Rather than donate tons of new, unworn clothing and footwear last year that had been seized in raids on counterfeit label operations NYC officials paid to destroy the garments. The lost clothing includes winter jackets, shirts, pants and underwear.
According to police dept spokesman, no one requested the donations this year. Clothing bank operators said they had made numerous requests.
Mayor Bloomberg’s office referred questions to Paul Browne, chief spokesman for the police dept. Browne replied they had received no requests for donations since 2008.
The US border patrol donated $78 million in clothing and shoes last year.
Los Angeles customs gave shoes to Samaritan’s Feet. Similar events occur in: Detroit, El Paso and San Francisco. Customs officials in NY have begun working with World Vision. If trademarks can be removed, they are donated to organizations within the US. Otherwise, they are shipped overseas.
Another organization which receives donations is NYC Clothing Bank – which, ironically, was initiated by former Mayor of NY, Ed Koch.
