Plenty of people know about why they should donate clothing. Charitable clothing donations help other people in your community by providing them with free or low cost clothing options, and the practice also helps the environment by decreasing the amount of waste that heads to the landfill. But many people might not know when it’s appropriate to give clothing to charity.
If you’ve been thinking of donating clothing, but you’re not sure exactly when to do it, here are four times you can give your gently used clothing donations to charity:
When There’s a Local Charity Event
Many churches, schools, and other charity organizations look to community members to help donate clothing for donation pickups and drives. If you know of any charity events in your town or city, find out what they are looking for and donate. In addition to charitable clothing donations, you can also give your old furniture, small appliances, and other household goods for many of these events.
When It’s the Back to School Season
For some families, one of the most exciting times of the year comes when it’s time to shop for new back-to-school clothing. For other families, however, affording these items can be difficult — which is a big problem considering how fast kids can grow! By giving clothes donations to charities and secondhand stores, you can help children get new school clothing at no cost or at a lower cost for Mom and Dad.
When Winter is Coming
The cold months can be difficult for families and individuals in need. Even something as simple as affording a winter coat can be impossible for those who live in poverty. If you have extra coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, or other warm items, be sure to donate them to one of your local charities. Children’s coats and other winter gear are also crucial for helping families in need.
When You Have Something to Give
You can give charitable clothing donations at any time of the year, without having to wait for any particular event. If you’ve just cleaned out your closet or your children have outgrown their old clothing, now is the perfect time to give to charity. Most organizations accept donations year round, and donating can even lead to a tax break for you if you itemize your deductions.
Between 12 and 13 million tons of clothing are thrown away every year in the United States, accounting for at least 5% of our waste in landfills. However, clothing is one of the easiest materials to recycle and reuse, and donating to your local charities helps people and the environment. Next time you see a donation event or a charity in your area, be sure to see what items you have at home that you can afford to give!
Have you given to charities in your area? Tell us how you support giving in the comments section!
