I just thought this article would be relevant...
Homes not taking old clothes and shoeshttp://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161251346Ariti Jankie South Bureau
Signs are being posted at several children's homes across the country stating that donations of old clothes and shoes would not be accepted.
Officials said that at this time of the year, people tend to clean out their homes and dump old clothes, shoes and toys at homes for children.
"We do not have the space nor the means of stitching torn garments, bedsheets and pillowcases. Our children already have old toys and no place to store them," a spokesperson for Mother's Union Children's Home, San Fernando, said. She said they relied on corporate houses who throw parties for the children and give them new toys.
"The parties put the children in the Christmas spirit and we don't want them to feel dejected with old toys, clothes and shoes," she said.
Judy Wilson who started Rainbow Rescue nine years ago said that the children needed toiletries and underwear such as vests, jockey and boxer shorts .
The home needed food stuff such as fresh meat and vegetables and cleaning detergents and equipment, she said.
Confessed Wilson: "Sometimes we feel badly about the things people donate but we recognise that they want to be charitable and so we accept them."
There are 12 boys and two girls, whose ages range from nine to 15, at the home in Belmont, Port of Spain. The eldest, a boy, will be permitted to stay at Rainbow Rescue until he is 18.
Joanne George, administrator of Phillips Children's home, Balmain, Couva said the children at the home were already disadvantaged and dumping old stuff on them was not encouraged. "Once the children are given food and love they are happy," she said. She said that clothes, shoes and toys were not the requirement of the children or the home.
"We need cleaning equipment, stationary, underwear, shampoos, deodorants, socks, tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap and towels," George said. She said the home has put up a sign stating that it was not accepting clothes and shoes at this time.
At Plain View Home, Calvary Hill, Arima the needs and frustrations were similar.
"There is no one to sort out the old things that are donated, we cannot repair them and we do not want to give old things to the children at Christmas time," a spokesperson said.
