Naturally, you're wondering how things went from Kledingbank de Pardax to Kledingbank de Kempen. For this, we'll delve into the follow-up article I wrote last year about the clothing bank. Tabitha and Ingmar haven't stood still, so after a while, I was able to write a follow-up article in Uitstraling about the couple and their wonderful initiative. I want to share this story with you as well. You can read it below:

Clothing bank de Pardax becomes Clothing bank de Kempen

After much hard work, Tabitha and Ingmar have finally succeeded. The clothing bank is up and running. However, a few things have changed in the last six months.

Clothing bank de Pardax

The initiative arose from personal experiences with financial hardship. A bonus is that it gives many clothes a second life, which is more sustainable. Tabitha and Ingmar know all too well what it's like to face financial hardship. Despite all the setbacks, they always manage to find a solution and even managed to set up a real clothing bank! People could donate clothes, swap clothes, or pick them up, but also just enjoy a cup of coffee and a friendly chat. Tabitha and Ingmar also brought back that sense of social connection with the clothing bank, which they consider important too. "For us, it's a small gesture, but for them, a great gift," they say.

Anyone who follows the clothing bank on Facebook or has already found the website knows that a lot has changed. The clothing bank is getting an update, and with it, a new name: "Kledingbank de Kempen." That's not all, because the initiative was also appreciated by the municipalities in the Kempen region, and they received a grant from the municipality to start up. After 12 months, the goal is to be self-sufficient with the help of volunteers, donations, gifts, and sponsors. They've also found a suitable building in Bladel. For this reason, Tabitha and Ingmar felt it was only logical to give their clothing bank a more fitting name, hence the name change.

Update

Since Tabitha and Ingmar started, a lot has changed, mostly for the better, and they're proud of that. "We've come so far, and that's truly wonderful!" They're now collaborating with four different municipalities to set up this project: Reuselde Mierden, Bladel, Eersel, and Bergeijk. They're also using a subscription system, which costs €75 per year for an entire family. This allows you to swap 25 items of clothing once a month. Of course, you can donate more, but that would then be a donation.

Now they also have some help from several volunteers. Tabitha and Ingmar have contacted refugee organizations for this. "There are several women who would like to contribute and volunteer in the shop." They are receiving support from the organization 'Vluchtelingenwerk' (Refugee Work) for this, for example, with the language barrier and guidance for the volunteers so they can do their work well. They also want the shop to remain open to everyone and to ask all their questions. "People who are also socially isolated are welcome to come in for a friendly chat and a cup of coffee." They have contacted the municipality to see how much they can help people who come to us with a request for help because they don't know where to go. They can also mediate for those who find it difficult to ask for help. "We know how difficult it is when you've fought to build something and then lose everything due to circumstances. We also know how hard it is to sound the alarm." That's how everyone is a shopkeeper at Kledingbank de Kempen!

Their mission remains the same, but they're now expanding their reach throughout the Kempen region. The clothing bank will remain a meeting place where people struggling can find clothing, a good conversation, and help with their needs. It also serves as a kind of social gathering. It's truly a place for and by people. We can help those who need help, as well as those who still want to contribute to society and volunteer. "We don't have a profit goal at all. We simply want to help people with all our hearts."

Vision for the future

The building will officially open on October 25th, with three different aldermen from various municipalities attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ultimate goal is to get everything up and running without municipal assistance. To make this clothing bank ultimately self-sufficient, they still need some help. You can donate clothing, but also handbags, shoes, coats, and even accessories like jewelry. You can donate in the store, or if you prefer, you can donate money. Money is also very welcome, as they need it for things like rent. By donating, you also contribute to buying clothes from large stores, covering fixed costs, and insurance for the building. They can also buy small items for the volunteers who make it all possible.