PRESS RELEASE Donation Ceremony 2026
Kaiserslautern, 10/04/2026
This year the German-American Club Kaiserslautern e.V. (DAC KL) once again supported organizations and projects that strengthen community ties and the German-American friendship. The club awarded a total of EUR 14,000 in donations to eight recipients. For many years, this annual donation program has been an integral part of DAC KL’s work. Through it, the club sends a visible message of connection and cooperation between Americans and Germans in the Western Palatinate.
The donation presentation took place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Galappmühle in Kaiserslautern. Recipients included the USO, KMC Airmen’s Attic, Gymnasium am Rittersberg, Burggymnasium Kaiserslautern, Baugenossenschaft Bahnheim, the ASZ, the Catholic Parish of St. Martin with its “Pflasterstube”, and the VDAC.
“German-American friendship thrives on personal connections and shared commitment. Through our donations, we support people and organizations that create opportunities for those connections – in schools, neighborhoods, and social-service organizations. We thank everyone whose work at the Pfennigbasar makes this possible,” said the president of DAC KL.
The Gymnasium am Rittersberg receives support for its German-American student and cultural exchange programs. The funding helps cover airfare and shuttle costs for the school’s music partnership with the William H. Hall High School in West Hartford, as well as its STEM student exchange, the “Global Learning Experience,” with the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. The youth program of the Federation of German-American Clubs (VDAC) receives support for its U.S. youth trip. This program gives students the opportunity to meet in person and to stay with American host families.
The Burggymnasium Kaiserslautern receives support for transportation costs related to visits to U.S. facilities and for friendship events during the school year 2026 -2027. The United Service Organizations (USO) receives funding for guided city tours in Kaiserslautern, particularly to cover bus transportation and tour-guide costs. KMC Airmen’s Attic will use its support to equip its operation, including storage containers, shelving, labeling materials, and informational signs.
The Pfennigbasar, which is hold by the DAC KL each spring and that generates most of the funds distributed through the donation program, depends on the support of local organizations. The Arbeits- und sozialpädagogisches Zentrum (ASZ) also receives funding: its donation supports outreach youth social work. The program serves young people ages 14 to 27 who are socially marginalized or at risk of marginalization. It helps them find vocational training, employment, and housing, connects them with existing support services, and promotes social integration through shared activities.
The Catholic Parish of St. Martin receives support for their winter-aid program of its “Pflasterstube”. Planned purchases include winter jackets, cold-weather sleeping bags, and insulated containers for hot tea and soup. The Pflasterstube provides medical assistance and warm meals to people experiencing homelessness, people without health insurance, and facing other difficult circumstances.
The Baugenossenschaft Bahnheim receives support for the project “Play & Connect at the Bahnheim Community Center.” A freely accessible climbing and balance structure will enhance the outdoor area as a gathering place for children, families, and neighborhood residents. The implementation is planned for spring 2027 following approval and contract award.
Through the September 30, 2026 donation presentation, the Club combines its commitment to enable personal German-American connections with practical assistance for people in Kaiserslautern and the surrounding region.
About the German-American Club Kaiserslautern (registered association)
The German-American Club is a registered association that exclusively pursues charitable purposes. We are a traditional club in Kaiserslautern dedicated to bringing Germans and Americans together through the activities of our club and to promote friendship between the people of Germany and the United States.
PRESS RELEASE Clothing Bazaar
Kaiserslautern, 12.11.2025
The German-American Club Kaiserslautern e.V. cordially invites you to this year’s “Clothing Bazaar.”
The event will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the ASZ (Arbeits- und Sozialpädagogischen Zentrum), Mennonitenst. 6, 67657 Kaiserslautern.
In a relaxed atmosphere, clothing and textiles will be offered at very reasonable prices throughout the afternoon. The bazaar provides not only a wonderful opportunity to browse and discover treasures, but also a chance to shop sustainably and enjoy good conversation.
Refreshments will be available, including coffee, cake, juice, and water.
The German-American Club looks forward to welcoming many visitors and hopes that this event will bring people together, spread joy, and contribute to a vibrant community.
About the German-American Club Kaiserslautern (registered association)
The German-American Club is a registered association that exclusively pursues charitable purposes. We are a traditional club in Kaiserslautern dedicated to bringing Germans and Americans together through the activities of our club and to promote friendship between the people of Germany and the United States.
PRESS RELEASE Donation Ceremony
Kaiserslautern, 19.02.2025
This year, the German-American Club Kaiserslautern (DAC KL) as part of its traditional donation program once again supported local organizations and projects that are particularly committed to strengthening German-American friendship. Granting donations have been an integral part of the DAC KL’s work for many years. In doing so, the DAC KL sets a visible example of the coexistence between Americans and Germans in the West Palatinate region and contributes to a vibrant partnership between the cultures.
At the donation ceremony held at the Work and Social Education Center (ASZ), the board and members of the DAC KL presented donation checks to several organizations in Kaiserslautern and the region.
The ISG Enkenbach-Alsenborn, the Albert Schweitzer Gymnasium, and the youth program of the Association of German-American Clubs (VDAC) received support for their student exchange programs.
The Pfennigbasar, which the DAC KL organizes every spring and whose proceeds primarily generate the funds for the donations, would not be possible without the tireless support of local organizations. Therefore, the ASZ and the Friends of the Catholic Parish of St. Martin were also considered in the donation allocation.
