Previously, we wrote extensively On the downside of textile containers. Clothing you turn in - even if there is a charity on the bin - is usually not donated directly to people in need. Instead, it is sold to sorting companies. The proceeds then go to projects or organisations. A good idea in itself, of course, as these are important initiatives that fund research or relief efforts. But maybe you want something different: donating clothes so that someone can benefit from them immediately. And you can do just that. We have a few ideas for you!
You can donate clothes directly at these charities!
Do you want to be sure that your clothes reach people who need them directly? Then it is best to bring your things to an organisation that actually distributes them or uses them for concrete help. These initiatives make it easy and meaningful.
Salvation Army
At the Salvation Army you can drop off clothes at their ReShare shops and textile containers, and if you have a lot of clothes to give, they will come to you. Some is donated directly to homeless people, people who come to the food banks and people in need. Some is sold in the second-hand shops and some is - there you have it again - sold to sorting centres or recycled.
Terre des Hommes
Terre des Hommes has second-hand shops throughout the Netherlands where you can hand in clothes and other items. Those clothes are then sold in their thrift shops and the proceeds go to projects against child exploitation. So your clothes do not directly end up with people in need, but are used through (local!) sales to fund the work of Terre des Hommes.
Because We Carry
Want to donate to refugees? You can do so again via Because We Carry. This organisation is committed to helping refugees, especially in Greek camps. They work quickly and purposefully: when a request for help comes in, they organise within no-time a collection campaign. Think warm clothes, shoes or mackintoshes for children and adults. So here, your donation really goes directly to people who need help at that moment. Keep an eye on their social media to see what is needed when, and where you can drop items off.
Baby Stuff Foundation
Baby Stuff Foundation collects baby and children's clothes and uses them to put together baby starter kits for (expectant) parents in the Netherlands who are struggling financially. Besides clothes, you can also hand in other baby items, such as hydrophilic cloths, bottles, blankets and care products. Everything is checked, sorted and divided into packages by volunteers. So you can be sure that your items will go directly to families in need. You can find all collection points on their website.
Dress for Success
Dress for Success helps people who are on their way to work or a job application but do not have the means to purchase suitable clothing. You can donate clothes that can be worn during a job interview or in an entry-level job. Think neat blouses, trousers, skirts, shirts and blazers. The clothes are professionally presented in one of their shops, where customers can shop for free by appointment. This way, you not only give your clothes a second life, but also someone else a new chance.
Animal shelter
Old towels, blankets and soft cloths are often incredibly welcome at animal shelters. They are used as bedding to keep animals warm or to clean pens. A great destination for textiles that are no longer suitable for humans, but are still of value to animals. Check with a shelter in your area to find out exactly what they accept.
Sheltersuit
Synthetic sleeping bags can be donated to Sheltersuit, a foundation that makes wind- and waterproof jackets and sleeping bags for the homeless, refugees and victims of disasters and conflicts. In this way, you give an old sleeping bag a new life and help someone who is literally out in the cold. In the past, there have been collection campaigns in cooperation with thrift stores like Het Goed, but at the time of writing you can only send sleeping bags directly to the foundation itself. Check their website for current collection information!
Donating clothes to charity: know who you are donating to
Textile containers are certainly useful, especially for recycling broken and worn textiles. But do you have clothes that could easily last another round, and really want to help someone? Then donate it directly via one of the organisations in this article or take it to a thrift shop. And be sure to check out sympathetic local collection projects, e.g. via community events or churches. And if you come across a charity textile container, check what exactly happens to the clothes. This is not always as clear as it seems. Often the clothes are not donated directly to people, but sold on to sorting centres. The proceeds go to charity, not the clothes themselves. While such projects are often incredibly important, it is good to know exactly what you are supporting with your donation and whether it fits with your intention.
More tidying tips!
- Also see: Sell your old books online and make money.
- Also see: sell your clothes smoothly on Vinted.
Photo credits: Angela de Vlaming.
