Where Can I Donate Used Clothing?
It is likely that you have items of clothing sitting in your wardrobe that you no longer wear. Donating these clothes can be a great way to help people in need, and clear up cupboard space for the items that you do wear. Here is a list of where you can donate used clothing:
Red Cross
The Red Cross takes both clothing donations and cash donations to help vulnerable people in their local community. To find out where your nearest clothing donation bin is, visit the Red Cross website and check the donation locations.
Churches
Many churches within your local community are in need of donations and volunteers. If you don’t know your local church, or you’re not sure what donations they take – speak to the church secretary and see if they are in need of clothes.
Soup Kitchen
Soup kitchens are a great place to donate used clothing. These provide meals to people who are either homeless or low-income. To find the closest soup kitchen to you, head over to the National Network for Ecumenical Food Banks and type in your zip code.
Women’s Shelters
Women’s shelters provide a safe environment for women and children who are escaping domestic violence. As such, these facilities are in need of clothing donations, as well as toiletry items and bedding. You can find a list of respected women’s shelters in your area on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website.
Thrift Stores and Local Charities
Sometimes, the best place to donate used clothing is to the people that you actually know. Thrift stores, for instance, will often take second-hand clothes, as will local charities. To locate the nearest thrift store to you, check your local newspaper or magazines for advertisements, or find out which charities offer clothing donations.
Donating used clothing can be a great way to help people in need, and clear up cupboard space for the items that you do wear. Keep this list in mind the next time you are considering disposing of some clothing.