Clothing donation centers are a great place to take your unwanted items. You can feel good knowing your used clothing is benefiting someone less fortunate. Look for nonprofit-run thrift stores or public donation bins near churches or area businesses to find local organizations who accept used clothing donations. Contact these organizations directly to find their guidelines and where to drop off donations.
Goodwill
Goodwill accepts donations of new or gently worn clothing to be sold in their retail stores. There are over 2,300 Goodwill donation centers across the United States and Canada, and you can find one near you with their locator tool. Profits help support job training programs, job placement services, and various community related programs for those with disabilities, people lacking education or work experience, or those facing challenges with finding a job.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has donation drop-off boxes as well as stores across the United States. The Salvation Army Family Store sells items that help fund the organization's Adult Rehabilitation Programs. To find a store, rehabilitation center or a drop-off location, visit the Salvation Army's website and enter your zip code or city and state.
Purple Heart Foundation
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, or Purple Heart Foundation, accepts donation of clothing and accessories, which they sell. Profits from the sales are funneled into programs including service dogs and legal services that help veterans facing difficult circumstances. Underwear, outerwear, and shoes from size infant to adult are included in their acceptable donations list. The organization collects donations through a third party so you'll need to find a GreenDrop location near you to donate.
AMVETS
AMVETS provides support and resources to military veterans and active duty members through funding sources like their own thrift stores. Veterans can work in these stores, and the profits fund other programs that help them live a better life. Contact an AMVETS thrift store near you to learn how to donate or schedule a pickup with their online form. They accept donations of children's, men's, and women's clothing along with accessories like jewelry.
Project G.L.A.M.
If you've got women's formal dresses to donate, consider a prom dress drive or organization like Project G.L.A.M. Accessories like formal shoes, jewelry, and handbags are also accepted. The idea is to provide disadvantaged girls in the U.S. and the U.K. with all they'll need to look and feel great at their school's prom. Those living in New York City can look for donation centers to drop off items while others can mail in their apparel.
Dress For Success
Gently used women's business attire finds new life through Dress for Success where women in need are given outfits to wear for job interviews. Look for an affiliate in your area to see when and how you can donate. Suits, blazers, blouses, briefcases, and pumps are all acceptable items as long as they are in great shape and look professional. Extra small and plus size clothing is often needed most, and the organization asks that you only donate items newer than five years old that have been professionally dry cleaned.
Career Gear
Men's suits, dress shoes, ties, and other professional attire can be donated to Career Gear. The items are given to men in need to wear for job interviews so they must be clean, professional, and in style. Business casual items like chinos and loafers are also accepted to give men outfit options once they land a new job. Donors can drop items off at the New York City location or mail them in.
About Donating Clothing
Clothing donations can be considered a charitable gift and used as a tax deduction based on the resale value of the item.
Donation Guidelines
If you are planning on donating clothes to a local organization, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be sure clothing is clean and launder it before donating.
- If clothing has minor flaws such as small tear, try to repair it before donating.
- Do not donate any item of clothing that is not in wearable condition.
Help Yourself and Others
By donating your unwanted clothing, you are not only helping yourself get rid of items that are no longer being used, but you are helping those who are less fortunate. Clothing donations can be given directly to people in need or sold at various centers across the United States where the money raised goes towards making someone else's life a little better.
