Furniture storage for needy citizens at Werkstraße

Families and citizens from Bocholt who have to get by on little money and receive support from the state can get furniture that is still in good condition for little money in Bocholt. Household goods such as washing machines, microwaves, crockery, pots and pans and more are also sold at low prices in the second-hand goods store. Clothing and toys for children can also be found there.

The furniture warehouse for people in need in Bocholt, which previously used a hall on Industriestraße, has moved and is now located at Werkstraße 19. The furniture warehouse is run by a voluntary initiative, supported by the city of Bocholt and its subsidiary EWIBO.

"We are happy to be able to help"

The team of helpers includes Alfred Deinert, Leo Engenhorst, Michael Hesselmann, Stefanie Niehaus and Werner Schwung. In the furniture warehouse, they take in items, sort and clean them, prepare them, give things out - and sometimes even lend an ear. The group is passionate and highly committed to their work. Their motivation: "We are simply happy to be able to help people, especially now in difficult times."

Association being founded

Last year, the initiative launched an appeal for donations to the Bocholt population in the wake of the refugee crisis. This met with a great response. Since then, the group has been able to help hundreds of people in need. At the same time, the effort for the "good deed" kept growing. Despite active support from the fire brigade, THW and Malteser, the group reached its limits. The idea was born to give the project a permanent structure.

An association with the name "Wir helfen gerne, Bocholt" is to be founded shortly. The municipal subsidiary EWIBO is also supporting the project. It is making rooms available on Werkstraße, the company's former headquarters. EWIBO also supports the volunteer group with the organisation. "As EWIBO, we have a very special responsibility to our citizens. We see ourselves as a small partner of the initiative", says EWIBO Managing Director Azra Zürn.

Start-up funding

The city of Bocholt is providing start-up funding of 40,000 euros. This was decided in the social committee. "Because of inflation, the refugee crisis and against the background of sustainability, this is a project that has many positive aspects. We are therefore delighted that it can be realised here at such short notice with so much voluntary commitment", says Max Benda, Head of the Social Affairs Department.

Important information at a glance:

Where can I find the furniture warehouse?

Werkstraße 19, 46395 Bocholt

When is it open?

Opening hours:

Tuesday 10-12 o'clock

Wednesday 13-15 o'clock

Thursday: 13-15 o'clock

Saturday 10am-12pm

Who can I contact?

Mr Engenhorst: Tel. 0175 4012628

Mrs Mörsig (EWIBO): Tel. 02871 217-650

How can I get furniture and household goods?

Citizens who would like to have furniture and household goods can visit the furniture warehouse during opening hours. They must present proof that they receive social benefits, usually the benefit notification from the office. In principle, the offer applies to those collecting items themselves. Anyone who is unable to transport items themselves can receive transport assistance.

What and how can I donate?

You can donate

• furniture
• household goods
• clothing
• toys

Items and objects must be in good condition and intact. They can be delivered during the opening hours of the furniture warehouse. Alternatively, furniture can also be collected, please get in touch with the contact persons.

The initiative also accepts monetary donations (see contact addresses).