example, BW Bank's premium savings program raised around €248,000 for charitable projects last year.

History: The ProKids Foundation is commissioning a film about Schwenningen's past. A public premiere will take place in November, and the DVD will serve as learning material for schoolchildren.

But one shoot at Orca, and then all the sequences are in the can. Film service provider Aromadeck filmed in Schwenningen for two years on behalf of the ProKids Foundation. The result is a city portrait that depicts the district's eventful industrial history in the here and now. Consequently, the cameramen began their work on July 6, 2019, when Schwenningen celebrated the 200th birthday of its industrial pioneer Johannes Bürk – the man who, at the time, ensured the connection to the railway network.
and thus triggered the economic boom during the Gründerzeit period 150 years ago. Joachim Spitz, chairman of the foundation's board and founder of ProKids, is behind the film project. He wants to contribute to the history education of elementary school students. "I want to bring Schwenningen's history into the classroom," he says. The target group is 12- to 15-year-olds. The idea came to him when he read in the newspaper that the Schwenningen Local History Museum could only be visited in small groups for fire safety reasons.

Started pondering

This got him thinking, and eventually he came up with the idea of producing a film about the past, which could be distributed free of charge to schools and used in classrooms. Because history is also, to a certain extent, a part of identity, which we lose when the number of contemporary witnesses dwindles.

Joachim Spitz was met with open arms by the mayor; Jürgen Roth welcomed the idea and secured municipal support through freelance cultural scientist Dr. Sabine Dietzig-Schicht. She oversaw the film project on behalf of the municipality and participated in numerous meetings with local history experts, who also contributed their expertise—primarily Dr. Annemarie-Conradt-Mach and Siegfried Heinzmann from the Schwenningen Local History Association.

"I would like Schwenninger History in the classroom bring."

And, of course, Dr. Michael Hütt, the director of the Clock Industry Museum, was also present at the table. City guide Michael Kopp also contributed to the historical city portrait, which consists of two 35-minute parts. He expertly reports on the Gründerzeit (founding period) and what happened in Schwenningen at that time.

One of the settings for a Kopp interview is the bathhouse of the Kienzle Villa, which manufacturer Jakob Kienzle had built for his daughters around 100 years ago. Joachim Spitz is enthusiastic: "Although I was born in Schwenningen, I didn't know much of what Michael Kopp says in the film."

Film is pressed on DVD
The filmmakers from Aromadeck are currently reviewing the material and adding final sequences. The film will then be edited over the summer. Selected scenes from the production will also be used for an image clip that the city of Schwenningen plans to publish online. This was a particular concern of the mayor. The main work, however, is not available online. It will be released on DVD and later distributed to interested Schwenningen residents in exchange for a donation – the schools, however, will receive the media free of charge. A public premiere is planned for mid-November, either in the "Capitol" or in the Neckarhalle – with NECKARQUELLE as media partner. Before the film is shown on the giant screen, there will be a roundtable discussion with those involved: Mayor Jürgen Roth, Joachim Spitz, Siegfried Heinzmann, and Michael Kopp will discuss the development of the industrial city of Schwenningen.

On July 6, 2019, the NECKARQUELLE celebrated Schwenningen's connection to the railway network and thus the beginning of industrialization with a historic steam train ride. On that day, filming began for the ProKids Foundation's film about Schwenningen's recent local history.
Photo: NQ Archive

Thank you again for your support of the ProKids Foundation’s aid package campaign.

Distribution is now running smoothly, with the Schwenningen local association and the Villingen local association handling the distribution. Coordinated by the SBK rescue service management.

We've now distributed 400 aid packages, each calculated to feed a family of four for 14 days. Donated by my fellow donors, so the money doesn't have to be taken from the foundation's current fund. Thank you for that. Some of it even includes baby food. Another 200 packages have now been packed, and these will be made available over the course of the week.

We also deliver individual packages if people are not mobile for whatever reason.

Unfortunately, the campaign was shamelessly exploited. This made me quite sad and angry, as the requirements were clearly communicated. At times, people were rude, uncooperative, and impudent. Therefore, we took action.

No welfare recipients, no Hartz IV recipients, and no housing benefit recipients. We want to help exclusively families and single parents who have found themselves in hardship due to the coronavirus.

For example, bus drivers who haven't been allowed to drive for six months, restaurant employees who haven't been allowed to work since November, and anyone on short-time work or who lost their job due to the coronavirus. Of course, short-time work benefits don't count as state aid.

We are not trying to relieve the burden on the state but rather to provide unbureaucratic help.

Unfortunately, this is not so easy. Those affected must now contact us by email atinfo@prokids-stiftung.dereport, then we will decide whether you belong to the group of people we want to address or not.

