August at the Clothing Bank: 9.9 metric tons of material aid, new projects, and a growing network

August was a month full of hard work, collaboration, and tangible assistance. In just one month, we received a total of 9.9 metric tons of in-kind donations, which were then distributed to people facing difficult life circumstances, partner organizations, and other meaningful causes.

Behind this number lies not only a large quantity of donated clothing and other supplies, but above all the work of individuals, organizations, companies, and volunteers who help us get aid to where it’s truly needed.

Of the total amount of material aid received in August, we:
• distributed 3.5 metric tons through our partner organizations throughout the Czech Republic,
• provided 2 metric tons in the form of emergency care packages to individual applicants,
• handed over 2 metric tons to POTEX for the eco-friendly processing of textiles,
• delivered 1.5 metric tons to Ragtex for further material reuse,
• and distributed 0.9 metric tons to our network of Fashion Charity Shops.

Aid was sent to organizations throughout the country

In August, material aid was sent, for example, to the following organizations: HC Srdce, KLOKTEX, the Czech Red Cross in Pardubice, CSSP – NDC Vladimírova, AD Kralupy nad Vltavou, Otevřené dveře Knížkovice, TADY A TEĎ o.p.s., POINT Milovice, the Ministry of the Interior’s Refugee Facility Administration, CSS Příbram, Hnutí pro život and Potravinová banka Central, Valika, Pomoc v nouzi, Romodrom, OSPOD Karlovy Vary, Dolmen, Útočiště Cheb, and the Ostrov nad Ohří Prison.

We received tremendous support this month from the companies LESS MESS, PUMAX, WIKY, TOPGAL, LOMA systems, and our general partner, JTI. A big thank you also goes to our individual donors, who have shown us their trust over the long term.

A big thank you also goes to the volunteers from Amazon and ALLWYN. We truly appreciate their help. Thanks to their time and energy, we are able to manage the large amount of aid we receive and pass it on to where it truly makes a difference.

The Karlovy Vary Textile Center Is Growing

In the Karlovy Vary Region, we have already established partnerships with 25 municipalities and cities. We are gradually installing collection bins in these locations and arranging for regular pickups of sorted textiles. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for residents of the region to donate clothing they no longer use, while ensuring that as much high-quality textile as possible can be returned to the region to provide tangible assistance.

The first few months of operation show that this model works. In July, for example, we began regular pickups from the first newly installed containers, and we are continuing to expand the network.

We don’t just want to collect textiles. We want to create a functional regional system in which textiles follow a clear path—from donation through sorting to helping people or being repurposed.

Obleč Pardubice: A New Website to Help Give Clothing a Second Life

In August, we also launched the new Obleč Pardubice portal, which clearly shows people where they can drop off, donate, or pass on clothing they no longer need for further use. The website features an interactive map of collection points and information on ways to give textiles a second life.

Pardubice is thus expanding the network of regional Obleč projects, which are already active in other cities—Obleč Prague, Obleč Brno, Obleč Jihlava, Obleč Plzeň, Obleč Karlovy Vary, Obleč Hradec Králové, and Obleč České Budějovice. Pardubice has now joined this network. In total, the network now includes eight regional “Obleč” projects, which make it easier for people to manage their clothing responsibly.

Together, we give clothes a second life

What we’ve been able to build is based above all on collaboration. We connect donors, towns and cities, social organizations, companies, volunteers, and other partners so that clothing reaches places where it can truly make a difference. Whether it goes directly to someone in need, to a social organization, to a charity, or for further processing, we want every piece of clothing to serve the greatest possible purpose.

In August alone, we received 9.9 metric tons of material aid. It’s a big number, but what’s even more important is what lies behind it—the real people we were able to help and the clothing that, thanks to you, got a second chance at use.

Thank you for being with us on this journey. Together, we’re showing that clothing can make a difference. 💚👕