A2-45 / CEFR A2 / EPISODE 45

Donating Clothes

Donating clothes with memories

SceneAt a donation center. Tina brings two bags of old clothes, with Frank accompanying her.

Tina holds a pink coat beside Frank at a clothing donation counter. — Select the illustration to view it at full size in a new tab.

Narrator

Tina has brought two bags of old clothes to a donation center. Frank is with her. A staff member explains where the clothes go.

ティナは古着を2袋寄付センターに持ってきた。フランクも一緒だ。職員が衣類の行き先を説明する。

Staff01

Hi! These clothes will go to families in need.

こんにちは！これらの衣類は困っている家族に届きます。

Tina02

Thank you. I've brought two large bags today.

ありがとう。今日は大きな袋を2つ持ってきました。

Staff03

Wonderful. Our team will sort everything next.

素晴らしいですね。このあとチームが全部仕分けします。

Tina04

And will every item be reused?

それと、すべての品が再利用されますか？

Staff05

Not every item, but damaged items are recycled separately.

すべてではありませんが、傷んだ品は別途リサイクルされます。

Tina06

This coat's still in good condition. It kept both of us warm when we were teenagers.

このコートはまだ傷んでいないの。十代の頃、私たち二人を暖めてくれたのよ。

Frank07

I remember. You lent it to me when I forgot mine.

覚えてる。僕がコートを忘れた日に、君が貸してくれた。

Tina08

I almost kept it. But maybe it can keep someone else warm now.

手元に残そうかと思った。でも今度は、誰かを暖めてくれるかもしれない。

Staff09

We'll make sure it finds a good home.

きっと大切に着てくれる人のところへ届きますよ。

Tina10

Thank you. Then I'm ready to let it go. ...But only to someone who likes pink, okay?

ありがとう。じゃあ、私もこのコートを手放せるわ。……でも、ピンクが好きな人にだけね、いい？

Frank11

Tina. Are you giving away the coat, or making rules for the next owner?

ティナ。コートを手放すの？それとも、次に着る人のルールまで決めるの？

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“families in need”

In need describes people who lack necessities or require help. Families in need is a familiar expression when explaining who will receive donations.

“still in good condition” / “kept both of us warm”

In good condition means not damaged, and still means even now. Tina explains that the coat is not worn out and is still good enough for someone else to wear. Keep someone warm means to stop someone from getting cold. This connects to A1-26, when Tina lent Frank her pink coat on a cold day. It does not mean they wore it at the same time; it kept both its owner, Tina, and Frank, who borrowed it, warm.

“We'll make sure it finds a good home.”

Find a good home means for an object or animal to reach a caring owner. It is often used for donated clothes or rescued pets. The worker reassures Tina that her cherished coat will reach someone who values it.

“ready to let it go”

Let something go means to release or give it up. It can refer to possessions, memories, or emotions. Tina has worked through her feelings and is ready to part with the coat.

“making rules for the next owner”

Make rules means to set rules, and the next owner means the person who will own it next. While saying she will give the coat away, Tina adds a condition: only to someone who likes pink. Frank lightly teases her for placing demands even on whoever gets the coat after she donates it.

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