http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=2743456#.UXcl-CuG2nY
Last night we discussed a few organizations committed to helping people in other countries. Tom's, for example, donates a pair of shoes to someone in need for every pair purchased here in the US. Another that was mentioned by Ryan, was an organization that distributes empty boxes with prepaid postage that a person could fill with clothes they wish to donate, then track their donation to wherever it may end up. This article shows the darker side of some charitable institutions, tracking the path your donated clothes actually follow.
After learning the truth, do you agree with what organizations such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army are doing? Does the economic efficiency of such transactions outweigh the questionable morality / sleaziness / deception?
Jared shall not be permitted to comment on this post.
I knew that the clothes I've donated to Salvation Army does end up in thrift stores, but had no idea that they sell them overseas. I would like them to get donated overseas to children in third world countries, rather than getting sold. Looks like in order to truly donate clothing to people in need, you need to drive to local homeless shelters or locate places overseas and ship the clothing personally.
ReplyDeleteP.S get worked Jared.
First off reselling used underwear is just gross, I don't even know why someone would donate used underwear, in my mind underwear is like food/water and everyone is entitled to at least 10 pairs of under garments (a set for each day and a few alternate/ emergency sets).
ReplyDeleteAs far as this underground industry goes I just think they need to be honest, people will still donate to places that practice the "recycle" methods discussed in the article but they won't be so willing if they feel like they're being tricked into feeding this machine. I think the companies that genuinely help the less fortunate and are genuine about their business practices are good and the ones that pretend to do the same are bad. the end.
When I was in Kenya two years ago I was amazed at the shops (more like shanties) selling tons of American brand clothing. Everything was very cheap, but a lot of it was of good quality. I had no idea that these were all donated clothes until after the fact. But still, I think the donated clothes industry does need to be more upfront with its practices.
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