Last Friday I visited Kledingbank de Kempen to visit their store and donate. Last summer, I cleaned out my wardrobe at home, which was desperately needed after moving and renovating last year. Actually, I simply didn't have enough space in my closet, so I got an extra one AND cleaned it out, so now I have room to buy new clothes again. #Girlmath, right?

That big cleanup resulted in 3.5 bags of clothes that I haven't fit into for ages or that are no longer appropriate for me. I also donated some items I no longer use, so they can include them in their holiday gift baskets. I had to say goodbye to some clothes with a tear, but thinking about how happy a young girl could be with them now made me feel better. So I've stopped donating clothes completely. You often don't know where it goes or what happens to it. At Kledingbank de Kempen, I'm 100% sure it's going to the right place.

When they were just starting out, in their own garage, I wrote an article about the Clothing Bank for the Appearance. I'll share the exact article later, since you can't find it anymore. It was published in March 2023. Now they've turned it into a proper store in an old building in Bladel. I'm also sharing images of it on Instagram and TikTok. During my visit, I saw the store they've set up in Bladel for the first time and saw the owners again after a long time.

I must say I'm incredibly proud of what they've created. That's why I'm so happy to help them with donations for the gift packages they arrange for their guests. In their store, you can not only enjoy shopping for clothes, but also for accessories, essential drugstore items, and handmade bags, the proceeds of which go to the clothing bank. There's also a corner for cozy conversation, a children's corner where children can play and color, and fitting rooms. The staff, mostly volunteers, truly take their time with the guests and are just as happy as they are when they've found their perfect gift. In short, the store is everything Tabitha and Ingmar wanted it to be, and perhaps even more. A place for good conversation and a safe haven for shopping when you're struggling with less.

Would you also like to support Kledingbank de Kempen? You can do so in the following ways:

• Donate for the holidays on my campaign page
• Donate money directly to Kledingbank de Kempen via their own website
• Donate clothing and accessories that you no longer use
• Roll up your sleeves and come help them in the store