8 Best Charities to Donate Clothes | Full List with Details
Have you ever taken a minute to consider the number of clothes you have in your closet? Chances are, you have more than enough to last a lifetime. Yet, every year, millions of people worldwide desperately need clothing.
From homeless individuals to families struggling to make ends meet, your unwanted clothing could make a world of difference to someone in need. But with so many charities and organizations to choose from, how do you know where to donate?
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best charities to donate clothes too so you can make a meaningful impact on someone’s life and declutter your closet at the same time. Get ready to change the world, one piece of clothing at a time.
Here are the 8 Best Charities to Donate Clothes to:
1. Goodwill Industries
First up, we have Goodwill Industries. They aim to help people with barriers to employment to find jobs, improve their skills, and build their careers. One way that Goodwill helps people who need clothes is by accepting donations of gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories, which they then sell at their thrift stores.
The revenue generated from the sales of these items is used to fund job training programs, employment placement services, and other community-based programs. Goodwill also provides vouchers to individuals in need, which they can use to purchase clothing and other items at Goodwill stores at a reduced cost or for free. Off to a perfect start; the charity has a 100% rating on Charity Navigator with 4 stars.
2. The Salvation Army
They are a Christian-based nonprofit organization that provides various services to people in need, including those who need clothes. They accept gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories donations at their thrift stores and donation centers and distribute these items to needy people. Some Salvation Army locations offer free clothing programs to individuals and families in need. These programs may provide a set amount of clothing items per person or family, depending on availability.
To mention their special program- during the winter months, The Salvation Army may provide warm clothing and blankets to individuals and families in need through their annual “Coats for Kids” and “Bundle-Up” programs. Salvation Army has a 100% score on Charity Navigator as well with 4 star ratings.
3. Dress for Success
Next up is Dress for Success. They provide professional attire for job interviews and work, including business suits, dresses, and accessories. These items are donated by individuals and corporations and are distributed to clients at no cost. They also aim to build the confidence and self-esteem of their clients by providing a supportive and empowering environment.
They’ve supported over 1.2 million women since inception.
Overall, Dress for Success aims to help women achieve economic independence by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the workforce.
By providing professional attire and career development services, Dress for Success helps women overcome barriers to employment and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. This charity also has an astounding 4 stars on Charity Navigator with a 100% score.
4. Soles4Souls
Then we have Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes new and gently used shoes and clothing to people in need in the United States and worldwide. They accept donations of shoes and clothing from individuals and organizations across the United States and then distribute them to people in need, including those who may not be able to afford to clothe.
Soles4Souls is dedicated to fighting poverty through the distribution of shoes and clothing. Since 2006, they’ve distributed over 35 million pairs of shoes in 129 countries. They transform unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity and relief for those in need.
Soles4Souls operates micro-enterprise programs in impoverished areas worldwide, providing people with the resources they need to start their own businesses selling shoes and clothing. By supporting these small businesses, they aim to help people achieve greater economic stability and potentially make it easier to afford clothing and other necessities. As per Charity Navigator, the organization has a 4/4 star rating at 98%.
5. One Warm Coat
One Warm Coat is a charitable organization that organizes and promotes coat drives across the United States, encouraging individuals, businesses, and organizations to collect and donate coats for needy people. These coats are then distributed to people in need through local partner organizations. They have partnered with various community organizations, including homeless shelters, schools, and faith-based organizations, to distribute coats to needy people.
One Warm Coat aims to provide free coats to individuals in need. Since its inception, they’ve facilitated the distribution of over 6.6 million coats. They offer a community-friendly model, allowing anyone to host a coat drive.
By working with local partner organizations, promoting environmental sustainability, and advocating for change, the organization aims to help people achieve greater economic stability and potentially make it easier to afford clothing and other necessities over time. For the icing on top, they have a 100% score on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars.
6. Career Gear
Career Gear provides professional clothing, mentoring, and job-readiness programs to help men who struggle with low income and unemployment or are returning from incarceration achieve economic independence.
They help the men out with professional clothing, including suits, shirts, ties, and shoes, to wear to job interviews and other professional settings. By providing these items, the organization aims to help men make a good impression and increase their chances of finding employment.
Additionally, they offer job-readiness programs, including workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and workplace etiquette, to help men prepare for the job market.
By providing these programs, the organization aims to help men gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. As on Guidestar, the charity has a silver transparency seal.
7. Planet Aid
It is a nonprofit organization that collects donated clothes and shoes to support sustainable development programs in developing countries. They operate a network of donation bins in communities across the US. Donors can drop off their gently used clothing and shoes in these bins at any time, and the items are collected regularly by the charity.
They’ve collected thousands of tons of clothes, diverting them from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their clothing collection helps fund sustainable development projects globally.
They are committed to promoting environmental sustainability. Clothing unsuitable for distribution is recycled into new products, such as insulation or wiping rags.
By partnering with local organizations in developing countries, Planet Aid helps to ensure that donated clothing is distributed in a way that is culturally sensitive and promotes economic development. They have 82% on Charity Navigator with 3/4 stars.
