One can’t escape it – the constant barrage of advertisements for clothes, shoes, bags and whatnot. Even the shortest time spent shopping online opens up a world of other brands and before you know it, you’re making your next purchase.
We often accumulate so many clothes, sometimes never wearing them more than a couple of times before discarding them or allowing them to get lost among the countless pieces of clothing in our closets. But as we witness a global shift towards sustainability, reusing and thrifting we see an increasing awareness of conscious consumerism. However, one can’t deny the privilege that comes with both – being able to buy new clothes or choosing to go the sustainable route.
There are millions in India even today who don’t own more than a few pairs of clothes, sometimes not even that. Along with food and shelter, clothing forms one of the most basic needs that countless people don’t have access to. Come rain or sunshine, they brave all extreme weather conditions and life’s challenges with little to nothing to call their own.
Clothes are a luxury for some and a need for many.
Donating Clothes Is Good For Everyone
Donating clothes that are in good condition not only helps many people in need, but is also good for the environment. It helps conserve the earth’s resources and prevents adding unnecessary carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
However, the biggest thing you will do by donating clothes is give someone a new life – one of dignity and security. And Saju Talukdar can vouch for that. Having grown up in a poor family, he recalls how he was forced to drop out of school because his tailor father was too poor to afford a new uniform, and today, Saju helps thousands of underprivileged people get clothes through his NGO, Bir Birsa Munda Cloth Bank.
Saju has been working as a commercial driver for the last few years and earns a decent income, but he’s a known name around Dimdima tea garden in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal because of his kind-hearted nature.
“During my multiple rides around Alipurduar, Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, I saw so many people in need of food and clothes. They live by the side of the roads in horrible conditions. I have always wanted to help them and thus I started collecting old clothes in good condition from all those who wanted to donate. That was the start of Cloth Bank. I distribute these clothes at Bandapani, Ramjhora, Red Bank, Kathalguri, Dimdima, and other closed tea plantations, besides railway stations and bus stops. I arrange the clothes in stacks and then ask the people to choose from them. We have also given them blankets and quilts in the cold winters.”
Saju has been giving clothes like pants, trousers, t-shirts, frocks, sarees and more to over 3000-4000 people in need. And this winter, he has been able to help many more with Donatekart’s support.
NGOs like Saju Talukdar’s truly have a great impact on people’s lives and bring them hope and joy. Donating clothes is a great way to help someone in need and the impact that can have on someone’s life is tremendous.
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