A new initiative, “Wall of Kindness” where people can donate used and excess items that can be picked up by people in need has been gaining momentum in the city.
Launched by Rotary Erode Cosmos on Kalaimagal School Road, near Savitha Hospital, one can donate dresses, stationeries, books, toys, bags, watches, shoes and umbrella and other items that will be of use to the needy at the shop that is opened from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all days, except Sundays. People who need the items can simply enter the room and pick items throughout the day. A register is maintained at the room where the details of the contributor and the beneficiary are entered.
“Give Heartful and Take Handful” is the concept, said its president Gayathiri Devi. Asked about the origination of the idea, she said that people from district headquarters hospital frequently ask her for used clothes for the patients. “We usually donate for orphanages and people in slum areas. But, we felt the need is more for the people and hence the concept came up”, she added.
Ms. Devi said that they had received 250 pair of new shows from a leading sports shop in the city and they are in the process of giving it to the needy children at government schools. “People from Salem, Coimbatore and Namakkal and many who pass through the city had also contributed”, she said and added that more people are willing to contribute.
Earlier, people, who are mainly from the downtrodden sections, were picking up more than three or five items from the room for their needs. But later realising that things are needed for everyone, they started to pick just one item, said J. Balaji, a Rotarian, who monitors the room. He said that they are planning to launch a similar project near the government hospital soon.
For details and contributions, contact 98430-24612.