WE’ VE BEEN BUSY SUPPORTING HINZ & KUNZT!
by Carol Harbers
What a whirlwind this fall has been for our club’ s partnership with Hinz & Kunzt. From a pre-dawn set-up to salad-making marathons, our members showed just how much heart and joy community service can inspire.
It began with the flea market. I’ ll be honest: I was hesitant. The idea of organizing a market stall felt daunting. But with the enthusiasm of our small but mighty team— Stella Kwong-Reichmann, Jennifer Lane, and Sara Nauman— there was no turning back. Once the call for donations went out, the response from our members was astonishing. Brand-new record players, vintage movie canisters, porcelain dinner sets, ice machines, roller skates, crystal vases, skateboards, jewelry— treasures long tucked away in closets and attics all found their way to us.
Many donated with a sense of relief, knowing these items would be given a second life rather than ending up in storage or, worse, the trash. And so, before sunrise, with three fully loaded cars, we set off to the market. The courtyard was still dark as we unloaded and sorted everything by flashlight, half wondering whether we’ d have to pack it all up again at the end of the day.
But then our volunteer“ shifts” arrived— groups of four members rotating every few hours, each ready to help display, bargain, chat, and cheer. And soon the magic began: visitors browsing for something unique, searching for a bargain, or simply picking up a household item they might not otherwise afford. The joy on people’ s faces reminded us of why we were there.
After nine lively hours, we had raised € 650 for Hinz & Kunzt. And we were relieved … the unsold goods all fit in the trunk of one car, and were gratefully received by Stilbruch, a charitable second-hand store. What began as a daunting idea ended with a deep sense of satisfaction. Thank you to everyone who donated, carried, sorted, sold, or simply lent their support.
CURRENTS 9