Where to Donate Used or Old Clothes to Charity
Discover the best places to donate your used clothes and help those in need while reducing waste.
If your closet is overflowing with clothes you no longer wear, donating them to charity is an excellent way to declutter your home while making a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. Rather than letting unused garments gather dust or end up in a landfill, you can pass them along to organizations that will put them to good use. Donating old clothes has several significant benefits: it keeps your unused garments out of landfills, gets them into the hands of people who can really use them, and may even result in a charitable tax deduction. With so many national and local organizations that accept used clothes, it’s easier than ever to find a place to donate near you.
Why Donate Your Clothes?
Before exploring where to donate, it’s important to understand why donating clothing matters. When we donate our gently used clothes instead of throwing them away, we extend their lifespan and prevent them from ending up in landfills. This reduces the demand for new clothing production and saves valuable resources. Additionally, donating clothing to charity not only helps those in need but also plays a crucial role in reducing textile waste. Some countries also offer tax benefits for individuals who donate clothes to registered charities, providing additional motivation for people to donate their unwanted garments.
By donating clothes, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate and help build stronger, more resilient communities. There are numerous organizations that accept clothing donations and distribute them to individuals and families in need. These organizations have established networks to ensure that donated clothes reach the people who need them the most. In many cases, donated clothes are given directly to individuals experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. In other instances, they are sold at affordable prices in thrift stores, with the proceeds supporting various community programs.
National Organizations That Accept Clothing Donations
1. The Red Cross
The Red Cross is one of the most well-known charitable organizations and accepts used clothing to support its disaster relief efforts and other programs. The organization collects used clothing and sells it to thrift stores to fund its vital services. It accepts nearly any kind of clothing in good condition, including T-shirts, pants, shirts, blouses, jackets, ties, shorts, swimsuits, sweaters, outerwear, shoes and boots, pajamas, handbags, formal wear, and even underwear. The Red Cross has a partnership with GreenDrop, a donation pickup service used by multiple charities, to collect clothing donations. You can find a drop-off location on GreenDrop’s website or enter your name and address to schedule a donation pickup at your home.
2. Becca’s Closet
If you have a prom dress or other formal wear sitting in your closet, consider donating it to Becca’s Closet. Your high school prom is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and the eveningwear you wear to it is once-in-a-lifetime eveningwear. But once prom night is over, it just sits in a closet gathering dust. By donating that old prom dress to Becca’s Closet, you can help make prom night special for someone who can’t afford a dress of their own. This nonprofit collects formal dresses to donate to high-school students who need them. It also awards scholarships to high-school seniors who have shown outstanding service to their communities. Becca’s Closet has 42 chapters across 23 U.S. states. To donate your prom dress, select your local chapter on the organization’s website to find out where to drop off or send your dress. You can also fill out and download a donation receipt on the website for your taxes.
3. Goodwill
Goodwill is one of the largest thrift store chains in the United States and accepts clothing donations from individuals across the country. The organization uses proceeds from clothing sales to fund job training programs and employment services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill offers free pickup services in many locations, making it convenient to donate large quantities of clothing. Simply contact your local Goodwill location to inquire about their pickup service availability.
4. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates thrift stores nationwide and accepts a wide variety of used clothing. The organization uses revenue from clothing sales to fund its community programs, including disaster relief, homeless services, and youth programs. Like Goodwill, The Salvation Army often offers free pickup services for clothing donations. You can locate your nearest Salvation Army location and inquire about donation options and pickup availability through their website.
5. Dress for Success
Dress for Success is a nonprofit organization that empowers women by providing them with professional clothing and career development services. The organization accepts women’s new or nearly new suits, women’s business apparel, women’s shoes, handbags, jewelry, accessories, and new, unopened, unexpired cosmetics. All donations must be laundered or dry cleaned and ready to wear. Dress for Success does not accept donations that require repair. The foundation accepts almost any type of clothing in good condition, with all sizes and seasons acceptable, as well as footwear and sleepwear. To donate, find your local Dress for Success affiliate through the main Dress for Success website, then click on its website to learn about when and where to donate.
6. Planet Aid
Planet Aid is an international nonprofit organization that accepts clothing donations to support global development projects. The organization sorts the donated clothes, with the best apparel going to clothing drives and U.S. thrift stores. Then it sells the rest to customers in developing countries. These customers sort, price, and resell the clothing items to low-income buyers. One notable feature of Planet Aid is that it accepts clothing in any condition, including items with damage. This makes it an excellent option if your clothes don’t meet the strict standards of other organizations. However, clothing with major damage does not sell and ends up as waste, which is why Planet Aid still prefers donations in good condition.
7. Local Community Organizations
Beyond the major national organizations, there are probably a few charities in your local area that can accept clothing donations. Community outreach centers, local nonprofits, and other grassroots organizations often hold clothing drives or collections to benefit needy people in your area. Depending on the organization, it might focus on winter coats, school uniforms, other children’s clothing, or women’s clothing. The nice thing about donating to a community outreach center is that you know your old clothes will help someone in your local community.
Additional Donation Options
Places of Worship
Places of worship, such as churches, often hold clothing drives to benefit families in need. Sometimes, they also collect used clothes to resell in their own thrift stores, using the money to benefit the church and its outreach programs. Contact places of worship in your area directly to see if they accept clothing donations. Ask for details about what apparel they need and where to drop it off. Some churches have donation bins outside the building, while others collect garments at a specific location inside.
