Are you looking for a way to declutter your closet and help those in need? Donating your old clothes is a great way to do both. There are many organizations that accept clothing donations, including local charities, thrift stores, and homeless shelters.
Here are 15 places where you can donate old clothes:
- Goodwill: Goodwill is a national non-profit organization that accepts clothing donations at its many retail stores. Goodwill uses the proceeds from the sale of donated items to fund job training programs and other services for people with disabilities or who are facing other challenges.
- Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is a Christian charity that accepts clothing donations at its many thrift stores. The Salvation Army uses the proceeds from the sale of donated items to fund its social service programs, which include food banks, homeless shelters, and disaster relief.
- Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps families build and repair homes. Habitat for Humanity accepts clothing donations at its many ReStore locations. The proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding and repair programs.
- Vietnam Veterans of America: Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a non-profit organization that provides services to veterans and their families. VVA accepts clothing donations at its many thrift stores. The proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund VVA’s programs, which include counseling, job training, and financial assistance.
- American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that provides disaster relief and other services. The Red Cross accepts clothing donations at its many donation centers. The proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund the Red Cross’s disaster relief efforts and other programs.
- National Council of Jewish Women: The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a non-profit organization that provides services to women, children, and families. NCJW accepts clothing donations at its many thrift stores. The proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund NCJW’s programs, which include childcare, education, and job training.
- Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities is a non-profit organization that provides services to people in need, regardless of their religious affiliation. Catholic Charities accepts clothing donations at its many thrift stores. The proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund Catholic Charities’ programs, which include food banks, homeless shelters, and counseling.
- ThredUp: ThredUp is an online consignment store that accepts clothing donations. ThredUp pays you for the items you donate, which you can then use to purchase new clothes or donate to charity.
- Poshmark: Poshmark is an online marketplace where you can sell your old clothes. You can list your items for sale on Poshmark, and when they sell, you’ll receive a commission.
- eBay: eBay is an online auction site where you can sell your old clothes. You can list your items for auction on eBay, and the highest bidder will win the item.
- Local charities: There are many local charities that accept clothing donations. You can find a local charity by searching online or by contacting your local United Way.
- Thrift stores: Thrift stores are a great place to donate your old clothes. Thrift stores sell donated items at a discounted price, and the proceeds from the sale of donated items are used to fund the thrift store’s operations.
- Homeless shelters: Homeless shelters accept clothing donations to help the people they serve. You can find a homeless shelter in your area by searching online or by contacting your local United Way.
- Schools: Schools often accept clothing donations to help students in need. You can find a school in your area by searching online or by contacting your local school district.
- Churches: Churches often accept clothing donations to help members of their congregation in need. You can find a church in your area by searching online or by contacting your local religious organization.
How to prepare your clothes for donation
Before you donate your old clothes, it’s important to prepare them properly. Here are a few tips:
- Sort your clothes. Sort your clothes into piles based on type (e.g., shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, etc.) and condition (e.g., good condition, fair condition, poor condition).
- Wash and dry your clothes. Wash and dry your clothes before you donate them. This will help to remove any dirt or stains and make them more presentable.
- Repair any damaged clothes. If any of your clothes are damaged, try to repair them before you donate them. This will help to extend the life of the clothes and make them more likely to be donated.
- Fold your clothes neatly. Fold your clothes neatly before you donate them. This will make them easier to store and display at the donation center.
What to do with clothes that can’t be donated
Not all clothes can be donated. If your clothes are in poor condition or are not clean, you may not be able to donate them. Here are a few things you can do with clothes that can’t be donated:
- Recycle them. You can recycle clothes that are made from certain materials, such as cotton, polyester, and nylon. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept clothing donations.
- Compost them. You can compost clothes that are made from natural materials, such as cotton and wool. Composting clothes will help to add nutrients to your soil.
- Dispose of them properly. If you can’t donate, recycle, or compost your clothes, you should dispose of them properly. You can throw them away in the trash or take them to a landfill.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to prepare my clothes for donation?
A: The best way to prepare your clothes for donation is to sort them by type and condition, wash and dry them, repair any damaged clothes, and fold them neatly.
Q: What should I do with clothes that can’t be donated?
A: If your clothes are in poor condition or are not clean, you may not be able to donate them. You can recycle them, compost them, or dispose of them properly.
Q: Where can I find a local charity that accepts clothing donations?
A: You can find a local charity that accepts clothing donations by searching online or by contacting your local United Way.
Q: What are the benefits of donating my old clothes?
A: Donating your old clothes helps to declutter your closet, helps those in need, and reduces waste.
Q: How can I find out if my local recycling center accepts clothing donations?
A: You can check with your local recycling center to see if they accept clothing donations by calling them or visiting their website.
Q: What are some creative ways to reuse old clothes?
A: You can reuse old clothes by making them into rags, quilts, or other items. You can also use old clothes to create art projects.
Q: What are some tips for selling your old clothes online?
A: To sell your old clothes online, you can take good photos, write detailed descriptions, and price your clothes competitively. You can also use social media to promote your listings.
Q: How can I find a local thrift store that accepts clothing donations?
A: You can find a local thrift store that accepts clothing donations by searching online or by contacting your local United Way.
