Americans give a lot to charities. At least 70% of us donate to charities every year. A lot of this is in the form of items and not direct cash donations. Making used clothing donations is a great way for people to help others and help the environment at the same time.
How Making Used Clothing Donations Helps the World:
- Your used clothing donations go to people who need those clothes. When your kids grow out of coats and other clothes, when you donate clothes, children whose families cannot afford to buy new clothes will benefit directly from your generosity. Families all around the world are in need of warm clothes to help them get through the winter months. When you give your unwanted clothing, you are giving something that can be used today by other people.
- Charities that accept used clothing donations depend on the revenue to survive. While the charities that accept clothes donations give most of what they receive to families and people in need, the revenue they make from selling used clothing helps sustain them. Keep in mind that approximately 80% or more of the donations are given directly to people, the 20% they sell is critically important to their operations.
- Used clothing donations are good for the environment. Americans throw away an average of 10 pounds of clothing each year. We buy a lot of clothing. Each person buys about 68 garments and one pair of shoes a week. All of the clothing that is currently thrown away will end up in landfills. There is does no one any good and adds to our environmental problems. If you donate clothes that you would otherwise throw away, your items are used to help someone who needs the help and not adding to our problem of increasing landfills. Buying used clothing is a good way to help the environment as well. This means fewer clothing items need to be manufactured.
- Used clothing donations helps people after disaster strikes. Organizations that help people after major disasters like Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, rely on people?s clothing donations to help the people affected rebuild their lives. You can imagine that when you lose your home and everything in it, you need to replace the clothing quickly. While organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency prefer to receive monetary donations, other organizations such as the Red Cross, make good use of all donations they receive.
- Keep your closet organized by donating items you no longer need or want. Personal organizing experts recommend going through your closet at least once a year. If you live in a region that has real seasons, you should make that twice a year. Look at the clothing you have not worn for two consecutive seasons and get rid of it. Tim Gunn has offered this advice, “It makes sense to save your wedding or prom dress but do you need that old turtle neck that you have not worn for three years? No.” Go through and get rid of clothing that is too big or small. If you keep your “fat clothes” around after you lose weight, you are more likely to gain that weight back.
Remember, if you do donate your used clothing, clean and sort it before you give it to a charity. This will really help them when they are sorting it for either sale or distribution. Your donations are always welcomed but you do not really want to make someone do your laundry, do you?
It is easier than you may think to donate clothing. You can bring your donations to drop off centers or you can schedule a pick up. Most organizations will work with you to pick up donations from your work or home. If you want to make the most of donating items, organize a clothing drive at work. One day, have everyone bring in their unwanted and unused clothing from home. That’s one way you can do a lot of good easily.
Clothing donations are tax deductible. Keep a detailed list of what you have donated and send that in with your tax return. If you make any donations that are worth more than $250, you will need a receipt.
