Overview
- Private organizers led by Florian Blaes distributed roughly 250 care packages along the A1 and A6 after rerouting to reach Eifel sites, the Luxembourg border and Autohof Ramstein, where about 150 drivers spent the holidays.
- Highway police handed out nearly 70 gift bags at the Langwedel rest area on the A27 and supported additional giveaways on the A1, working with Doc-Stop, Rotary and rest‑area operators.
- The A5 in Baden‑Württemberg saw separate volunteer rounds by the transport association and Kraftfahrerkreis, delivering gifts to drivers across multiple parking areas.
- Gift bags commonly included bread and sausage, drinks, basic groceries, hygiene products, sweets, fruit, warning vests and small good‑luck charms.
- Police reported reactions from relief to visible emotion as some drivers initially expected a control, and industry groups said many would remain at rest areas until Monday due to legal bans, closed businesses or ongoing assignments.