Profiting From Donated Clothes

* After reading the July 28 report, “Making Donated Rags Into Riches,” I am shocked and appalled at just where our donations of clothing to both the Salvation Army and Goodwill are going!

For years, we have supported these two charities. Then I read that these donations have become big business, not going to homeless and needy but to a very profitable business.

How can this “businessman,” Vahan Chamlian, sleep at night? Most likely very well, enjoying a life of wealth and jets.

I have taken clothing to a homeless shelter and I’m sure they provided warm and useful to the truly needy.

ANNE SALISBURY

Midway City

* It is amazing to me, the anti-businessman bias in “Making Donated Rags Into Riches.”

Starting with the sub-headline and continuing throughout the story was the theme that this rich, evil businessman is making his “millions” at the expense of the poor, $3.85-an-hour, handicapped Goodwill worker. Also, he was cheating all of us donors who want our old clothes to go to the poor.

Excuse me, but what about the theme of the story being switched to “hard-working, smart immigrant makes good in America by taking charity clothing rejects that would likely end up in landfills and converting them into a business that gives jobs to 800 people, pays taxes and generates more income to the charities.”

What a great country we live in where this can happen and everyone benefits. Too bad you looked at this situation from the wrong angle.

TOM WILSON

Huntington Beach