Did you know that clothing and textiles are some of the most frequently thrown out items in the United States? In fact, each year, there are over 12 to 13 million tons of them trashed, which means they wind up in landfills; conversely only about 2 million tons are donated on average per year. This kind of pollution takes its toll on the environment, especially considering that fabric is one of the most easily recyclable materials in the world.
Fortunately, there is a solution if you’re looking to clean out your closet: donating clothing to charity organizations in your area. There are plenty of charities that accept donations of clothing, from charities for wounded soldiers to organizations that are focused on helping families in need.
Do you have gently used clothing donations that you’re looking to give to an organization in your area? Here are some ideas of the types of items you can give.
Children’s Clothing
For those who are raising a family, affording clothing for everyone can be difficult. However, kids’ clothing is some of the most commonly donated items, and with good reason: it’s often not worn for very long, and it can easily be reused. Other items such as shoes and coats are often sought after by charities that donate clothing.
Casual Clothing
All types of organizations seek clothing for adults for everyday use, and some of it can even go to charities for wounded soldiers. Athletic clothing is especially popular, especially for recipients who may be undergoing physical therapy. Anyone can benefit from items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, and other casual wear, though. Professional clothing helps those entering the workforce to get the outfits they need, including suits, pants, dress shirts, and dresses.
Accessories
Finally, no wardrobe is complete without other types of accessories, such as shoes, scarves, gloves, coats, jackets, and other outerwear. Even items such as jewelry and sunglasses are appreciated by children and adults. Giving these items to charity rather than sending them to the landfill can cut down on the amounts of metals and plastics being thrown away, as well.
An estimated 99% of clothing thrown away can be recycled, so it’s important to donate when you can. Donating can even lead to a tax break if you itemize your deductions. Have you ever donated to charities for wounded soldiers? Are you helping families in your area take care of their children? Tell us about your donation experiences in the comments.
