Sorry, old clothes not welcome

BANGALORE, NOV 12: Hands that are willing to donate are many. But the powers-that-be in-charge of accepting these humble donations on beh...

BANGALORE, NOV 12: Hands that are willing to donate are many. But the powers-that-be in-charge of accepting these humble donations on behalf of the needy are not all that large-hearted.

We are talking about the people at the special cells created to accept donations from the generous members of the public for Orissa victims. The reluctance generally is for accepting used clothes. Officials, at times, even indicate their preferences: That the donor could have brought medicines in place of clothes.

In Bangalore City, such centres are functioning at the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Bangalore Urban and Rural districts for the last four days. The rural DC8217;s office has so far received a little more than Rs 1000, while the urban DC8217;s office collection too is no better.

According to officials, they have decided not to accept used material. Those willing to help cyclone victims could donate only new dhothis, sarees, blankets, tarpals, vessels etc. Those who are unable to give any new material, but arekeen to make some contribution, could do so to the Chief Minister8217;s Relief Fund.

But how proper is it to expect only new material from everyone, including the poor? The officials have an answer to that.

They feel it is not appropriate to send old clothes to the victims! 8220;When we are sending necessary items to the victims, why should we send them old ones? If we send old clothes, the transport cost itself will be more than the worth of the materials,8221; they reason.

The donors, however, are not willing to buy this argument. 8220;While seeking donations, how appropriate is it on the part of the officials to choose the nature of the donations. We will give what we can. They should first appreciate our gesture. Instead of that, if they start complaining even about the way a material is packed, doesn8217;t a donor feel hurt8221; they ask.

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A Bangalorean Krishna Murthy had such an experience when he went with a bagful of used clothes and four vessels to a reception centre.

He had an heated exchange with theofficials when they turned down the used material. 8220;I have brought all these things from a distant place, and how can you refuse to accept them. Aren8217;t these things usable. Don8217;t they offer at least some help to the victims in dire straits? What is your problem when other voluntary organisations are accepting the used material,8217; he was heard arguing.