Retail Clothing Stores
Many clothing retailers now offer take-back programs where customers can drop off used clothing from any brand in exchange for discounts on future purchases. These programs encourage customers to recycle their old clothes while supporting charitable causes. Popular retailers participating in clothing donation and recycling programs include H&M and The North Face. Both retailers accept clothing from any brand in any condition for recycling. Check with your favorite clothing stores to see if they participate in similar programs in your area.
What Types of Clothing Should You Donate?
Most organizations accept a wide variety of clothing items. Generally, donated clothing must be clean and free from holes, tears, and stains. Some charities, like Dress for Success, also request that your donations be ready to wear — meaning unwrinkled. However, one exception to these guidelines is Planet Aid, which accepts clothing in any condition. Here are common items that most charities accept:
– T-shirts and casual tops- Pants and jeans- Shirts and blouses- Jackets and outerwear- Sweaters and cardigans- Shorts and skirts- Dresses and formal wear- Shoes and boots- Swimsuits and athletic wear- Pajamas and sleepwear- Handbags and accessories- Ties and belts- Underwear (new or gently used)
How to Prepare Your Donations
Before donating your clothes, take time to properly prepare them. Ensure all items are clean, as most charities will not accept dirty clothing. Check for damage such as holes, tears, permanent stains, or broken zippers. If an item has a minor issue that can be easily fixed, consider repairing it before donation. Remove any items from pockets and verify that buttons are secure. If you’re donating to an organization like Dress for Success that requires clothing to be ready to wear, iron items if needed. Organizing your donations by size and type can make the process easier for charity staff and increase the likelihood that items will be quickly matched with those who need them.
Maximizing Your Tax Deduction
One significant benefit of donating clothes to qualified charities is the potential for a tax deduction. To claim a charitable deduction for your clothing donations, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return. Keep receipts from your donations and document the items you’ve given away. Many charities, including Becca’s Closet, allow you to fill out and download a donation receipt on their websites specifically for tax purposes. If you’re donating a large quantity of items, consider obtaining a professional appraisal to establish fair market value. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re maximizing your deductible donations while complying with IRS guidelines.
Local Donation Options
While national organizations provide consistent donation options, local charities often have specific needs and serve your immediate community. Research charities in your area by searching online, asking your local government office, or contacting your place of worship. Community organizations may focus on specific needs such as winter coats for homeless individuals, school uniforms for low-income children, or business attire for job seekers. Donating locally ensures that your clothes will directly benefit people you may know or live near, creating a stronger connection to your charitable giving.
Special Clothing Programs
Beyond general clothing donation programs, some organizations accept specific types of clothing. If you have items that don’t fit traditional donation categories, look for specialized nonprofits. For example, organizations focused on helping homeless individuals may specifically seek winter coats and warm clothing. Programs serving low-income job seekers accept business attire. Youth-focused organizations collect children’s clothing and school uniforms. Military-related charities accept clothing for veterans. Taking time to identify these specialized programs ensures your donations go to the most appropriate organizations.
Building a Donation Routine
Rather than letting clothes accumulate in your closet indefinitely, establish an annual clothing donation routine. Try to schedule a clear-out once per year for everyone in your household. Donating annually helps ensure the clothes you donate are still in style and haven’t fallen out of fashion. Set a specific date each year—perhaps in spring or fall—when you and your family go through closets together. Box up items you no longer wear, organize them by type, and deliver them to your chosen charity. This regular practice keeps your closet manageable and provides consistent support to charitable organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I donate clothes with minor stains or damage?
A: Most charities prefer clothing in good condition without stains or damage. However, Planet Aid accepts clothing in any condition. For other organizations, try to donate only items that are clean and wearable.
Q: How do I claim a tax deduction for clothing donations?
A: Keep receipts from your donations and document the items you’ve given away. Many charities provide donation receipts. You must itemize deductions on your tax return to claim charitable donations. Consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Q: Do charity organizations offer free pickup services?
A: Yes, many larger charities like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and the Red Cross (through GreenDrop) offer free pickup services. Contact your local branch to ask about availability in your area.
Q: What should I do with formal wear I’ll never wear again?
A: Organizations like Becca’s Closet specialize in formal wear donations, particularly prom dresses. They distribute these items to high school students who cannot afford them. Other formal wear can be donated to Dress for Success or general thrift stores.
Q: Can I donate clothing from any brand?
A: Yes, most charities accept clothing from any brand. Retailers like H&M and The North Face accept clothing from any brand in their recycling programs.
Final Word
Donating your used clothing allows you to support charities when you can’t donate cash. No matter which charity you choose, your unused clothes will do more good in a donation bin than sitting in your closet. Your donated garments will find their way to people who truly need them, whether through direct distribution to those experiencing homelessness, affordable sales at thrift stores, or specialized programs that match items to specific populations. The effort required to donate is minimal compared to the positive impact your clothes can have. By establishing an annual donation routine and choosing organizations aligned with your values, you can turn your closet purge into a meaningful act of giving that supports your community and protects the environment.
References
- Where to Donate Used or Old Clothes to Charity — Money Crashers. 2025. https://www.moneycrashers.com/where-donate-clothes-charity/
- Giving Back with Style: Why Donating Clothes is the Way to Go — Daystar Life. 2025. https://daystarlife.org/giving-back-with-style-why-donating-clothes-is-the-way-to-go/
- How to Donate Your Used Stuff to Charity – 6 Tips for Giving the Most — Money Crashers. 2025. https://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-donate-your-used-stuff/
- 28 Best Places to Donate Your Used Stuff (Charities & Thrift Stores) — Money Crashers. 2025. https://www.moneycrashers.com/best-places-donate-used-stuff/
- Giving — Money Crashers. 2025. https://www.moneycrashers.com/manage-money/giving/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
