If you’re from the US, then the Goodwill is the most common place to donate clothing.
Just about every American has heard the phrase “give this to Goodwill.”
But there are alternatives to Goodwill.
Why Should You Consider Alternatives to Goodwill?
The main reason is that other donation centers may have greater impact. Donation centers like Goodwill don’t sell the majority of donated items in their stores. The bulk of it is not.
So, your clothes might not actually end up going to people who need them.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best places to donate old clothes.
These organizations will make sure that your clothes go to people who need them, regardless of whether they can afford to pay for them or not.
Goodwill Alternatives
Here are some other places to donate your clothes.
1. The Salvation Army
2. American Red Cross
3. Vietnam Veterans of America
4. Local Thrift Stores
5. Big Brothers Big Sisters
6. Dress for Success
7. Room to Grow
8. Project Open Hand
9. Green Drop
10. One Warm Coat
11. Soles4Souls
12. The Glass Slipper Project
13. Baby2Baby
14. Bundle Up For Them
15. Career Gear
16. I Support the Girls
17. LGBTQ+ centers
#1 Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the most well-known organizations in the world and they have a huge impact.
They have stores all over the world where you can donate clothes, furniture, and other items. They also have an online donation option.
The Salvation Army will make sure that your clothes go to people who need them, regardless of whether they can afford to pay for them or not.
#2 American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is another well-known organization that has a huge impact.
They provide relief during disasters and emergencies. They also collect blood donations and help people who are in need of medical assistance.
You can donate clothes to the American Red Cross by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduling a pickup.
#3 Vietnam Veterans of America
The Vietnam Veterans of America is an organization that helps veterans of the Vietnam War.
They provide services like housing, counseling, and job training to veterans. They also operate thrift stores where you can donate clothes and other items.
You can find a Vietnam Veterans of America location near you on their website.
#4 Local Thrift Stores
There are many local thrift stores that would love to have your clothes donations.
These stores typically sell items to people who cannot afford to pay full price for them. This allows people to get the items they need at a fraction of the cost.
Many thrift stores also donate items to people in need.
You can find a local thrift store by doing a search online.
#5 Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that matches children with mentors.
The mentors provide support, guidance, and friendship to the children. They also help them develop confidence and self-esteem.
You can donate clothes to Big Brothers Big Sisters by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduling a pickup.
#6 Dress for Success
Dress for Success is an organization that helps women in need get jobs.
They provide suits and other professional clothing to women who cannot afford them. This allows the women to dress appropriately for job interviews and increase their chances of getting hired.
You can donate clothes to Dress for Success by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduling a pickup.
#7 Room to Grow
Room to Grow is an organization that helps families in need.
They provide clothes, toys, and other necessities to children from birth to three years old. This allows the children to have the items they need to grow and develop properly.
You can donate clothes to Room to Grow by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduled a pickup.
#8 Project Open Hand
Project Open Hand is an organization that provides meals to people in need.
They cook meals and deliver them to people who are sick, elderly, or disabled. They also provide meals to families in need.
You can donate clothes to Project Open Hand by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduled a pickup.
#9 Green Drop
Green Drop is an organization that helps the environment.
They collect clothes and other items that people no longer want and recycle them. This keeps these items out of landfills and helps the environment.
You can donate clothes to Green Drop by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduled a pickup.
The Best Places to Sell or Donate Your Old Clothes
#10 One Warm Coat
One Warm Coat is an organization that provides coats to people in need.
They collect coats and other winter clothing from people who no longer need them and distribute them to people who cannot afford to buy them. This helps people stay warm during the winter.
You can donate clothes to One Warm Coat by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduled a pickup.
#11 Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls is an organization that provides shoes to people in need.
They collect shoes from people who no longer need them and distribute them to people who cannot afford to buy them. This helps people have the proper footwear for work, school, and other activities.
You can donate clothes to Soles4Souls by taking them to one of their locations or by scheduled a pickup.
#12 The Glass Slipper Project
The Glass Slipper Project is a non-profit organization that provides free prom dresses and accessories to high school students who cannot afford them.
Founded in 2002, the organization has served more than 25,000 students in the Greater Houston area.
The Glass Slipper Project provides an opportunity for young women to experience the magic of prom, regardless of their financial circumstances. Through the generosity of donors, the organization is able to provide new or gently-used formal dresses and accessories to high school students free of charge.
In addition to providing dresses and accessories, The Glass Slipper Project also offers workshops on topics such as college preparation, job interviewing, and personal finance. These workshops are designed to help young women succeed in life after high school.
#13 Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides low-income children, ages 0-12, with essential baby gear and clothing.
Since 2011, Baby2Baby has served more than 6 million children in 50 states and over 100 cities.
The organization works with a network of social service agencies to identify families in need. Baby2Baby then provides these families with essential items such as cribs, strollers, car seats, diapers, and clothes.
In addition to providing essential items, Baby2Baby also offers programs that provide educational resources and support for parents and caregivers. These programs include parenting classes, financial literacy courses, and job training programs.
By meeting the basic needs of children, Baby2Baby gives parents the time and resources they need to focus on their education and employment goals.
#14 Bundle Up For Them
Bundle Up For Them is a national non-profit organization that provides winter coats and other warm clothing to children in need.
Founded in 2008, Bundle Up For Them has served more than 1 million children in 30 states.
The organization collects gently-used or new coats and other winter gear from individuals, businesses, and community organizations. These items are then distributed to social service agencies who work with families in need.
In addition to providing coats and other warm clothing, Bundle Up For Them also offers programs that provide educational resources and support for parents and caregivers. These programs include parenting classes, financial literacy courses, and job training programs.
By providing coats and other warm clothing, Bundle Up For Them helps families keep their children warm during the winter months.
#15 Career Gear
Career Gear is a national non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and resources to men in need.
