It feels good to declutter your closet, but it feels even better when you know your gently used clothes are going to a good cause. I’ve been in the same situation—sorting through clothes that no longer fit, only to wonder where they could do the most good. When it comes to donating clothes, there are several fantastic charities that not only accept clothing donations but also ensure they go to those who truly need them.
Here’s a guide to the best charities you can donate clothes to, ensuring your contributions make the greatest impact.
1. Goodwill
Goodwill is one of the most well-known charities that accept clothing donations. They operate thrift stores across the country, and the proceeds from their sales go directly toward job training and employment programs for people facing challenges like disabilities, lack of education, or a criminal record.
- What they do with the clothes: Donated clothes are sold in Goodwill stores, with the revenue supporting job training programs.
- How to donate: Drop off clothing at a local Goodwill store or donation center. You can even use their donation bins, which are placed in various communities.
- Why it’s great: Goodwill helps people gain valuable skills to re-enter the workforce, making your donations part of a much larger mission of empowerment.
2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is another widely recognized organization that accepts clothing donations. They run thrift stores, and the money raised from selling donated clothes goes toward funding programs like disaster relief, homeless shelters, and addiction recovery services.
- What they do with the clothes: The clothes are sold in Salvation Army thrift stores or provided directly to those in need through their emergency relief efforts.
- How to donate: You can drop off clothes at one of their many donation centers or arrange for a home pickup in some areas.
- Why it’s great: The Salvation Army uses your donation to support a wide range of social services, from feeding the homeless to helping people recover from addiction.
3. Dress for Success
If you’ve got professional attire you no longer wear, Dress for Success is a fantastic charity to consider. This organization helps women in need by providing them with business clothing for job interviews, as well as career development services.
- What they do with the clothes: Your donation of professional clothing helps disadvantaged women look and feel confident as they enter the workforce.
- How to donate: Find a local affiliate by visiting the Dress for Success website, where you can donate business suits, professional blouses, shoes, and accessories.
- Why it’s great: You’re directly empowering women by providing them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in job interviews and beyond.
4. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Vietnam Veterans of America accepts clothing donations that benefit veterans and their families. They collect a variety of items, including clothing, and sell them to raise money for veteran support services like health care, counseling, and housing assistance.
- What they do with the clothes: Donated clothes are sold in thrift stores, with proceeds going toward veteran services and advocacy programs.
- How to donate: VVA offers a convenient pickup service, making it easy to donate your clothing. Simply schedule a pickup on their website, and they’ll come to your home.
- Why it’s great: By donating to VVA, you’re directly supporting the needs of veterans who have served our country, helping them access crucial services.
5. One Warm Coat
One Warm Coat is focused on providing coats and warm clothing to individuals and families in need, particularly during colder months. Their mission is to keep people warm by distributing donated coats to shelters and service agencies across the U.S.
- What they do with the clothes: They collect coats and distribute them to people in need through shelters, schools, and community organizations.
- How to donate: You can either host a coat drive, donate to a drop-off location, or mail your coats directly to one of their partner agencies.
- Why it’s great: One Warm Coat ensures that every coat donated reaches someone who needs warmth during the winter months, making a tangible difference in their lives.
6. Planet Aid
Planet Aid collects used clothes and shoes with a focus on recycling and reusing these items to support sustainable development projects around the world. They operate yellow donation bins, making it easy for people to donate clothes at any time.
- What they do with the clothes: Donated clothes are sold in bulk to fund education, health, and environmental programs in developing countries.
- How to donate: Drop your clothes off at one of Planet Aid’s many yellow bins, often located in parking lots or outside community centers.
- Why it’s great: Planet Aid not only provides an eco-friendly way to donate clothes but also uses the proceeds to fund global development programs, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious donors.
7. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross accepts clothing donations to provide relief to disaster victims, military families, and individuals in crisis. Though they don’t operate thrift stores, they often partner with other organizations to distribute clothing directly to those in need.
- What they do with the clothes: The clothing goes to families affected by disasters, such as fires, floods, and hurricanes, or to those experiencing emergencies.
- How to donate: You can donate through Red Cross clothing drives or drop off items at partnered donation centers.
- Why it’s great: Your donation goes directly toward helping people recover from life-changing events and natural disasters.
8. St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Vincent de Paul Society is a global organization dedicated to helping the poor and marginalized. They operate thrift stores where donated clothing is sold, and the funds are used to support housing programs, food pantries, and job training services.
- What they do with the clothes: The clothes are sold in their thrift stores or given directly to people in need.
- How to donate: Drop off clothing at one of their thrift stores or donation centers. Some locations may also offer pickup services.
- Why it’s great: St. Vincent de Paul focuses on helping those most in need, ensuring your donation supports local communities facing poverty and homelessness.
9. Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation accepts clothing donations to support their mentoring programs for children facing adversity. They collect clothes through their donation centers and use the funds to help mentor young people.
- What they do with the clothes: Donated clothing is sold through partnered thrift stores, with the proceeds funding mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
- How to donate: They offer a convenient pickup service, so you can schedule a pickup online or over the phone.
- Why it’s great: By donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re supporting programs that help kids achieve their potential through mentoring and guidance.
10. Local Homeless Shelters and Crisis Centers
Many local homeless shelters and crisis centers accept clothing donations to provide immediate relief to those in need. These organizations often serve the most vulnerable populations, including the homeless, victims of domestic violence, and individuals recovering from addiction.
- What they do with the clothes: Clothes are given directly to people in need, ensuring they have appropriate attire for job interviews, cold weather, or just everyday life.
- How to donate: Contact shelters and crisis centers in your area to find out what items they’re in need of and where to drop off your donations.
- Why it’s great: Your donations will go directly to those who need them most, helping people in your local community.
Conclusion
Donating your gently used clothing to a reputable charity is a simple yet impactful way to give back. Whether you’re donating to help veterans, low-income families, or children in need, these organizations ensure that your clothes reach the right hands.
Choose a charity that aligns with your values, and feel good knowing your donation is making a real difference.