Club collects donations for Pfennig Bazaar

The 54th annual Pfennig Bazaar, sponsored by German-American and International Women’s Club Kaiserslautern under the patronage of Kaiserslautern’s Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel, will take place March 6 to 8 at the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau event hall.

Anybody cleaning out closets at home should consider donating items to GAIWC for the annual flea market during special drop-off hours from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday on Badweiherstrasse in Kaiserslautern.

Donors get access to the event hall from Bad-weiherstrasse, which is located behind the event hall. To get there, take federal street B40 from Vogelweh to Kaiserslautern. After Pizza Attack turn right on Alte Brücke, left onto Forellenstrasse and then left onto Badweiherstrasse.

GAIWC will accept donations such as clean clothes for men, women and children; household goods; books; toys; small electrical appliances; collectibles; bed linens; and music media.

“We (cannot) accept bulky items, such as furniture, mattresses, skis and suitcases,” said Christine Schneider, GAIWC club president.

Shoes, underwear, curtains and 110-volt electrical items cannot be accepted either.
The Pfennig Bazaar is known as the biggest flea market in the West Palatinate. Its name originates from the former German currency, the Deutsche Mark and pfennigs (today, euro and cents).

GAIWC was established in 1956. Since then, other nationalities have been included and the name took on the word “international.”

The Pfennig Bazaar is the club’s biggest fundraising event.

“All of our profits will be donated to various German, American and international charities, German-American youth activities, and student exchange programs,” Schneider said.

Last year the club donated almost €35,000.

“Donations did go to American Kindergraves, Kaiserslautern High School senior class, Baumholder Hospitality House, Terre des Hommes, Atlantic Academy, Lebenshilfe, and many other children’s and charity institutions,” said Marlein Auge, the club’s corresponding secretary.

The Pfennig Bazaar will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 10 and 11.

Club members will provide homemade cakes, waffles and small dishes, such as soup and sausages.

“Just like last year, we expect about 5,000 visitors,” Auge said. “We are still looking for volunteers who (can) help us at the many bazaar stands.”

To volunteer, email Helga.bac@t-online.de.
For more information on the Pfennig Bazaar and the club, visit www.gaiwc.com.