Arlington launches fundraiser to help sister city in Germany support Ukrainian refugees
Over 70 years ago, Arlington residents loaded rail cars with food, clothing and other supplies to help its sister city when refugees fled from East Germany.
Now, Arlington is raising money once again for its sister city in Germany, Bad Königshofen, where families are housing Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing the Russian attacks.
Since Wednesday, almost $10,000 has been raised, said city spokeswoman Susan Schrock. People can donate by visiting the Arlington Online Store.
Mayor Jim Ross, who announced the fundraising campaign at a Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday night, said he was pleased with how quickly the community has come together to embrace the cause. Arlington and Bad Königshofen are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their Sister City relationship.
Julie Warner, publicity chair for Arlington Sister Cities, said she is pleased that the community is coming together to help Bad Königshofen, which has around 7,000 residents.
Bad Königshofen set up centers with cots for refugees, and families are also opening their homes, she said.
Officials from Bad Königshofen asked Arlington for help, she said.
“We are looking at this as an Arlington project. We helped them 70 years ago, and they need us again,” she said.