Clothes Bank in Damak benefits lower-income group

By Our Correspondent,Damak, Oct. 12: Along the roadside of Ward No.6 in Damak, Jhapa, stands a small, tin-roofed room that resembles a community wardrobe. Inside, rows of well-arranged clothes, shirts, trousers, and kurthas hang ready for anyone in need. Outside, a bright signboard reads, “Those who have, give; those who need, take.”

This is the newly established cloth bank, an initiative launched by the ward office of Damak-6 to promote compassion and sharing within the community. What began as a simple idea has now become a symbol of social responsibility and dignity for the less fortunate.

While various organisations in Damak have previously organised similar donation drives, this is the first time the local government itself has taken ownership of such a humanitarian effort. 

According to ward chairperson Tek Bahadur Karki, the bank aims to ensure that no one in the ward goes without adequate clothing, be it during the winter chill or festive seasons.

“The idea is simple,” Karki said, adding, “Anyone who can, should donate clothes. Anyone who needs them should take them. This is about giving back to the community.”

The initiative welcomes locals to drop off new or gently used garments at the collection point, which is open year-round. Those in need can walk in without hesitation and choose clothes freely, maintaining both dignity and ease. “We will continue this not just during Dashain or Tihar but throughout the year,” Karki added.

Torn or dirty clothes are strictly prohibited. “Donations should reflect care,” Karki explained. “Only clean and wearable garments will be accepted. We want people to give something they would wear themselves.”

For many low-income families and seasonal workers in the area, this initiative has become a source of quiet relief. Mothers searching for children’s clothes, elderly men looking for a warm shawl, all find something here.

The Clothes Bank is more than a charity corner; it’s a small act of humanity woven into the fabric of Damak’s everyday life, he added. 

With its simple motto, “Those who have, give; those who need, take,” the Ward Office hopes to inspire other communities to follow suit, proving that generosity doesn’t always need grandeur, just goodwill.