Navi Mumbai: Airoli Bengali Association organised a cloth donation drive in the tribal villages of Karjat on May 1 as part of the Maharashtra Day celebrations.

The drive was organised in Borwadi, Tatwadi and Morewadi villages in Karjat, under the leadership of Dipanjan Dutta, the president of the association.

Around 4000 garments including winter garments, clothes for children, men and women were distributed among the needy villagers. Beddings, softs toys and bags were also donated. This noble cause was supported by Vashi Cultural Association, Vashi and The Bengal Foundation, Mumbai.

This massive task entailed detailed planning which began a few months ago. More than 5000 used clothes in good conditions were collected from the citizens of Navi Mumbai and Mumbai by the Association. The clothes were segregated as per age by woman volunteers and after segregation, the clothes were packed in separate boxes.

“Since this is our third consecutive year of cloth donation drive, we informed the villagers well in advance the time and date. We were astounded to see the rush of the villagers for collecting those clothes.” Dutta said, adding the villagers are basically very poor, earning livelihood as contractual farmers.

Airoli Bengali Association regularly conducts philanthropic activities. The Association provides free education, educational kits to needy students, organising free health camp, blood donation camp, providing assistance, extending support, etc.