Dietze Travels from Germany to Omaha to Help During the Christmas Season
As he waited in U.S. Customs at the Chicago airport – having recently made the multi-hour flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to the states -- Robert Dietze suddenly felt like he was under suspicion.
Chicago was the first stop on his “adventure” to spend most of November and December volunteering for The Salvation Army in Omaha, and the agent wondered why someone from so far away would be heading to Nebraska… in winter.
“The customs agent asked me why Omaha? Why not somewhere bigger or warmer like Los Angeles?” said Dietze, who works in tech software in Dresden, Germany, and is using holiday and vacation time to volunteer.
“But I chose The Salvation Army in Omaha for a reason. The city is of similar size and climate to home, and I knew I could help there the most. I also looked at this as an opportunity to see another part of the world.”
Actually, Dietze chose Omaha after doing a “Salvation Army United States” Google search. The Salvation Army Omaha came up near the top of the list, and after some further online investigation, he decided that’s where he wanted to help.
He arrived in early-November, and he’s spent nearly every weekday since helping sign up, pickup, organize, deliver – whatever’s requested of him – to help out during The Salvation Army’s busiest and most impactful time of the year. He’s also worked in the food pantry at the Burrow’s Center and helped wherever else he’s needed.
“It’s been a great time for me,” said Dietze, who is staying at an Airbnb in the Benson area during his time in the city. “Not only have I enjoyed helping with everything with The Salvation Army, but I’ve also enjoyed touring the city. I’ve been to the zoo, visited the Aksarben Holiday Market and walked around Benson and other areas of the city whenever I’m not working.”
A boxer, Dietze even took in the recent Terence “Bud” Crawford-David Avanesyan fight December 10.
“People here are so friendly,” he said. “As soon as they learn I’m from Germany, they want to know everything about me. It’s quite different than back home.”
So is the Salvation Army. Dietze, who has volunteered at The Salvation Army in his home city for the past 10-plus years. In Dresden, he helps with the food pantry and cooks meals to give to people.
“I am amazed at how much The Salvation Army in Omaha does to make sure people have food and gifts during the holidays,” said Dietze, who is delaying celebrating Christmas with his family and girlfriend until he returns home.
“People in the United States are so generous. In addition to the number of programs here, the giving nature of Americans – especially people in Omaha – is very inspiring.”
And although he’s only here for a couple more weeks – he heads back to Germany Dec. 29 – Dietze said he’ll take many great memories and experiences with him.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and I’m already thinking about coming back next year to help out,” he said.