Neumünster starts selling the Advent calendar: profits for good causes!

Neumünster starts selling the Advent calendar: profits for good causes!

Sales of the popular 2025 Advent calendar have begun in Neumünster, and the anticipation is great. This special calendar features a black and white photo of the large spot from the 1960s, taken by Walter Erben. A total of 6000 copies are offered at a stable price of 5 euros. Exciting prizes and vouchers await behind every door, with the main prize, a travel voucher worth 2222 euros, hidden behind door 24. The calendars are numbered consecutively and the winners are drawn under notary supervision. The winning numbers will be published between December 1st and 24th on the website neumuensteraneradventskalender.de. All proceeds from sales benefit social projects in and around Neumünster. Last year an impressive 28,800 euros were collected, supported by numerous sponsors and local companies.

The outlets are varied and well distributed across the city. These include the Hugendubel and Krauskopf bookstores, the Edeka branches in Huchthausen and Meyer, as well as various pharmacies and banks. Lebenshilfe Neumünster also publishes its own Advent calendar, which also costs 5 euros and includes 3,000 copies. The proceeds go to projects for people with disabilities, such as play equipment for inclusive daycare centers and an electric rickshaw. There are 178 prizes worth a total of almost 5,000 euros waiting here - the main prizes will also be drawn on December 6th and 24th. The winners will be published from December 1st on verein-lebenshilfe-nms.de. Sales points for this calendar include Lebenshilfe on Rügenstrasse, Café Olé in Fürsthof and the various Edeka branches.

Social commitments for seniors

The pre-Christmas period is not just a time for giving and sharing gifts for younger people. Many seniors also use this time for social engagement. According to the fourth German Volunteer Survey, 38.5% of people over 55 are involved in community-oriented groups, which represents a noticeable increase compared to 28.4% in 1999. The age groups between 55 and 64 and 65 and 74 are particularly active, with 45.2% and 41.5% getting involved regularly.

This commitment often lasts beyond your professional career. Many seniors find volunteer work a meaningful way to use their free time, make new contacts and further develop existing skills. Fields of activity are diverse and range from caring for seniors to child and youth work to environmental and climate protection or refugee work. Almost 30% of volunteers aged 65-74 even volunteer several times a week, which shows how enriching and meaningful such activities are for them.

Retirement planning and financial security

Another issue that concerns many seniors is financial security as they age, particularly when it comes to Social Security benefits. As part of their retirement planning, many take on additional jobs to supplement their income. In 2025, certain income limits will apply, which will be increased in 2026. Anyone working before full retirement age must be aware that Social Security payments can either be reduced or suspended if income exceeds certain amounts. The change in rules will allow many to earn more without affecting retirement benefits. Understanding these regulations is essential for financial security.

The combination of local commitment and the challenges of old age shows that people in Neumünster both promote a sense of community and actively work on their own financial security. With the sale of the Advent calendar and the diverse opportunities for social engagement, the pre-Christmas period in Neumünster will not only be a celebration of giving, but also of community and support for those who need it most.