Almost one month after the devastating floods which uprooted over 100,000 people’s lives across T&T and left many still displaced, one local organisation which has been at the forefront providing relief is pleading with citizens to stop donating items.
Chairman of Sewa International T&T Revan Teelucksingh told Guardian Media that while the organisation was happy for all the support they have been receiving from the public, it’s just too much.
“We’ve gotten an overwhelming, wonderful response from the public and the public really came out and they bring the best clothes that they had...we just have too much than we can handle right now. So what we need is volunteers to come help us sort,” he said.
So far, the organisation which began collecting items even before the flooding at the Divali Nagar’s auditorium has collected over 6,000 pieces of clothing and almost a comparable amount of shoes, bags, belts and other accessories. Teelucksingh estimates that they would need at least 50 volunteers every evening to work for at least three hours in order to complete sorting the clothes.
Even with that help, he was not hopeful clothing packages would be ready for delivery this weekend.
The auditorium has been outfitted in the likeness of a retail clothing store, with items being sorted by type and gender.
“As you can see, we preparing the place like a massive clothes store...when they come in, we’re expecting 1,000 people, so we want to make it as efficient and impactful (sic) for them so they can see the items they like...it should be a dignified process,” Teelucksingh said.
Despite turning down the offer of further donations, Teelucksingh said the organisation will be embarking on another relief drive soon and is hopeful they will receive a similar response from the public.
Anyone willing to volunteer to assist the organisation is asked to contact 620-2076, 688-9375, 686-6888, or 796-0942.
Members of the organisation will be at the Divali Nagar’s auditorium every day from 5 pm to 8 pm this week.