German NGO calls for more clothing donations amid energy crisis

BERLIN (AA) - More and more people are dependent on clothing banks, but charities lack donations to keep up with the need, a Berlin-based NGO warned on Thursday.

"We have never had so few clothing donations as we currently have," Berlin City Mission's spokeswoman Barbara Breuer told local media.

While donations are decreasing, the need has increased up to 70% at the same time. The Ukraine war, energy crisis and inflation are the main reasons, according to the German press agency DPA.

Breuer said around 30% of those in need of aid are Ukrainian refugees. Higher energy and food prices also mean that more and more people are relying on what is on offer, she added.

With more than 90 facilities, the Berlin City Mission helps people in various emergency situations. The Stadtmission's clothing store alone supplies more than 100 people a day, according to the charity.