Each year, the Red Cross helps millions of people — and there are millions more that need help. A variety of different people need help from charities like the Red Cross; on any given night in January 2015, 564,708 people were homeless in the United States. While many of these people could have benefited from the Red Cross, the Red Cross also helps people who have homes but are still living in poverty, and for that matter people who are extremely ill. The Red Cross works for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, giving people blankets, food, shelter, and even blood. But the Red Cross and charities of its kind can’t do the work that they need to do without donations. While some think that the only way they can meaningfully give is through monetary donations, the reality is that some of the best types of donations come in the form of used clothes. Used clothing donations make a big difference for the Red Cross — while some clothes are sold to raise money, others are given to people who really need them. However, many do not give clothes donations as much as they would have otherwise because it’s difficult and tedious to drop them off. The Red Cross clothing pick up system makes a big difference in this regard. Below, we’ll list a few of the advantages of the Red Cross clothing pick up system, and why donating clothes is good not just for the charity you’re donating, but you as well.
1. The Red Cross Clothing Pick Up System Makes Donations Simple
While many people like to donate clothes, the actual act is a bit more tedious and complicated than most of us would like to admit. Many find that it takes a long time to gather up the clothes they want to donate — then they have to find a clothing donation center that will take the clothes. For people who live in areas that are fairly far away from these centers, this can be frustrating. Between work and life, we just don’t always have the time to donate clothes. Luckily, the Red Cross clothing pick up system makes this much simpler. You can simply gather up the clothes you want to donate and have them ready to be picked up, without worrying about anything else. For many, this is a major relief. However, it’s not just that these donations are now easier to make — they also come with great benefits to not just you, but the world at large.
2. Clothing Donations Cut Down On Waste
Think about how many clothes you’ve bought within the past year — the number is probably higher than you’d imagine. It’s estimated that Americans consume 20 million garments a year. That equals 68 garments and seven pairs of shoes per person — or rather, more than one item of clothing purchased each week. What do you do when you outgrow these clothes — or for that matter, when the trend you bought them for goes out of style? It’s important that you’re able to declutter and do the things that you want to do with your old clothes; even if that means “getting rid” of them. But throwing clothes away does have a negative impact on the environment. The EPA reports that Americans throw out an average of 10 pounds of clothing per year. By donating clothes instead, you cut down on this waste, and for that matter prevent the pollution that comes with throwing away clothes.
3. Giving Back Makes People Feel Good
It’s reported that 63% of high net worth donors donate because they want to give back to the community. Of course, as discussed, you don’t have to have a high net worth to donate. One of the major reasons why people donate clothes is that they simply get a good feeling in return. Donating clothes helps you declutter, which promotes a healthier attitude. That attitude only increases when you give back.