Waste Instead of Help: Caritas Second-Hand Shops Sound the Alarm
More than 700 tons of used clothing, furniture, household goods, and electrical appliances are donated annually to the eleven Carlas at eight locations of the Caritas of the Diocese of St. Pölten. However, because more and more textiles and shoes are dirty or damaged and have to be sorted out as "no longer wearable," a campaign is now underway. Donors are to be sensitized, it was emphasized on Monday in Krems.
Half of the donated clothing no longer saleable
Currently, about half of the clothing provided is no longer suitable for sale, with a rising trend. Proper disposal is often associated with high costs. This is particularly noticeable in the Carlas Krems and Vitis, the largest second-hand stores of Caritas St. Pölten.
"In recent years, we have noticed a massive increase in unsellable goods, especially in used clothing. More and more low-quality textile goods are flooding the market and ultimately end up with us," said Monika Steiner, who has been managing Carla Krems for 14 years, according to a press release.
Campaign on social media, in cinemas, and via posters
Stefan Zangl, head of Carla Vitis in the Waldviertel, is also familiar with the problem. Many donors are simply unaware of the issue. The campaign "If your donation is flawless, it brings joy and that for two!" aims to provide education. "Because clothing that is no longer wearable should be disposed of and not donated to one of the Carlas."
"Only with well-preserved in-kind donations are we able to fulfill our social mission," said Christoph Riedl, Secretary General of Caritas St. Pölten. For this reason, the campaign will be launched on social media, in cinemas, and via posters.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.