Fairly on board with Thuban on this. On the other hand, we get some pretty whacked out northerners visiting Zhenshi to play with who are without resources.
.. I'm not sure how welcome a donation basket would be at an inn, etc. Does seem counter to the area. Mayhaps a more appropriate place to leave such 'garbage' is at a place in the newbie area all have access to (like Nerina's pathway by the newb trainers). Could have even be named 'an abandoned pile of rubbish' This way, the kingdom retains it's newbie friendliness (OOC) while continuing to make the place as drab and miserable as possible looking (IC). Could even flavor it up if there was a guard or trainer there to make some negative comment about the quality of one's armor and leave the garbage behind (cos it won't do you any good anyway), and some other interesting ones when someone does grab at the rubbish. And I'd not have them fire all the time, that'd be spammy.
"That garb looks like it couldn't protect you from the weather. Why don't you leave it here and go back home and hide under the covers?"
or
"When you are done playing soldier, do leave your things here. It's not like you really need them anyway."
and
"Ah look what the cat dragged in. That did not help the last person using it. Can't see how it will aid you any better."
"And I suppose if you wear that you feel like you are going to amount to something?"
"Careful there. People might actually think you are up to something. Don't think though that rubbish is going to actually protect you.
Or maybe I should just keep my roses and keep my nose out of the north..