Winterhilfswerk (WHW) Victim Will Decide "Opferwille Entscheidet" Handout, 1935-1936

The Winterhilfswerk (WHW = Winter Help Work) was an annual drive by the Nationalsozialistische Volkswohlfahrt (the National Socialist People’s Welfare Organization) to help finance charitable work. Its slogan was "None shall starve nor freeze". The drive was originally set up under the government of Heinrich Bruning in 1931, though Hitler would later claim sole credit. It ran from 1933-1945 during the months of October through March, and was designed to provide food, clothing, coal, and other items to less fortunate Germans during the inclement months.

As part of the centralization of Nazi Germany, posters urged people to donate rather than to give directly to beggars. The "Can Rattlers", as they became known, were relentless in their pursuit of making sure every good German citizen gave their share to the WHW. In fact those who "forgot" to give had their names put in the paper to remind them of their neglect. Neighbours, and even family members were encouraged to whisper the names of shirkers to their block leaders so that they could persuade them to do their duty.