As face masks are becoming mandatory in many European countries and since there is still a lack of those masks, the rattling noise of sewing machines can be heard everywhere. In all countries, face masks are being sewn for personal use or to be produced in large numbers for others.
In Slovakia, KOLPING sells its masks, in Serbia, masks are sewn by Kolping Families, diocesan associations in Germany send sewing patterns and materials to volunteers. The Ukrainian Kolping Family Iwano Frankiwsk made and distributed as many as 1,200 protective masks in the first few weeks – and there will be more to follow.
In Eastern Europe, there are also many vulnerable Kolping members who depend on food aid. In Romania volunteers bake bread and collect food donations to distribute them among those in need. Kolping Families in Ukraine also distribute food among poor people. Emotional distress is high in families whose disabled children are cared for in KOLPING centres in Lviv. Kolping Ukraine is trying hard to stay connected with and to be there for those families via phone or digital media.
In Hungary and Lithuania classes at Kolping schools are taught online. Fortunately, KOLPING Poland can continue to offer its career counseling and job placement services via phone and online without any major restrictions.
Here we report on the situation in the partner countries. How does KOLPING help? An overview
