8 Secret Clothing Donation Tips That’s Gonna Change How You Give Back
After 6 years, I’m shocked at how nerdy and excited I get when I learn about a new donation solution. It’s so exciting, I’ve created a master list of ways to donate and recycle anything in your home. But after writing about how to create a zen bedroom, I wanted to dedicate a post to the best tips for where to donate clothes. This list is for you if have an overwhelming amount of clothes and want to get them out of your space asap. Most of the 9 ways are where to donate clothes that don't sell to 3rd parties but are closer to community aid.
Instead of creating another Gift Guide, I wanted to flip the script and make a “Give Back Guide”. Even if you don’t know what to do with an item, my expanded list of where to donate clothes (that’s not Goodwill) allows you to direct your energy towards a positive cause.
Love them or hate them, H&M has made it easy to recycle your old clothes. Just bring your unwanted clothing (no matter the condition) to your local H&M store. Most stores have a drop-off bin (typically by the register). If you care for one, you can also get a discount voucher for your next purchase. I usually give these to my niece. Call the specific store to confirm they’re accepting donations.
What to know about donating your old clothing to H&M
It’s accessible, most H&M’s have a clothing bin next to the register.
Once you drop your donations off, you can opt to get a coupon at the register
A 3rd party sorts the clothing bins into three categories: Rewear, Reuse, or Recycle
2. Donate Jeans to Madewell
Madewell works with a 3rd party, a company called Blue Jeans Go Green™. They recycle your old jeans into housing insulation for communities in need. It’s really dope because you can learn where to donate jeans and make an impact while making those clothing piles smaller.
What to know about recycling jeans and where to donate clothes through Madewell:
Wash your jeans before dropping them off
Opt to drop your jeans off at a Madewell store or print out a shipping label to send them
You can also receive a discount voucher for your next purchase (ignore if you’re trying to reduce your wardrobe)
3. Check Local Church Cooperative Ministries (Co-Op)
I’ve been donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America for years but recently received communication from St. Mary’s about their Clothing Drive. There’s so much love going to VVA which is wonderful. It's also to everyone’s benefit when we connect with the small businesses, organizations, and people we walk past daily. This is why knowing where to donate clothes locally, like your church, is so helpful.
What to know about donating clothes to your local Church
If you already attend the church, ask around if they have a co-op.
Do a Google search for your local Church see if they have a co-op
Coordinate a drop-off time with them and bring your donations to their collection point.
Take the direct name and number of the person responsible for collecting donations
Share your contact information with them as well and offer support for future donations
4. Join a Buy Nothing Facebook Group
The Buy Nothing Project started in 2013 with two friends from Washington who wanted to experiment with a new local gift-giving economy. While the original organization has kind of fizzled out, the initiative hasn’t and you can still Join Your Neighborhood-Specific Buy Nothing Group on Facebook). Think of those items you can’t sell or don’t want to just give away to an organization. Buy Nothing Groups allow you to give directly to your neighbor. I’ve personally donated to about 50 people in my home borough through my Buy Nothing Group. who give those things away. I encourage people to give away items within their local communities for free. It’s a great way to pass on clothes to someone who needs them while building community connections. I’ve given away several bags of clothes through my neighborhood’s Buy Nothing group, and it’s always a pleasure to meet new people and see my clothes find a new home.
What to know about joining a Buy Nothing Group
Be safe when donating. Opt to meet in front of your building rather than giving your apartment # or a couple of buildings over from where you live
Vet the person. Check the receiver’s Facebook profile and skim their activity. You just want to make sure it's a real person. Also, check to see how long they’ve been in the group
You control who and how you manage donations in this setting. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. When sharing something you want to give away, post photos and descriptions of your items and be clear about pickup time and day.
5. Donate to Dress for Success
If you’ve permanently transitioned from working in an office, you most likely have an office wardrobe that’s collecting dust. Donating your dress pants and blazers to Dress for Success is the perfect way to make space in your closet and for a good cause. So, collect suits and dresses, knowing they’ll help another woman feel confident and capable in the workplace.
What to know about giving to Dress for Sucess
Right now New York locations are paused on accepting donations (I know, whack)
Go the extra mile and dry clean your clothes. Someone needing work attire may not have the resources to iron or dry-clean them This could be your Christmas gift to them
For non-New York locations, they’re accepting skirts, pant suits, blouses, slacks, dresses, blazers, jackets, seasonally appropriate coats, jewelry, scarves, professional handbags, and briefcases.
6. Local Veterans Organization
These organizations support veterans in different ways, including getting set up in a new place after being homeless. Donating clothes to a local veterans organization allows you to not only clear your closet but also help someone build on your amazing wardrobe. You can feel really good this holiday season knowing someone can participate in the ugly sweater party at their group home. reacclimated after serving time. often accept clothing donations to support those who have served our country. These clothes can make a significant impact, especially for veterans transitioning to civilian life. I have a soft spot for veterans, as my uncle served in the military. Donating to a local veterans organization feels like giving back to those who gave so much.
What to know about giving to a local veterans organization
Start by googling “veterans organizations pick up”
You can schedule a pick-up very easily or drop off your donations
Most veteran organizations don’t just accept clothes, so you can add shoes, purses, and jewelry to the mix and clean up your space even faster
7. Bring Special Occasion Dresses to Local Schools
I was lucky to have a mom who could sew but not every high school student gets to wear a prom dress. Donating your bridesmaid's dress, Rent the Runway fits, or cocktail dresses to a lucky high school is gonna make for a nice Spring time for you and them.
What to know about donating dresses to a high school
Make sure to contact the schools to see if they need dresses
Check out the school’s Instagram page where they usually have a flyer specifically for those who want to donate dresses for prom
Keep in mind that drop off-season is typically from January to May which is also prom season
8. Give Back Box
Give Back Box allows you to donate to a charity of your choice using shipping boxes that you can drop off at Khols. You can donate all the things in your wardrobe that are taking up space. The best part of they list different charities that tell you exactly what they need making it easier to give away your hoodies, boots, graphic tees, hats, and whatever else you have too much of.
What to know about donating to Give Back Box
Get an old shipping box and fill it with anything from your closet (except used underwear, or socks etc. )
Select a Charity from the Give Back Box site and purchase a shipping label for $20
Double-check if what you’re giving is what the charity needs
Screenshot QR code and take to your nearest Khols (no need to print a shipping label)
Letting Go and Knowing Where to Donate Clothes, while Giving Back
You can change your relationship to letting go by volunteering at the same church, shelter, or group home you donated your clothes to. You’re not only killing two birds with one stone but also incentivizing your decluttering efforts. You don’t have to go into 2025 overwhelmed or conflicted about having so many clothes. If you want a cleaner space, a more organized closet, and to feel a spark of hope, choose any 1 of the options for where to donate clothes above. I hope using one of these helps you breathe a little easier.
If you liked this list and want more ways to declutter, jump-start your spring cleaning with my Reset and Reclaim ebook. For only $10 you can reclaim your space and reset it BEFORE the Spring Equinox. Click here to let the staleness out with more purging.
