The Arbeitslosenverband Uecker-Randow in the Uecker-Randow district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, has recently suspended clothing donations at several of its Kleiderkammer (clothing bank) sites, but this does not mean they are closing. Association head Hannelore Schiebe responded that the Pasewalk site is still open five days a week unless staff are on holiday or sick; earlier rumors that the site would close are untrue. The sites are run on a voluntary basis by Ein-Euro-Jobber (one-euro jobbers) and Bundesfreiwilligendienst (Federal Volunteer Service) workers.

The immediate trigger for the suspension is a marked decline in the number of local clothing donation containers, with more residents bringing clothes directly to the association's activity points, leaving clothing and storage rooms "bursting at the seams." The association tried transferring clothes to other activity points, but those were equally saturated, so Löcknitz and Torgelow also introduced intake suspensions one after another. At other locations such as Strasburg, Ueckermünde and Ferdinandshof, clothing must first be inspected before it can be accepted; and after the Eggesin activity point relocates, it will no longer have a clothing bank.

Schiebe notes that clothes in good, reusable condition can also be taken to a Wertstoffhof (recycling center), while dirty and damaged clothing should go into residual waste. She admits the association cannot take in all clothing. What is most urgently needed right now are bed sheets and towels, while winter coats, sweaters and the like are already sufficiently stocked. The association also no longer accepts older men's suits, because most customers who come prefer modern, wearable clothing. The sites are currently doing a seasonal stock changeover toward winter clothing, and before being put on the shelves, clothes must be sorted, washed and ironed where necessary. The association itself does not have clothing donation containers; clothing can only be handed over in person. According to Schiebe, the clothing banks and furniture exchange are not aimed only at people in need — anyone can buy clothing or furniture at low prices, unlike at the Tafel food bank.

She also stresses that although the association is a social organization, it likewise faces cost pressures from rising fuel and energy prices and higher minimum wages, and cannot maintain the full range of supplies at every activity point; when a site like Penkun has to close due to high costs and insufficient income, it is a painful decision for both staff and customers.

Source: Kleiderkammer stoppt Annahmen – Gerücht über Schließung sorgt für Andrang, doch die Regale sind voll · Originally published 2026-09-28