We received a call from a reader: “I would like to raise the issue of PCK collection points located in Bolesławiec; I mean those chutes where donations for PCK are left. It is a shame that PCK endorses this with its logo.”
The person who contacted us added that the issue was not limited to the mess around the containers. What irritated him more was what supposedly happens to donations from Bolesławiec residents. The man heard that “everything becomes cleaning wipers.”
He added:
I gave so many things there, and when I found out that they go to become cleaning wipers, I was furious.
Nikodem Chmielewski from PCK explains:
The Polish Red Cross collects textiles in specially marked containers located across all 16 provinces. All the containers are owned by the Polish Red Cross – they were purchased for a symbolic one zloty. PCK collects textiles in them, and the funds obtained from selling the collected clothes, bedding, and other items are allocated to the operation of aid and educational projects, as well as its ongoing statutory activities.
Textile collection is a way of raising funds that PCK has used before, but we are now introducing a new operating model in this area. Most textiles placed in the containers cannot, due to their condition, be given to people in need. They can, however, be used for industrial purposes. PCK decided to entrust the recycling of collected textiles to specialists in exchange for financial support. Importantly, the revenue from textile sales in a given province will be allocated to PCK’s local activities. People who leave clothes in the containers are therefore helping those in need in their own area. Through the used-clothing collection project, together with our social partner we have opened 208 rehabilitation-equipment rental centers and allocated PLN 15,100,000 to equipping the rental centers.
He also emphasizes:
In response to your question, it is not true that everything found in a clothing container is processed into cleaning wipers. Both cleaning wipers and eco-fuel are the last products into which we can process textiles, mainly because of the low revenue generated by these products. As a public-benefit organization, we strive to maximize revenue so that every additional amount can be allocated to aid activities.
He adds:
As for cleanliness around the containers, unfortunately the mess is most often caused by break-ins and damage to our containers. We work closely with both the authorities and public-order services to minimize such incidents and, when they occur, respond as quickly as possible. Thanks to the actions of the local police, some residents responsible for such incidents have been held accountable.
I am also convinced that the support of local media on this issue would help considerably. After all, it is neighbors who harm their neighbors, and raising community awareness so that people respond to such acts of vandalism can significantly reduce the unpleasant incidents involving the destruction of clothing containers.