When you receive the confirmation email from us, the new pick-up times will also be stated.

The names are then sent to the German Red Cross (DRK) so that staff there know exactly who is eligible. Without this procedure, NO more aid packages will be distributed.

We'll be sending away everyone who hasn't received a confirmation email. It makes me very sad, but there's no other way.

I ask you again to support us and take this with you.

Many many thanks.

Stay healthy!

Best regards

Joachim Spitz

Image (from right to left):

Schwenningen distribution point with the responsible persons:

Mr. Rainer Kühl, Head of Emergency Services, Mr. Sven Maurer, DRK Emergency Services, Isabell Sapski, Head of Office, DRK Local Association Schwenningen eV, Tim Arnold, Emergency Services

Joachim Spitz, ProKids Foundation

Aid packages for changed opening hours

The ProKids Foundation's parcel campaign for families and single parents in need due to the coronavirus pandemic has been a resounding success. Since mid-February, families in need have been able to pick up free food parcels from the foundation at the Red Cross in Villingen and Schwenningen.

With extra funds, 100 percent of which come from the co-founders and therefore do not burden the foundation's coffers, ProKids put together 500 food packages in mid-February, each designed to meet the needs of a family for two weeks. There is a selection for families with babies and toddlers and a selection of food for families with older children. The offer has been met with a great response – around 100 packages were picked up from the German Red Cross (DRK) in Villingen and Schwenningen within the first two weeks. "That works out to 20 packages per working day," says a delighted Joachim Spitz, Chairman of the Foundation Board. The co-founders and the campaign's patron, Mayor Jürgen Roth, are also thrilled by the unexpectedly positive response.

"Families in need due to the coronavirus pandemic should not hesitate. Those on the losing side should also receive help. There is no shame in accepting help in a difficult situation for which one is not responsible," Spitz appealed to the target group at the launch of the campaign. Parents affected by short-time work or unemployment as a result of the pandemic are intended to receive targeted relief in this difficult situation through the packages. This is done efficiently and unbureaucratically; no recipients of social welfare (Hartz 4) or housing benefit will be supported. Therefore, the packages are dropped off anonymously via the German Red Cross (DRK). Organized by the district association of the German Red Cross (DRK) for the SBK (Socialist Red Cross), and distributed by the emergency services. Those collecting them can simply report to the DRK buildings in Villingen and Schwenningen and pick up a package. However, the Red Cross has changed its opening hours with immediate effect.

Now the families can each receive their package Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm pick up.

Joachim Spitz makes it clear that parcel collection doesn't have to be a one-time event. "Families and single parents who find themselves in financial hardship due to the coronavirus are welcome to come back and, of course, pick up another parcel after two weeks – as long as their financial hardship persists." The parcel collection is a supplement to the hot school meals that the foundation has always funded for children from low-income families. "The number of families in need has increased significantly over the course of the pandemic," says Joachim Spitz.

This has exacerbated the situation. Single-income families, in particular, are quickly reaching their limits when faced with sustained income losses and constant running costs. "We can provide up to 800 food packages," says the foundation's director. "It's important to us that word of our offer of assistance spreads even further. Neighbors and acquaintances should spread the word so that the message reaches those truly in need.

However, ProKids doesn't mean recipients who already receive public assistance, but rather families and single parents who otherwise support themselves. Currently, however, this is only verified through random sampling at parcel drop-off points.



Info: The ProKids aid packages are available at the German Red Cross (DRK), Schwenningen rescue station, Alleenstraße 3, and the Villingen local association building, Benediktinerring 9. Those who are not mobile and live far from a DRK station, for example, in a suburb, can have an aid package delivered. Interested parties can send an email to info@prokids-stiftung.de.

ProKids Foundation helps families

Demand in Villingen-Schwenningen is great

Social: 200 packages from the ProKids Foundation have already been used in the first two weeks

The ProKids Foundation is providing food packages to families and single mothers in need due to the coronavirus crisis. After just two weeks, 200 aid packages have already been received.

VS-Schwenningen. The ProKids Foundation's parcel campaign for families and single parents in need due to the coronavirus has been a complete success, according to those responsible after just two weeks. Since mid-February, families in need have been able to pick up free food parcels from the foundation at the Red Cross in Villingen and Schwenningen.

With additional funding, 100 percent of which comes from the co-founders and therefore does not burden the foundation's coffers, ProKids put together 500 supply packages in mid-February, designed to meet a family's needs for two weeks. There is a selection for families with babies and toddlers and a selection of food for families with older children (we reported).

