Education

What to know

Giving clothing sounds simple. Doing it well takes a few minutes of thought.

Needs change, so call ahead

Needs vary by day and season, and an organization may have just received a large batch of the same thing. Calling first also tells you how they take drop-offs. [1]

Clean and intact

Offer clothing that is clean, intact and ready to wear. Ask the recipient or organization what condition it can accept. [2]

Unusable gifts cost charities money

One UK children’s hospice says it spends about £100,000 a year dealing with donated items it cannot sell, such as damaged or stained goods. [3]

Undergarments should be new

Service providers in Seattle say socks are almost always needed, and that underwear, bras, socks and undershirts should be given new. [1]

Think of the person receiving it

Everything you give should respect whoever ends up wearing it. Clothes that would not make someone feel good are unlikely to find a second home. [2]

Giving directly

Ask first and accept a no. Let the person choose what they want. Keep it private, with no photos and no audience, so no one is made to feel like a charity project.

Local options exist

National organizations are visible but can be overwhelmed at busy times. Local groups, places of worship and mutual aid networks are other options. [2]

Where to look

  • Community clothing closets
  • Shelters and transitional housing programs
  • School family-resource centers
  • Mutual aid and neighborhood groups
  • Local religious and community centers that run clothing programs

These are types of places to search for, not recommendations. We do not endorse or partner with any specific organization.

Back to the guide

Sources

  1. The Seattle Times, “So you want to donate to homeless people. But what do they actually need?”
  2. Wirecutter (New York Times), guide to getting rid of old clothes
  3. BBC News, report on charity donations that cannot be sold

Outside articles. We are not affiliated with them or with any organization mentioned.