Caritas is distributing 100 school bags for a new phase of life!

Caritas is distributing 100 school bags for a new phase of life!

The anticipation of starting school is a very special moment for many children. It is all the better that Caritas in Fulda distributed around 100 school bags free of charge to families with low incomes. This important project, known as HotPacks, took place on June 22, 2025. The Diocesan Caritas Director Dr. Markus Juch opened the handover and emphasized how crucial a successful start to school is, regardless of financial possibilities. “A new school bag is more than just a bag; it accompanies children into a new phase of life,” emphasized Juch emphatically. This campaign is aimed not only at those starting primary school, but also at fifth graders, which is a novelty this year. Osthessen-News reported on the distribution in which school bags were given out with vouchers to needy families via Caritas advice centers.

The donated satchels were organized in collaboration with Galeria Fulda, which shows the partnership between Caritas and regional shops. Ansgar Erb, a board member of Caritas, emphasized that the organization constantly stands by families to ensure that no child starts the new school year without the necessary equipment. “That is our common goal,” he added. The managing director of the Regional Caritas Association, Susanne Saradj, was happy about the children's shining eyes and the joy and hope that came with it.

A significant step for equal opportunities

The HotPacks campaign is not just a one-off initiative, but part of a broader range of support from Caritas. Families who took part in the campaign received an overview of the possible school bags to choose from. This shows how important it is that children are not only well equipped but also have their self-esteem strengthened. Given that in many regions such as Austria, access to school materials for lower-income families is a serious challenge, the need for such projects remains. RCV Fulda is actively dependent on donations in order to be able to maintain the campaign in the future.

A similar problem is being addressed in Austria. A report by Caritas Vienna highlights that one in five children in Austria is at risk of poverty or exclusion. This means that such initiatives are very popular not only in Germany, but also in neighboring countries, such as Vienna. Caritas there has started campaigns to offer not only school bags, but also other school materials at a reduced price. It is a common concern that children are not only well equipped, but also supported within their capabilities.

Strong together against child poverty

Civil society is needed to ensure the long-term success of such initiatives. “We must not resign ourselves to child poverty,” emphasizes Klaus Schwertner, director of Caritas Vienna. Donations in kind are urgently needed in Fulda and beyond in order to be able to support even more families. A donation-friendly atmosphere can not only help the children, but also open up new perspectives for their families as a whole. There are numerous ways to support – be it through direct donations or through active participation in campaigns such as school supplies collections.

In summary, it can be said that the Caritas HotPacks campaign in Fulda is an important step in the right direction. The joy on the children's faces speaks for itself and shows how important it is that we fight together for equal opportunities and a positive school experience. The support of the population remains necessary in order to be able to continue these valuable projects. Caritas in Fulda will continue to ask for donations to ensure that no child in the region goes to school without the necessary equipment. Donations are welcome and can be made online or via bank transfer.