Where to donate clothes (and which option fits what you have)

Quick guide: match the clothes to the place

Donating clothes in person

Community closets and clothing banks

Run by churches, schools and nonprofits, these give clothes free to families. They usually have specific needs (kids' sizes, winter wear) and limited storage, so call before you bring bags.

Shelters

Homeless and domestic-violence shelters often need practical basics: coats, sweatshirts, new socks and underwear, and work boots. Ask what's needed this week.

Schools

Nurses' offices and counselors often keep spare clothes for kids. Elementary schools especially want pants, leggings and coats in kids' sizes.

Thrift stores

Convenient for big mixed bags and good for clothes in sellable condition. Keep in mind that thrift stores sell only part of what they receive; much of the rest is sold in bulk to textile graders.

Donating clothes by mail

Several US programs accept clothing by mail, often with a prepaid label. Some support charities, and some are resale programs that share proceeds. Read the fine print: who receives the clothes, whether the label is truly free, and what condition they accept.

Donating clothes online, directly to a person

Giving online means a specific person who wants that item in that size gets it. It works especially well for kids' clothes and shoes, where size is everything.

On Gift N Thrift you list clothes at $0, choose pickup and/or shipping, and someone claims them. For shipped claims the claimer pays postage plus a $2 packing buffer and a $2.99 fee, so you're not out of pocket. Browse what people are looking for in free clothes by size.

Giving to an individual isn't a charitable contribution to a qualified organization, so don't count on a tax deduction. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.

Preparing clothes to donate

• Wash everything. Many places can't accept unwashed clothing.
• Check zippers, buttons and seams.
• Sort and label by size, especially kids' clothes.
• Fold, don't stuff. Wrinkled clothing in a trash bag is less likely to be used.
• Pull out anything worn out and take it to textile recycling instead.

What most places won't take

• Used underwear and socks (new is often welcome).
• Wet, mildewed or smoke-damaged clothes.
• Recalled children's items.
• Heavily stained or torn clothing (unless it's a textile recycling program).

Frequently asked questions