Dear Mr. KIA, I have been trying to clear out my closet to make some space for the new autumn-winter collections. Thing is my flat is tiny and and I can’t find anywhere else to store my old clothes. I care for those outfits too much to just toss them in the trash. Do you know anywhere I can donate the them to someone that would cherish them as much as I do? Label Queen
Dear LQ, Let me tell you this, LQ, clearing out your closet and giving it to charity is totally the right thing to do. It’s what I call, empathy with style. And it frees up space to buy more stuff, while freeing up your conscience, too. Here are some of the places to consider to give away your secondhand threads.
The Mirror Foundation (8/12, Vibhavadi Soi 44, Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., 02-941-4194. www.mirror.or.th) dedicate themselves to giving something back and creating a better society. Just drop your unwanted items off at their office, or if your old stuff weighs more than 20 kg, you can get them to come pick it up at your place. The clothes will either be sent to poor people in rural areas or they’ll sell them to raise money to support their projects.
There are many unfortunate Thai women in need of assistance, and that includes clothing at the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Soamsawali (501/1, Dechatungka Rd., Sikan, Donmeung. www.apsw-thailand.org. 02-929-2301). Visit the foundation to drop off your clothes, or save your traveling costs by sending them through the post.
The Suankaew Foundation (1, Moo 1, Bang Lane, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, 02-595-1444. www.suankaew.or.th) runs 18 charitable projects to help those less fortunate. Clothes sent here can be given to the elderly, the poor, and basically anyone in need. The place might be far out from the city, but who cares right? Great effort should pay great returns—one hopes.
You’re obviously asking about your own clothes but Chuay Dek (www.chuaydek.info) also accepts children’s clothing (ages 4-10). Visit their website or, even better, head to Bo.lan’s charity BBQ and drop off your clothes there (see page 14).