Hanauer Tafel's refrigerated truck stolen: an attack on volunteerism!

Hanauer Tafel's refrigerated truck stolen: an attack on volunteerism!

Volunteering is sounding the alarm in Hanau: A shocking incident occurred when a Hanauer Tafel refrigerated truck was stolen between October 1st and 6th. The vehicle, a strikingly wrapped Citroën Jumper, disappeared from a parking lot on Eugen-Kaiser-Straße. The value of this van is estimated at several tens of thousands of euros, or more precisely around 90,000 euros, as the director of the food bank, Annette Geier-Neugebauer, notes with regret. This theft is not only a financial loss for the food bank; It also represents an attack on voluntary work and on the socially weakest in society, as Mayor Dr. Maximilian Bieri emphasizes.

The Hanauer Tafel is a central institution dedicated to providing food to people in need. The stolen refrigerated truck was essential for maintaining the cold chain for food deliveries, explains Jörg Mair from the “Lichtblick” foundation. The food bank is currently forced to use an older, discarded vehicle, which is severely affecting the flow of important work. Fortunately, there is currently no plan to sell the old vehicle - the food bank needs all the support it can get to continue its valuable work.

Call for help

The criminal police are investigating this “particularly serious case of theft” and are looking for witnesses who can provide information about the incident. Any information is important in this sad context - the police ask you to call 06181 100123. The hopefully timely discovery of the refrigerated truck would not only be in the interest of the food bank, but could also set an example against the bad habits that repeatedly overshadow attacks on voluntary work and the community.

But the theft is not just a local problem. In fact, voluntary work is a mainstay of society in Germany. In 2025, around 16.9 million people in Germany will have taken on voluntary and unpaid work for the common good. International Volunteer Day, celebrated on December 5th, serves to recognize this valuable commitment. The Tafel and similar organizations rely on this support to strengthen the community and help those in need.

Volunteering – a social obligation

Volunteering covers many areas, from sports clubs to the volunteer fire department to charities. Especially in times of crisis, it becomes clear how important this support is. Young people under the age of 27 often get involved as part of a voluntary service, while many middle-aged and older adults get involved in various projects. These activities not only strengthen community but also promote a sense of belonging. Discourses about mandatory assignments for young adults show that the state relies on the intrinsic motivation that can be found in many.

The current situation at the Hanauer Tafel is not only an alarm signal, but also a call to everyone: let us support the volunteers who work tirelessly for the common good and let us take a stand against the crime that endangers this valuable work. Let's hope that the refrigerated truck will be found soon and the food bank can return to its usual work as quickly as possible.

For further information about the theft and the situation of the Hanauer Tafel, contact the Frankfurter Rundschau or the Tagesschau and find out more about volunteering in Germany on Statista.