26 Feb Why donate my clothes to the Jai Sathya Mission of T&T?
There are various types of dāna or charity suggested in the sacred books of Indian philosophy. One such virtue of generosity is the giving of cloth or clothing. It is called vastra dāna. But the benefits of donating clothing are often overlooked and focus is made on other forms of charity. To show the importance of giving clothing, Her Holiness Sri Jayanti Kumaraswami established the Share & Cheer Clothing Bank in Trinidad and Tobago during Her Darshan Tour in the Caribbean in 2019. Swamiji’s aim is to distribute free clothing to anyone in need. Her missions in India and Trinidad focus on human service and address the issues affecting everyone, including lack of basic needs. The Clothing Bank is open to the general public to enter and take home any suits of clothing they may need. All sizes and attires are available for adults and children. Here is why you should donate your clothes to our Mission’s clothing bank:
Protect the Environment
In the National Waste Recycling Policy report issued by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 2015, it was found that textile material made up 8.2% of the waste in the Beetham landfill, 7.8% at Forres Park, 6.6% at Guanapo and 8.6% at Guapo. This data was collected from a 2010 waste characterization study by the Ministry of Local Government in Trinidad and Tobago. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, eleven thousand three hundred (11300) tons of textile material was dumped in landfills in the US during the year 2018 alone.
Researchers say clothing dumped in landfills release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane when they breakdown. In 2018 the United Nations Climate Change news issued a statement that around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions is a result of the production of clothes for all people. Recycling your clothes can help reduce these harmful effects and help protect our planet.
Half Man, Half Cloth
Swamiji often reiterates the importance equity. A poor person who holds the required qualifications for a job should have the same chance as a wealthy person applying for the same job. He should be able to access professional attire to make a good impression. “Aal pathi aadai paathi” is a Tamil proverb which literally translates to half man, half cloth. Today, psychologically, someone’s impression of an individual and the behavior towards the individual depends on his clothing and appearance. Swamiji wishes that everyone has the resources to dress well and find peace in his/her appearance; boosting their confidence and impressing those around them.
Sri Jayanthi Kumaraswami distributes clothes.
Helping Others
You will be surprised to know how many families in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean are in need of clothing especially after dreadful natural disasters. Many working adults also approach the Mission for professional attire to wear at their jobs. The JSMTT Clothing Bank assists families throughout the year.
In 2015, the main phase of the Venezuelan migration and refugee crisis unfolded and millions of Venezuelans fled their country following growing political unrest and economic crisis. Many neighboring countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, felt the blow of this crisis as refugees sought a new life and continue to do so. The Share and Cheer Clothing Bank responded to their cry for assistance by providing clothes to Venezuelan families across Trinidad who would’ve risked their lives on small boats crossing the ocean to reach the island.
You can help by donating new or used clothing in good condition to JSMTT’s Share and Cheer Clothing Bank or make a financial donation online.
Clothing Bank in Trinidad and Tobago.