The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Donating Clothing to Charity

With the arrival of spring, many people begin to consider donating clothing to charity organizations in their areas. However, before giving any kind of donation, it is always important to be mindful of what is given and to whom and why they may require those donations. Additionally, many donors are unsure of exactly where and when to donate clothes, which can create some confusion.

If you are planning to donate clothing to charity, make sure that you know exactly how to go about the donation process. Here’s what you need to know about donating using the Five W’s: who, what, where, when, and why.

Who

The answer to the question of who is twofold: who receives donations of clothing, and who can donate? The answer to the former can vary depending on the organizations you plan to help. Some focus on helping families in need; others may work with specific populations, such as wounded veterans charities. As for who can donate clothing, the answer is far simpler: anyone can donate to those who are in need.

What

What should you donate to charity? Any clothing that can be reused again is the most sought after item for many organizations. If you’re giving in a specific season or climate, make sure that what you’re donating will be useful (e.g. coats and boots for the winter months up north). Additionally, charities will often accept all clothing types, such as garments for men, women, and children of all ages, so now is a great time to clean out your kids’ closets, too.

Where

If you’re wondering where to donate household items or clothing, be sure to check locally first. While there are plenty of global charities, there are often groups in your town or city who need clothing donations the most. Start there and then broaden your search if necessary. Thinking locally rather than globally is a great way for those who are new to donating to help others.

When

As for the question of when to donate clothes, there really isn’t a wrong time to do so. Clothing donations can be used any season of the year. Make sure that what you give is seasonal, and you should be able to help others easily.

Why

You know about who, what, where, and when to donate clothes, but what about why? Besides helping others, donating clothing is also an eco-friendly way to solve the problem of pollution. As much as 12 to 13 million tons of clothing heads to landfills in the U.S. each year,

Have more questions about donating clothing or other items to charity? Contact an organization in your area that can use the garments, household goods, and other things you and your family no longer need. You can leave a comment for more great suggestions, too.