Founded in 1996, Career Gear has served more than 125,000 men in 50 cities across the United States.
The organization provides gently-used or new professional clothing to men who are transitioning from unemployment to employment. These items are then distributed through a network of partner agencies, including job training programs, shelters, and social service agencies.
In addition to providing professional clothing, Career Gear also offers programs that provide educational resources and support for men as they transition into the workforce. These programs include job readiness training, financial literacy courses, and resume writing workshops.
By helping men dress for success, Career Gear gives them the confidence they need to succeed in their job search and in their career.
#16 I Support the Girls
I Support the Girls is a national non-profit organization that provides bras, period products, and other personal care items to women in need.
Founded in 2015, I Support the Girls has served more than 500,000 women in 50 states and 30 countries.
The organization collects gently-used or new bras and period products from individuals, businesses, and community organizations. These items are then distributed to social service agencies who work with women in need.
In addition to providing bras and period products, I Support the Girls also offers programs that provide educational resources and support for women as they transition into the workforce. These programs include job readiness training, financial literacy courses, and resume writing workshops.
By providing bras and period products, I Support the Girls helps women feel confident and comfortable as they pursue their education and employment goals.
#17 LGBTQ+ centers
There are many LGBTQ+ centers around the country that provide resources and support for the community.
These centers offer a variety of services, including counseling, health care, job training, and legal assistance.
LGBTQ+ centers provide a safe and welcoming space for the community to gather and build relationships. They also offer programs that provide educational resources and support for LGBTQ+ individuals as they transition into the workforce. These programs include job readiness training, financial literacy courses, and resume writing workshops.
By providing resources and support, LGBTQ+ centers help individuals feel comfortable and confident as they pursue their education and employment goals.
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These are just a few of the many organizations that accept clothes donations. There are many other organizations that would love to have your clothes donations as well.
Donating your clothes is a great way to help others and make a difference in the world. It is also a great way to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need. So, next time you are cleaning out your closet, consider donating your clothes to one of these organizations.
How To Recycle Old Clothes
What Not to Donate
Don’t donate clothes that are worn out or things like used underwear.
For very old clothes, you can use them as cleaning rags or patches for other clothes.
There are also places where you can recycle clothes.
Textile recycling centers
At most recycling centers, you can bring in clothes and other textile items to be recycled.
There are also Facebook groups that are dedicated to recycling clothes.
Yarn stores
Some yarn stores will take old clothes to be used as yarn.
This is a great option if you have clothes that are made of natural fibers like cotton or wool.
Composting
You can compost natural fiber clothing if it’s too worn out to be used for anything else.
This is a great way to upcycle your clothes and give them new life as part of the earth.
Art projects
Old clothes can also be used for art projects.
There are a lot of different ways you can use old clothes in art, so get creative!
FAQs – Places to Donate Old Clothes
How are donated clothes sold and reused?
This video gives a good overview:
How donated clothes are sorted and reused
What are some good places to donate old clothes?
There are a lot of great places to donate old clothes.
Some organizations that accept clothes donations include: Salvation Army, Goodwill, Dress for Success, I Support the Girls, and LGBTQ+ centers.
What should I do with old clothes that I can’t donate?
If you have old clothes that you can’t donate, there are a few things you can do with them.
You can use them as cleaning rags, recycle them at a textile recycling center, or compost them if they’re made of natural fibers.
Can I recycle old clothes?
Yes! Most recycling centers will accept clothes and other textile items to be recycled.
You can also check to see if there are any Facebook groups dedicated to recycling clothes in your area.
Can I compost old clothes?
Yes, you can compost natural fiber clothing if it’s too worn out to be used for anything else.
This is a great way to upcycle your clothes and give them new life as part of the earth.
How 7.5 Million Pounds Of Donated Clothes End Up At A Market In Ghana Every Week
Summary: Places to Donate Old Clothes – Donating Clothes Directly to People in Need
1. Facebook Groups: There are tons of Facebook groups dedicated to giving and receiving clothes.
2. Local shelters: You can donation clothes directly to people in need at local shelters.
3. Foster care programs: Clothes donations can be a huge help for foster care programs.
4. Freecycle: Freecycle is a website where you can give away unwanted items for free.
5. Clothing swaps: A clothing swap is a great way to get rid of old clothes and get new ones, all while being environmentally friendly.
6. Curb alerts: Curb alerts are a great way to find clothes that people are getting rid of for free.
7. Thrift stores: Thrift stores are a great place to donate clothes. They sell clothes at a low cost, which helps people in need afford them.
8. Big Brothers Big Sisters: You can donate clothes to Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is an organization that helps children in need.
9. Dress for Success: Dress for Success is an organization that provides clothing to women who are trying to get back into the workforce.
10. Room to Grow: Room to Grow is an organization that provides clothes and other necessities to babies and toddlers in need.
11. Project Open Hand: Project Open Hand is an organization that provides meals and other necessities to people in need.
12. Green Drop: Green Drop is an organization that helps people in need by providing them with clothes and other necessities.
13. One Warm Coat: One Warm Coat is an organization that provides coats to people in need.
14. Soles4Souls: Soles4Souls is an organization that provides shoes to people in need.
15. The Glass Slipper Project: The Glass Slipper Project is an organization that provides prom dresses to girls who cannot afford them.
16. Baby2Baby: Baby2Baby is an organization that provides clothes, diapers, and other necessities to babies and toddlers in need.
17. The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is an organization that provides clothes, food, and other necessities to people in need.
18. Goodwill: Goodwill is an organization that provides clothes and other necessities to people in need.
19. St. Vincent de Paul: St. Vincent de Paul is an organization that provides clothes and other necessities to people in need.
20. Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities is an organization that provides clothes and other necessities to people in need.