The offer has been met with great enthusiasm – around 100 packages were picked up at both the German Red Cross (DRK) in Villingen and Schwenningen within the first two weeks. "That's averaging 20 packages per working day," says a delighted Joachim Spitz, chairman of the foundation's board. The co-founders and the campaign's patron, Mayor Jürgen Roth, are also thrilled by the unexpectedly positive response, according to a press release.

"Families in need due to the coronavirus pandemic should not hesitate. Those on the losing side should also receive help. There's no shame in seeking help in a difficult situation that is not one's fault," Spitz appealed to the target group at the launch of the campaign. Parents affected by short-time work or unemployment as a result of the pandemic are intended to receive targeted relief in this difficult situation through the packages, efficiently and unbureaucratically. However, recipients of social welfare (Hartz IV) and housing benefit will not be supported.

Not a one-time thing

The packages are handed over anonymously via the DRK – organized by the district association of the DRK for the Black Forest-Baar district, distributed by the emergency services. Those needing to collect a package can simply report to the DRK buildings in Villingen and Schwenningen and pick up a package. However, the Red Cross has changed its opening hours with immediate effect. Collection is now possible on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.



Joachim Spitz makes it clear that parcel pickup doesn't have to be a one-time event. "Families and single parents who are in financial distress due to the coronavirus are welcome to come back and, of course, pick up another parcel after two weeks – as long as their financial hardship persists."

The number of families in need has increased significantly over the course of the pandemic, says Joachim Spitz. This has exacerbated the situation. Families with a single earner, in particular, are quickly reaching their limits when faced with persistent income losses combined with constant running costs. "We can provide up to 800 food packages," says the foundation's director. "It's important to us that our offer of assistance spreads even further. Neighbors and acquaintances should spread the word about it so that the message reaches those truly in need."

The ProKids aid packages are available at the German Red Cross (DRK), Schwenningen rescue station, Alleenstraße 3, and the Villingen local association building, Benediktinerring 9. Those who are not mobile and live far from one of the collection points can have an aid package delivered. Interested parties can send an email to info@prokids-stiftung.de.

Photo (above):

They are taking care of the help (from left): Gerhard Fuchs, Managing Director of the DRK District Association, Ralf Hirt of the DRK, Joachim Spitz and Rainer Kühl, DRK Rescue Service Manager.Photo: ProKids Photo: Schwarzwälder Bote

The ProKids Foundation provides food parcels to families and single parents affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The free food is funded by "co-founders."

VS-Schwenningen - The Corona pandemic is a major test for Familyn and single parents. As a result of short-time work or job loss, Villingen-Schwenningen Some have fallen into financial hardship. The ProKids Foundation now wants to help: Starting Wednesday, February 17, free food packages will be available for families in need, the foundation announced in a press release. "The co-founders approached me and explained that they absolutely wanted to provide assistance in this situation," says Joachim Spitz, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors. "They are financing this campaign 100 percent. This means that the necessary funds will not be deducted from the general budget available to our foundation."

With the additional Money Initially, 500 supply packages will be put together, each designed to meet the needs of a family for two weeks. There will be a range for families with babies and toddlers and a range of food for families with older children. Childrenn.

Donors help

The foundation also announced that the campaign is finding additional supporters who are helping with donations. The E-Center Culinara in Schwenningen is packing the parcels and donating the food to the foundation at a special price. Steffen Würth, Managing Director of Straub-Verpackungen GmbH, is providing the packaging boxes. Univent-Medical GmbH is providing free FFP2 masks with each parcel. And the Zeisberg Corse car dealership is donating most of a car to deliver the parcels to the families without mobility. "It's wonderful to see the tremendous support the ProKids Foundation receives each time it launches a new project," Joachim Spitz enthuses, full of gratitude.

Since its inception, the foundation has paid for hot school meals for children from low-income families. This offer has always been very well-received in the twin cities. The package campaign is now intended as a supplement; ProKids assumes that the number of families in need has expanded significantly during the coronavirus pandemic. Unpaid electricity bills, rent arrears, a broken refrigerator or washing machine – the list of reasons why families are under pressure in the current situation with reduced income is long.

This is precisely where ProKids VS comes in, providing quick, efficient, and, above all, unbureaucratic help. The situation has become particularly acute during the lockdown, when schools are also closed – children in need can no longer benefit from foundation-funded school meals, and money at home is even tighter than usual. Joachim Spitz knows that some who are accustomed to supporting themselves may find it difficult to take advantage of the new aid program. But he says: "Families in need due to the coronavirus should not hesitate. Those on the losing side should also receive help. There's no shame in accepting help in a difficult situation that is not one's fault."

Pick up at the DRK

He hopes word gets around about the foundation's services and appeals to people's sense of honor to ensure that it isn't exploited, and that only those who truly need this help actually take advantage of it. This is the only way to ensure it's truly unbureaucratic. "It's important to tell others about it, neighbors or acquaintances, for example, so they can also get help." However, the foundation emphasizes: "No Hartz IV or housing benefit recipients are supported; they already receive assistance through the participation package from the government."

