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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - During Eid al-Fitr, the Jordanian Clothing Bank project has handed out clothes, shoes and toys to orphans and those in need.

The clothing bank, run by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, has called on citizens to continue their donations of clothing so that more people are able to benefit from its services.

"The idea of a charitable clothing bank derives from King Abdullah II's vision to harness all means in order to provide a decent life to less fortunate families," secretary general Ayman al-Muflih told Al-Shorfa.

The project is a large market encompassing nearly 6,000 square metres in al-Mahatta in the centre of Amman. On display are new and used clothes, footwear and toys donated by individuals and corporations.

"The project offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience to modest-income and poor families and to orphans, free of any charge," al-Muflih said.

Since its inauguration last year, the clothing bank has been able to clothe around 40,000 people and hand out 191,000 items of clothing, footwear and toys to needy families, he said.

The bank accepts donations via boxes placed in several commercial centres, as well as at its offices, he said. It also sends its employees to collect clothes from people regardless of location.

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation works with the Ministry of Social Development and the National Aid Fund to register and approve the families entitled to benefit from this project.

Orphans, widows, divorcées and people with special needs are among those eligible to benefit.

The bank accepts new clothes or second-hand items in very good condition, he said. These are then sorted by type, gender and season and displayed in the market.

The bank plans to set up a mobile clothing showroom that would travel throughout the kingdom in the future, he said.

PRESERVING DIGNITY

"I used to work in a carpentry workshop in the area of al-Wahdat in Amman and after I suffered an injury in my hand I became unable to work," Mohammed Alewa of al-Ashrafiyah, Amman told Al-Shorfa.

"I currently receive 70 dinars ($100) a month from the Development Fund, which is an insufficient amount as I have three children," he said.

"When I heard about the bank I went there and registered," Alewa said. "I have used the bank's services several times and received good-quality children's clothes."

"As Eid al-Fitr drew closer, I was looking forward to getting some clothes for my children since I am unable to buy them in the markets due to high prices," he added.

The bank offers an important service, Alewa said, as it not only helps families in need but also enables them to choose clothes in the showroom in a way that preserves their dignity.

Mother of four Mona Sabri said the idea to begin a clothing bank was "an excellent one".

"I buy many clothes every month and my children love to always get new clothes, so I often need to throw out clothes even though they have not been used much. Therefore, the idea of this bank is brilliant and I will regularly send it items," she told Al-Shorfa.

*Al-Shorfa