One of the easiest ways to make a donation is to donate gently used clothing that you no longer wear or have since outgrown. Many of us have overflowing closets, boxes stacked to the top in the attic or basement, and more clothes stashed away in trunks or other containers that we’ll never wear again, but hang on to for sentimental value or because we don’t know what to do with them. But most charity organizations will also take clothing donations — whether or not they’re a veterans charity organization or a children’s charity organization or any other kind! They work for donations for non profit organizations and for-profit charity organizations. If you’re wondering, “Why else should I donate?” there are plenty of other excellent reasons for why donating clothes is a fantastic idea!
Why Are Clothing Donations So Helpful?
For one thing, unlike money or food, clothing tends to stick around more often. It can also be used for more than one purpose. Clothing can be used in a variety of ways — it can obviously clothe people in need, but can also be sold to raise money for the charities that need it. That money can go to fund their programs, help others in more ways than just clothing them, and provide education or medical support. Many charity organizations even do some drives for specific times of the year — winter coat drives are often seen starting in the fall, for example. Clothing donations for non profit organizations can also be great because you know the clothes will go directly into the hands of those who need them.
Why Else Should I Donate My Old Clothes?
If you’re wondering who want your old clothes, the answer is: lots of people! It’s not just organizers of donations for non profit organizations or for profit organizations. Even people who are well off and could afford to buy their clothes at retail prices sometimes like the hunt of looking for old clothes at charity organizations that sell gently used clothing. In fact, thrifting has become a huge trend lately. People tend to find more eclectic pieces for significantly less money than at retail stores — win win! As the old saying goes, “One man’s ‘trash’ is another man’s treasure!” (And most of the time, the clothes that people donate are not trash at all, but lovely pieces that simply weren’t being worn!)
Help Save the Environment!
Did you know that almost 100% of the textile goods that are thrown out every year could actually have been recycled instead? Almost 11 million tons of clothing are carelessly tossed into the landfill every year and the average American is responsible for putting 70 pounds of waste there all by themselves! However, with charitable donations, that number could be significantly reduced. For example, in 2006, around 3 million pounds of fabric was recycled into secondhand stores and was saved from being dumped in the landfill! And that clothing just doesn’t sit in the store — about half of all donated clothing gets a new life in someone else’s closet.
Find New Space for Your Stuff!
Tired of overfull closets and no room to put anything new? If you clear out your closet and put it all in donations for non profit organizations, you’ll have room for new items in your wardrobe or for storage. Cleaning out can also feel good mentally and donating will help that good energy as well. (It’s been proven that engaging in acts of philanthropy can make a person happier! You may even be able to get a break on your taxes, depending on how expensive the items are. Donate smart by donating to charities that are tax exempt (if you’re not sure, you can look at the 501(c)(3) section of the IRS code). Just make sure you have receipts for all your donations.
You don’t have to (and shouldn’t!) wait for the holidays to give back. Giving can feel good all year round — and it should! Clear out space, help the environment and people in need…what’s not to love about donating clothes?