8. The Arc
It is a national nonprofit organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of The Arc’s local chapters operate thrift stores where people can donate clothing and other items. These thrift stores then sell the donated clothing cheaply to people in need.
In addition to providing affordable clothing, some local chapters of The Arc also offer clothing assistance programs for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
Some programs offered by The Arc include:
- Advocacy Services
- Family Support
- Employment Programs
- Community-Based Programs
These programs aim to support and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various aspects of their lives.
These programs may provide free clothing, vouchers for clothing, or assistance with purchasing clothing for job interviews or other special events. They have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100% score!
9. ThredUp
ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store that offers a unique clothing donation option. They provide free “Clean Out Kits” — you fill a bag with clothes you no longer need, ship it for free, and ThredUp handles the rest. Items that sell earn you credit or cash, while unsold items can be redirected to charitable partners. ThredUp has diverted millions of pounds of clothing from landfills and is a great option if you prefer donating from home without visiting a drop-off location. Their process is entirely online and makes decluttering effortless.
10. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America funds its youth mentoring programs in part through clothing donations. They partner with local textile recyclers and thrift operations to turn your donated clothes into revenue that supports one-on-one mentoring relationships for children facing adversity. Many locations offer free home pickup service, making it one of the most convenient donation options. Your old clothes directly fund programs that help young people achieve their potential, graduate from school, and avoid risky behaviors.
11. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Vietnam Veterans of America accepts clothing donations to fund services for U.S. military veterans and their families. They offer free pickup services in many areas — simply schedule online or call, bag up your donations, and leave them on your porch. The organization uses proceeds from donated items to advocate for veterans’ rights, provide mental health support, and fund employment assistance programs. VVA is a well-established nonprofit with decades of service to the veteran community.
12. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
While Habitat for Humanity is best known for building homes, their ReStore locations accept clothing donations alongside furniture and household goods. Revenue from ReStore sales goes directly toward building affordable housing in local communities. Donating clothes to Habitat ReStore means your contribution helps families achieve the dream of homeownership. Many ReStore locations accept drop-offs during business hours and some offer pickup for larger donations.
13. DoSomething.org Clothing Drives
DoSomething.org regularly organizes large-scale clothing drives that mobilize young people across the country. Their campaigns like “Teens for Jeans” have collected millions of pairs of jeans for homeless youth. Participating is simple — drop off gently used jeans and clothing at designated collection points during active campaigns. The organization distributes collected items to homeless shelters and youth organizations nationwide, ensuring donations reach those who need them most.
14. St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates thrift stores and direct assistance programs across the United States. They accept clothing donations at their retail locations and distribute items to individuals and families experiencing poverty. Revenue from their thrift stores funds emergency assistance programs including rent help, utility assistance, and food pantries. Many locations run seasonal clothing distribution events where community members in need can select clothes for free. The organization has been serving communities since 1833 and maintains a strong grassroots presence in neighborhoods nationwide.
15. Clothes for a Cause
Clothes for a Cause partners with over 60 charitable organizations across the country. They provide free donation bags and pickup services, making the process as simple as possible. When you donate through Clothes for a Cause, you choose which partner charity receives the proceeds from your donated clothing. This gives you control over exactly where your contribution goes — whether that’s supporting pediatric cancer research, homelessness prevention, or environmental causes.
How to Donate Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Donating clothes effectively involves more than just dropping off a bag at the nearest thrift store. Here’s how to make sure your clothing donations have the maximum positive impact:
Step 1: Sort and Assess Your Wardrobe — Go through your closet systematically. Separate items into three categories: donate, recycle, and discard. Clothes in good condition with no major stains, tears, or missing buttons are ideal for donation.
Step 2: Wash and Fold Everything — Charities cannot use or sell dirty or damaged clothing. Wash all items before donating and fold them neatly. This saves the organization time and resources and ensures your donations are actually usable.
Step 3: Research Local Needs — Different charities have different needs. Some focus on professional attire for job seekers, others need children’s clothing, and some specialize in winter coats. Matching your donation to a specific need increases its impact.
Step 4: Choose Your Charity — Use the list above to select a charity that aligns with your values. Consider factors like whether they offer pickup services, what their charity rating is, and how they use the proceeds from donated clothing.
Step 5: Get a Tax Receipt — Most clothing donations to registered 501(c)(3) charities are tax-deductible. Ask for a receipt when you drop off your items, and keep it for your records. The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value of donated clothing.
What Types of Clothing Can You Donate?
Understanding what charities accept helps you prepare better donations. Here’s a breakdown of commonly accepted and rejected items:
Commonly Accepted: Gently used shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, jackets, coats, shoes (in pairs), handbags, belts, scarves, hats, business attire, formal wear, children’s clothing, and baby clothes.
Sometimes Accepted: Underwear and socks (must be new with tags), swimwear, uniforms, costumes, and vintage or designer items.
