Donating to those in need is often seen as a kind and meaningful gesture.
However, one Malaysian has sparked discussion online after sharing that not all donations feel helpful, especially when they come in the form of worn out, stained, or unusable clothes.
Often receives old clothes as donations
According to mStar, the individual said they had grown up in a financially struggling family and would often receive donated clothes from others.
While she acknowledged that giving to those in need is a noble act, she said some of the donated clothes were no longer in good condition.
According to her, some of the clothes were already faded, yellowish, or had visible stains.
Sometimes when people donate, the clothes are already worn out, yellowish, and dirty. But when we don’t want them, we get accused of being picky or ungrateful.”
She then asked whether their feelings were valid, or whether they were being ungrateful.
Accepted them to avoid hurting the giver
The woman explained that they would usually accept the clothes anyway, as the donors often seemed happy to give them away.
However, the clothes would later be left unused and pile up at home.
“It’s sad sometimes. I take them because the person looks happy to give them to me. But after that, I don’t wear them, and they just pile up in the house,” she said.
She added that while donors may think the clothes are still usable, they should also consider whether the items had only been worn once or twice, or had already been used many times.
“In the end, poor people become a recycling centre or dumping ground for unwanted clothes.”
