Are you searching for places that accept clothing donations? Are you trying to organize your kid’s clothes and want to get rid of shirts, jeans and shoes? Just want to help a family out? Don’t have the time for a garage sale? Donating used clothing is a great way to teach your kids about service. It’s also a chance to help someone in need. Here are a few clothing donation suggestions.
Spot #1: Places that Give Them Away
There are basically two types of places to donate clothes to: those that give the clothing away, and those that sell them for a profit. Both are great choices, however, if you would prefer that someone not have to pay for items, you might choose the first choice.
There are homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, children’s homes, foster care clothing closets (often known as “Rainbow Rooms”) that would be thrilled to accept your donations. In addition, many local churches have clothing closets for anyone to receive free clothing. All of these places usually have a high demand for good quality jeans, shoes, and uncommon sizes such as petite jeans for teens. They usually do not need out-of-style sweaters and dresses, though they will probably accept the donation anyway.
If you know of a shelter or similar agency in your area, give them a call to see if they are needing donations. If you attend or live near a church, call the office and ask. You might also call 211. 211 provides social service referrals, including donation locations. You must call from a land line phone, not a cell phone. Read this article about 211 for advice on calling.
Spot #2: Places that Sell Them for a Profit
As mentioned above, there are many social service agencies that will sell clothing for a profit. These places are definitely great donation locations as well. The money that they receive from selling your clothing could be used to help someone who has special needs, is blind, or homeless. In addition, these sites often provide jobs to individuals with special challenges. Some places to consider donating to are Goodwill, Council for the Blind, and Concho Resources. Sometimes local charity organizations such as the Junior League will use the profits to pay for scholarships, help kids in foster care and more.
Many times these locations will pick up the clothing from your home. They also have donation bins in various locations.
Spot #3: Freecycle
In addition to these ideas, you might consider donating through Freecycle. There might be a single mom with 5 kids in your community who frequently searches Freecycle for donations. Basically you post an ad and someone will come to home to pick up the items. However, if you don’t feel safe doing that you can meet in a public place. Visit the Freecycle website here to learn more.
Spot #4: Shoe4Africa
If you have great quality running shoes or soccer cleats, consider donating the shoes to an agency called shoe4africa. They accept donations for children as young as two years old. Visit their website here for more details. This is a great idea if you bought some Nikes and they only wore them for a couple of months.
Spot #5: Soles 4 Souls
Another place to donate shoes to is “Soles for Souls.” You can learn more about them on their website here. They accept all types of shoes including dress shoes, tennis shoes, sandals and more. They will even accept half-pairs. You can drop them off at various locations across the country, or mail them in.
Spot #6: Family in Need
Another fantastic idea is to give the clothes directly to a family in need. This might truly help someone because they may not have time to shop thrift stores, and aren’t too lucky at finding great deals. If you go to church, and know someone there that might need the clothes, ask them. The tricky thing, however, is that you don’t want to offend someone. You might say something like, “I have about three bags of clothes to get rid of. I was going to have a garage sale but just don’t have time. Do you want them, or know someone who might?”
You could also make a post on Craigslist for free clothing. In addition, you could post on a local Cafemom group that you have kid’s clothing to give away.
These are just six ideas for where to donate used kid’s clothing. Donating your clothing is just one simple way to make a difference in the world. If you still have your wedding dress, please read “Where to Donate Your Wedding Dress / Bridal Gown.” You might also check out “How to Teach Your Child About Service and Giving to Others.” Happy Parenting!