Usually Not Accepted: Heavily stained or torn clothing, wet or moldy items, single shoes, clothing with strong odors, items contaminated with hazardous materials, and pillows or mattresses.
When in doubt, ask yourself: “Would I feel comfortable giving this to a friend?” If the answer is no, the item may be better suited for textile recycling rather than donation.
Where Else Can You Donate Clothes Locally?
Beyond the national charities listed above, there are many local options for clothing donation that may be available in your community:
Homeless Shelters — Local shelters are always in need of warm clothing, especially during winter months. Contact your nearest shelter to ask about their current needs and drop-off policies. Many accept walk-in donations during business hours.
Women’s Shelters — Domestic violence shelters often need clothing for women and children who have fled dangerous situations with nothing. These organizations are especially grateful for business attire, children’s clothing, and undergarments. For related resources, see our guide on charities that help with rent.
Churches and Religious Organizations — Many houses of worship operate clothing closets or host seasonal clothing drives. These programs serve their congregations and surrounding neighborhoods, making them an excellent hyper-local donation option.
School Clothing Closets — An increasing number of schools maintain clothing closets for students in need. Contact your local school district to find out if they accept donations, particularly children’s and teen clothing.
Foster Care Organizations — Children entering foster care often arrive with few or no personal belongings. Organizations serving foster youth are always in need of children’s clothing in all sizes. See also: free clothing programs for struggling families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to donate clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army?
Both are excellent choices, but they differ in how they use donations. Goodwill focuses on job training and employment programs, while the Salvation Army provides a wider range of social services including disaster relief, addiction recovery, and housing assistance. Choose based on which mission resonates more with your values. Both have 100% scores on Charity Navigator.
Are clothing donations tax-deductible?
Yes, clothing donated to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations is generally tax-deductible. You can deduct the fair market value of your donations. For items valued over $250, you’ll need a written acknowledgment from the charity. For donations exceeding $500, you must file IRS Form 8283. Keep detailed records including the condition and estimated value of each item.
Can I donate clothes that are torn or stained?
Most charities prefer gently used items in good condition. However, some organizations accept damaged textiles for recycling. ThredUp, Planet Aid, and many Goodwill locations have textile recycling programs that can repurpose worn-out clothes into industrial rags, insulation, or recycled fibers. Check with your chosen charity about their textile recycling policies.
What is the best time of year to donate clothes?
While charities accept donations year-round, certain times see higher demand. Winter months (November through February) are critical for warm clothing donations. Back-to-school season (August-September) is ideal for children’s clothing donations. Tax season (early in the year) is popular for donors seeking tax deductions. That said, the best time to donate is whenever you have clothes ready — don’t let them sit in your closet waiting for the “perfect” time.
How do I find clothing donation drop-off locations near me?
Most major charities have location finders on their websites. Goodwill’s website has a “Find a Location” tool, the Salvation Army offers a searchable directory, and many charities partner with local retailers for drop-off points. You can also search “clothing donation near me” on Google Maps to find nearby options. Many organizations also offer free home pickup services if you have a larger volume of donations.
Can I donate clothes internationally?
Yes, several organizations accept clothing for international distribution. Planet Aid, Soles4Souls, and the Salvation Army all have international programs. Keep in mind that shipping costs and logistics mean it’s often more efficient for these organizations to purchase clothing locally in the recipient countries. Cash donations paired with clothing donations often have the greatest combined impact for international aid.
Benefits of Cloth Donation to Charities:
- Community Support: Clothing donations aid in furnishing essential items to individuals or families in economic hardship, nurturing a culture of solidarity and support within communities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Donating clothes for reuse helps in reducing textile waste, conserving resources that would have been used to manufacture new clothing, and diminishing the load on landfills.
- Economic Relief: By providing clothing at no cost or at significantly reduced prices, charities offer financial relief to individuals, helping them allocate their resources to other essential needs.
- Education and Awareness: Through donation drives, charities educate the public on poverty, sustainability, and the significance of community engagement, fostering a more empathetic society.
- Empowerment: Charities supplying professional attire play a crucial role in empowering individuals by enhancing their confidence and prospects during job interviews, aiding in their pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.
- Support for Broader Initiatives: Revenue generated from the sale of donated clothes often supports other charitable programs such as job training, education, or health services, thereby extending the impact of the initial donation.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude this discussion on the best charities to donate clothes to, it’s important to remember that our actions have a ripple effect. When we donate our gently used clothing to those in need, we’re not only providing tangible support but also showing our solidarity and empathy for those facing difficult circumstances. It’s a small but impactful way to contribute to society and make a positive difference.
Moreover, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our responsibility towards ethical and sustainable fashion doesn’t end with donating clothes. We should minimize our consumption and waste and invest in timeless, quality pieces that can withstand the test of time. This approach benefits not only the environment but also our pockets in the long run.
In the end, our approach to clothing should be one of conscious and intentional consumption. By donating our clothes to the best charities and making a conscious effort to reduce our waste, we can contribute to a better world and set an example for others to follow. Let’s choose to make a difference, one piece of clothing at a time.
