How to donate clothing to charity
Photo courtesy of Metro Services
Rather than tossing clothing in the garbage, such items can be donated and still prove useful for others. Donating clothing and linens to charity frees up space in a home and provides items to those in need. Thrift stores that sell low-priced merchandise benefit from donations, which they can either sell or give to those in need. Items that probably still have utility left in them, including clothing, are discarded each and every day. Rather than tossing clothing in the garbage, such items can be donated and still prove useful for others. But before donating clothing, prospective donors should take meaPhoto courtesy of Brand X Pictures
Denim jeans and shorts are highly desirable items because denim material tends to be durable and can stand up to repeated wear and washing.
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sures to ensure the items are worthy of being donated and in the best possible condition. Start by sorting through excess or unused items in your closets and drawers; set aside clothing that is no longer worn or doesn’t fit. Children’s clothing is often a popular donation because children grow out of clothing so quickly. Once there is a finished pile, further investigate the clothing. Check for items that may be in poor shape or heavily soiled. There is little point donating items that may be relegated to the trash and waste workers’ time. Wash clothing and linens in a fragrance-free detergent to avoid allergy or sensitivity problems for those on the receiving end of donations. Many charities will wash donated clothing to sanitize them, but providing freshly washed clothes is a courtesy, especially when donating baby clothes that may go directly to mothers in need. Denim jeans and shorts are highly desirable items because denim material tends to be durable and can stand up to repeated wear and washing. Business suits are another type of clothing that can be put to good use after donation. Suits can be worn on interviews for new jobs. Shoes that are still in wearable condition also can be donated. Athletic shoes can be cleaned in washing machines, while leather shoes may benefit from some polish to mend scuffs and scrapes. A new shoe insole can breathe new life into an older pair of shoes. Snow boots and work boots are often coveted items because of their
Courtesy of Metro Services
usefulness. Double check all pockets and the inside of purses prior to donating to ensure that all personal effects have been removed. It can be challenging to recover lost items after they have been donated. Also, check that there are no pens or markers that can soil donated clothes when they are laundered. Organizing similar items together reduces the workload of charity volunteers and employees. Separate nonclothing items from clothing. Workers have to sort through hundreds of donations each day, so taking a few moments to pack similar items together can save charities time and money. Many communities have donation bins outside of strip malls and even schools. Look for an organization that seems reputable and try to research that organization before making any donations. To make things even more convenient for potential donors, some charities have taken to scheduling curbside pickup of donated goods. On a specific date you place donated items outside, and a truck will collect the items, leaving a receipt behind in your mailbox. For example, The Lupus Foundation of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters and various veterans’ groups have donation collection services. Schedule a pickup by calling their donation line or visiting their websites. Clothing tends to be something the average household has in abundance. Donate items that no longer fit so they can be put to new use by a person in need. Shoes that are still in wearable condition also can be donated. Photo courtesy of Thomas Northcut
COMMUNITY OF GIVING 2013