The preservation and maintenance of the Kindergraves at the Kaiserslautern main cemetery and the organization and implementation of the annual Kindergraves ceremony are another focus of the DAC KL. While the Kindergraves do not receive much attention in the German public, they are of great importance to our American fellow citizens. Teachers and students of the Burg-Gymnasium, together with the Sergeant Morales Club, have made it their mission to maintain the graves. The Protestant Church District of the Palatinate has been actively involved in the Kindergraves ceremony for a very long time. Their commitment was also recognized during the donation award ceremony.
The United Service Organizations (USO), a cooperation partner of the DAC KL, and the Emergency Relief Fund for Families were also recognized last Thursday.
“It is a particular concern of the members of the DAC KL to actively shape the coexistence of Germans and Americans in our region,” emphasized the club’s president in his address. “Only when people from different countries and cultures meet and spend time together do they begin to comprehend each other. This creates friendships. Even if you do agree on everything, you can at least understand and accept the other person’s arguments, which ultimately leads to tolerance. Our activities and donations help with this.”
With the donation presentation on August 28, 2025, the club demonstrates once again that transatlantic friendship means more than just words, but concrete actions.
About the German-American Club Kaiserslautern (registered association)
The German-American Club is a registered association that exclusively pursues charitable purposes. We are a traditional club in Kaiserslautern dedicated to bringing Germans and Americans together through the activities of our club and to promote friendship between the people of Germany and the United States.
From left to right: Mr. Keim (Emergency Relief Fund for Families), Pfarrer Eisfeld (Protestant Church District of the Palatinate), Mrs. Neugebauer (ASZ), Mr. Lewark (Friends of the Catholic Parish of St. Martin), Mr. Vollmer (ASZ), Mrs. Faber (Board member DAC KL), Mr. Balzulat (President DAC KL), Mr. Boor (Friend of the Burggymnasium), Mrs. Leonhard (USO), Mr. Weis (Burggymnasium), Mrs. Kreckel (Board member DAC KL), Mrs. Jorzick (ISG Enkenbach-Alsenborn), Mr. Busch (Albert-Schweitzer-Gymnasium)
PRESS RELEASE Pfennigbasar
Kaiserslautern, 19.02.2025
Attention bargain hunters!
It’s time to shop for a good cause!
The traditional “Pfennigbasar” of the German-American Club Kaiserslautern is back! From March 8th to 9th 2025, the event will take place at the “Alte Eintracht”, Unionsstraße 2, in Kaiserslautern. Bargain hunters will find plenty to enjoy, as all proceeds will benefit a good cause in the region. You can donate items for the “Pfennigbasar” on March 7th 2025.
Charity meets flea market
The “Pfennigbasar” of the German-American Club Kaiserslautern has been a beloved event for decades, not only in the Kaiserslautern area but throughout the region. The response has always been impressive, with long lines of eager shoppers forming even before the doors open. If you think of the “Pfennigbasar” as just another flea market, you’re mistaken. All participants work voluntarily and without payment. This charity bazaar is a project that is very dear to the club members, which is why everyone is coming together again this year to help out. We have also received inquiries from people outside the club who have heard about the charity bazaar and want to lend a hand. Germans and Americans are working side by side for a good cause.
If you would like to support this charity event, you are warmly invited to shop at your leisure from March 8th to 9th 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM. There will be clothing for women, men, and children, toys, dolls, books, household goods, porcelain, bags, belts, tablecloths, linens, antiques, and crystal.
Donations will be accepted on March 7th 2025 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the back of the Alte Eintracht (access via Rittersberg, Kaiserslautern). We kindly ask that you only donate sellable and clean items. This year, we will not accept glass, ceramics, electrical items, decorative items, shoes, furniture, or pictures/frames.
How did the “Pfennigbasar” start?
The bazaar was established in 1957, with the first donation going to the “SOS Kinderdorf”. The idea behind the “Pfennigbasar” was to promote German-American student exchange. At that time, there were 80 clubs in the “Federation of German-American Clubs” (VDAC), all with a common goal: to support this project. The initiative has always been charitable and highly recognized by governments, receiving political support throughout the years. The first major bazaar of our club also took place at the “Alte Eintracht” in downtown Kaiserslautern.
What are the donations used for?
The funds raised are allocated to projects related to children, youth, and students, as well as organizations that promote such initiatives. Beneficiaries have included the “Lebenshilfe”, the kindergarden “Am Nussbäumchen”, young mothers in need identified by Caritas and Diakonie, “Lichtblick”, and various student exchange and school projects. American organizations have also been supported during Christmas for families in need.
A sustainable German-American community project
At the “Pfennigbasar”, Germans and Americans stand side by side to collect donations – and have been doing so for decades. One of the most impressive bazaars was held after the Iraq War, when everyone came together to strengthen the German-American connection. This year, we are once again working together at the “Pfennigbasar” to support projects in our region. The “Pfennigbasar” is an experience for all German and American participants. We have fun together, learn from each other, and do charity work.
If you want to experience the spirit of the “Pfennigbasar”, join us on March 8th and 9th 2025!
About the German-American Club Kaiserslautern (registered association)
The German-American Club is a registered association that exclusively pursues charitable purposes. We are a traditional club in Kaiserslautern dedicated to bringing Germans and Americans together through the activities of our club and to promote friendship between the people of Germany and the United States.