Last night I spent the evening putting things away in our newly rebuilt cedar closet.  As I was arranging things I came across yet another bundle of old clothes that neither Darren or I have worn in almost a year.  We put these things in the closet thinking ‘maybe‘ we’d want to wear them but now almost 12 months later they have remained unworn on the shelves.  Through the years I have been a big supporter of donating my old clothes to charity.   While all the things we have given away are not necessary the most ‘up to date’ fashion trends, they are certainly wearable and in very good condition.  We both feel strongly that these clothes can still be worn and happily have given them to our housekeeper as well as many charities.  If you are struggling with what to do with your old clothes, don’t fret.  There are a bunch of really good associations that will gladly take them off your hands and it will go a long way to helping those in need. 

A few suggestions I’d recommend are: 

1. Goodwill -  Provides job training to people with special needs. They have1,950 retail stores, packed with donated clothing and other household goods to help fund their mission. They take almost anything from shoes, to pants, to suits and sweaters as long as things are in reasonable condition.  Goodwill makes things convenient by offering pickup service but you can also drop off clothing at any Goodwill location. To find a location near you use the Zip Code locator at www.goodwill.org or call 800-664-6577.
2. Salvation Army – They are one of the largest charitable organizations in the world and run a variety of programs including homeless services and disaster relief.  As long as things are in good condition, they will take anything – furniture, clothing, shoes, etc.  I have donated many items to them in the past and back in my college days it was common for anyone living off-campus to furnish their house with some good deals from the Salvation Army.  To donate, simply drop off your items at any of its 1,526 thrift stores nationwide, or arrange to have them picked up. For pickup, call 800-958-7825 or for additional information to find stores where you can drop off clothing, call 800-725-2769, or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
3. Dress For Success - An organization that assists low-income women looking for jobs. It has more than 70 affiliates throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand.  Annually the company I work for participates in a clothing drive for this charity which accepts business clothing, coats, shoes, handbags, and briefcases that are in excellent condition and no more than five years old. During their annual suit drive in the Spring, known as Send One Suit, or S.O.S., you can bring your suit to any of the 800 Dress Barns around the country. For more info visit www.dressforsuccess.org and click on “Affiliates” for locations near you.

I also recommend Big Brothers Big Sisters, NY Cares, and the Red Cross.  But no matter which charity or charities you choose, rest assured your things will go to people who are really in need of them.  And with ’spring cleaning’ coming up, now is as good a time as any to donate.  Make a difference!