As much as the United States may hate to admit it, homelessness is a significant problem, affecting thousands of people across the country on any given night. A recent report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development found that there are a little less than 600,000 homeless people in the U.S. Nearly a quarter of them are children. These men, women, and children represent some of the most vulnerable members of society. They are, for various reasons, unable to help themselves and totally depend on the kindness of strangers.
Although Americans are a very generous people, figures on charitable donations paint a revealing picture about who exactly donates to charity. In 2013, individuals gave approximately $240 billion to charities, a good 72% of total charitable giving. The education sector gave about 16% of donations. Tellingly, corporate organizations only comprised 5% of charitable giving. Though all donations are selfless and wonderful in themselves, it remains all too clear that the organizations that can afford to give the most actually give the least — and vice versa.
It is for this reason (among others) why charitable clothing donations are so important in the fight against homelessness and poverty. There are a number of charities to support around the country that specialize in gathering and distributing clothing to the needy. Donating your lightly used clothing (especially if it’s just a pair of socks or a t shirt) may not seem like much but for the thousands of people that depend on them to essentially survive, they go a long way. There are even charities that will pick up donations right from your doorstep or curbside! Donating clothes has never been easier or more convenient.
There are many other ways to help the poor and homeless of course but clothing donations are truly paramount in the struggle against homelessness.
For more information about charities that will pick up donations and other areas of charitable giving, feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom.
