Clothing donations
promote recycling while helping those in need.
Clothing that is no longer useful to you might be a great find for someone else. Many people support charities by donating used clothing. When your children have outgrown sizes, you no longer have the need for maternity outfits or you just want to clean out your closet, give excess items to one of Arizona's many charitable organizations. Funds realized from donations are used to support those in need.
Organizations
Choose a reputable, charitable organization. There are many well-established charities operating in Arizona. Go to the Better Business Bureau's website to find addresses of organizations in your area. Charities operating in Arizona and accepting clothing donations include Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Savers, Big Brothers and Sisters, St. Vincent De Paul, Swift Charities for Children and Dress for Success. Dress for Success requests gently used business attire to be used by unemployed individuals who are going on job interviews.
Drop-Off Options
Arizona charities make it convenient for patrons to drop off clothing donations. Most of the organizations run thrift stores or have centers where you can drop off garments you no longer need. Donation boxes are often placed in schools and offices, especially during clothing drives. Enclosed metal bins are positioned in public places such as shopping center parking lots. They are clearly marked with the name of the charity.
At-Home Pick-Ups
Visit websites such as Donation Town to find organizations that will pick up clothing at your home. Donation Town is a network of charitable organizations across the states. When you go to its website, you will enter your zip code, name and email address. You will receive a list of charities that run pick-ups in your neighborhood. You will be given the charity's phone number and can call to arrange a pick-up. In some cases, pick-ups can be coordinated online.
Use of Funds
Charities donate your clothing to the less fortunate or sell the items for low prices in thrift stores. The money they earn goes toward supporting needs in the community. Big Brothers and Sisters organization uses funds to screen volunteers before matching them with children. Goodwill allocates a good deal of its funds to job training and employment. Worthwhile causes, such as the YMCA, child crises centers and the Girls and Boys Club, often receive help.
For-Profit Conflict
For-profit and nonprofit organizations are at odds in Arizona, as well as in other states. For-profit organizations place vaguely labeled bins in parking lots, and they can be misleading. People think they're donating to a charity, but their clothes might actually be sold for profit in the global market. Nonprofit organizations are losing donations because of this practice. Make sure you know who actually is benefiting from your clothing donations.
Tags: clothing donations, Brothers Sisters, charitable organizations, Donation Town, Dress Success, operating Arizona