Donations and employees: BRK clothing stores need help

Created: 05/06/2022, 06:30

By: Veronika Ahn-Tauchnitz

Happy about further support - and not only in the Tölzer market (picture): store manager Elena Leier (left) and project manager Inge Knobloch.

© Proehl

Many refugees from the Ukraine also buy the essentials in the clothing markets of the BRK.

That's why we are urgently looking for more employees - and donations in kind, such as shoes.

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen - Not only the boards in the district clearly notice the influx of refugees.

Customer numbers are also increasing in the three BRK clothing stores.

Volunteer support is also needed there.

On average, 900 to 1000 customers come to the BRK clothing stores in Bad Tölz, Geretsried and Lenggries every week.

With the influx of refugees from Ukraine, the numbers have been rising steadily for weeks.

"The colleagues master the onslaught with flying colors," says Helmut Kulla, Head of Social Services at the BRK.

Fortunately, there is a Russian-speaking employee in Tölz, and another one has just been hired, reports project manager Inge Knobloch.

"The Ukrainian refugees all speak Russian and are very happy that they have someone who understands them," says Knobloch.

"Of course, this leads to them asking all sorts of questions: Where can you learn German, what doctor is there and how to find a job."

Older men are also among the refugees

First and foremost, however, people come to the shops to stock up on the essentials.

The shops not only sell second-hand clothing, but also household items, games and much more.

Newly arrived refugees receive a voucher from the BRK for a free initial supply of clothing together with the social card in the district office, which can be redeemed in all clothing stores.

Then they can use the social card - like all other holders - to buy clothing, shoes and bed linen at 50 percent of the price.

"Mostly mothers with two to three children come to us at the moment," says Knobloch.

But there are also older men among the refugees – as well as young men who are not yet old enough to go to war.

“We had two donations of brand new footballs.

The boys were so happy,” says Knobloch and smiles.

"Knitting is everywhere, even in Ukraine"

Due to the changes in the customer base, some gaps in the range have opened up.

There is currently a great demand for shoes, men's jackets and new or very well-preserved underwear and nightwear.

They are also looking for school supplies, games, sporting goods and shoes, children's swimwear, household items and small electrical appliances.

However, the latter can only be handed in in Geretsried.

"The refugees who have found accommodation in their own apartment have a great need for household goods," says Kulla.

But it is also important for the electrical devices that they are in really good condition.

Every donation is carefully checked before it is resold.

Incidentally, wool is also in demand.

"We knit everywhere, including in the Ukraine," says Knobloch.

The BRK shops came about as an employment project.

Through the work there, we have repeatedly succeeded in qualifying employees and placing them in the first job market in recent years.

“But that also means that we make an effort to get rid of the best employees – in a positive sense,” says Kulla.

"We would therefore be very happy to receive regular voluntary support in order to be able to keep our offer reliable, constant and of high quality."

Don't just leave donations in front of the door

The shops in Geretsried and Bad Tölz each have four full-time employees and five volunteers.

In Lenggries, four volunteers are supported by one full-time employee.

The activities range from sorting the donations to advising on sales - "depending on your preference," says Knobloch.

As a volunteer, you should have at least half a day a week to work in the clothing market.

Anyone who would like to help can contact the stores during opening hours or contact Inge Knobloch on 0 80 41/ 79 53 55 or by e-mail at knobloch@kvtoel.brk.de.

Speaking of opening times: Donations can also be made during these times.

The BRK urgently asks that donations not be left in front of the door.  

More information at www.brk-toel-wor.de under "Offers".

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