It was important to the organizers and the campaign's patron, Mayor Jürgen Roth, to lower the barriers for those picking up food as much as possible. Therefore, recipients can easily receive the food packages from the Red Cross in Villingen and Schwenningen. "Our offer is not aimed at families already supported by the department," emphasizes Joachim Spitz. However, this is not verified; the packages are handed out in good faith.

The packages will be available from Wednesday, February 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the German Red Cross (DRK) ambulance station in Schwenningen (garage) at Alleenstraße 3, and at the Villingen local association building (classroom), Benediktinerring 9. The ProKids Foundation still wants to provide for people who are not mobile and live far away from a DRK station, for example, in a suburb. They can also receive an aid package if needed. "This is the case, for example, if it's a mother without a car and with very young children whom she cannot leave alone," says Joachim Spitz. In this case, interested parties can send an email to info@prokids-stiftung.de and request home delivery.

Photo: Fast and unbureaucratic assistance: Mayor Jürgen Roth (left), patron of the foundation, and Chairman of the Foundation's Board Joachim Spitz are working on the aid packages. Photo: ProKids Foundation

Packages are intended to alleviate the worst suffering

The ProKids Foundation is providing food to families and single parents in need due to the coronavirus. Those affected can pick up the relief supplies from the Red Cross.

The coronavirus pandemic is putting a huge strain on families and single parents. As a result of short-time work or job loss, some in Villingen-Schwenningen have also found themselves in financial distress. The ProKids Foundation now wants to help: Starting Wednesday, February 17, free food packages will be available for families in need.

Co-donors finance campaign

"The co-founders approached me and explained that they were absolutely committed to providing assistance in this situation," says Joachim Spitz, chairman of the foundation's board. "They are funding this campaign 100 percent. This means that the necessary funds will not be deducted from the general budget available to our foundation."

The extra funds will initially be used to put together 500 food packages, each designed to meet a family's needs for two weeks. There will be a selection for families with babies and toddlers, and a selection of food for families with older children. Other donors think the idea is great and have immediately pledged their support.

“It is wonderful to see the tremendous support the ProKids Foundation receives each time it launches a new project,” says Joachim Spitz enthusiastically, expressing his gratitude.

Efficient and unbureaucratic

Since its inception, the foundation has paid for hot school meals for children from low-income families. This offer has always been very well received in the twin cities. The package campaign is now intended as a supplement; ProKids assumes that the number of families in need has expanded significantly during the coronavirus pandemic. Unpaid electricity bills, rent arrears, a broken refrigerator or washing machine – the list of reasons why families are under pressure in the current situation with reduced income is long. This is precisely where ProKids VS comes in, and as always, the aim is to provide help quickly, efficiently, and above all, unbureaucratically. The situation has become particularly acute during the lockdown, when schools are also closed – poor children can no longer benefit from the foundation-funded school meals, and money is even tighter at home than usual.

Joachim Spitz knows that some who are accustomed to supporting themselves may find it difficult to take advantage of the new aid program. However, he says: "Families in need due to the coronavirus should not hesitate. Those on the losing side should also receive help. There's no shame in accepting help in a difficult situation that is not one's fault."

He hopes word gets around about the foundation's services and appeals to people's dignity to ensure that it isn't exploited, and that only those who truly need this help actually take advantage of it. This is the only way to ensure it's truly unbureaucratic. "It's important to tell others about it, neighbors or acquaintances, for example, so they can also get help." Hartz IV and housing benefit recipients are not supported; they already receive assistance through the participation package from the government office.

It was important to the organizers and the campaign's patron, Mayor Jürgen Roth, to lower the barriers to collection as much as possible. Therefore, recipients can easily receive the food packages from the Red Cross in Villingen and Schwenningen.

Good faith

"Our offer is not aimed at families already receiving support from the office," emphasizes Joachim Spitz. However, this is not verified; the packages are handed out on a voluntary basis. The packages will be available starting Wednesday, February 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ash Wednesday, organized by the German Red Cross (DRK) Black Forest Baar Rescue Service, at the DRK Schwenningen rescue station (garage) at Alleenstraße 3, and the Villingen local association building (classroom) at Benediktinerring 9.

If necessary, delivery

The foundation also aims to provide support to people who are not mobile and live far away from a DRK station, for example, in a suburb. They can also receive an aid package if needed. "This is the case, for example, if it's a mother without a car and with very young children whom she can't leave alone," says Joachim Spitz. In this case, interested parties can send an email to info@prokids-stiftung.de and request home delivery.