In the United States, there are plenty of organizations that need help serving families and individuals in need. However, there aren’t always enough donations to help these organizations and the people who rely on them. From veterans charities that use Purple Heart clothing donations to organizations that help the homeless, every cause can always use a bit more support from the community. With the New Year approaching, however, now is the perfect time to begin thinking about how you can help your local charities.
One way to do so is to donate your gently used clothing. Donating clothing serves many purposes: it clothes those who are unable to afford new items, it prevents clothing and textiles from winding up in the landfill, and it helps you clean out your closets and keep your home in order. If you would like to start donating clothing, but you’re unsure of where to begin, here are three tricks you can use this New Year to take the initiative in giving back to your community:
Use the hanger trick.
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to use this trick. For all of the items hanging in your closets, turn the hangers backwards at the beginning of the year. Once you’ve used a particular clothing item, turn the hanger so it faces the right way on the rod. At the end of the year, donate anything that is still on a backwards hanger, as this indicates that you haven’t worn it for at least a year and it could go to a better home. (You can also use a similar trick for items that are folded: turn everything inside out and replace it the correct way once you’ve worn it. Anything still inside out at the end of the year can be donated.)
Follow the “one in, one out” rule.
If you’re like many other people in the U.S., you probably have a tendency to buy clothing even if you already have plenty at home. However, if you’re replacing older items or you already know that you have too much in your closet, try using the “one in, one out” rule. Every time you bring a new article of clothing home, know that you have to donate an older piece. Not only will you help others by donating, but this could be a method to help you curb your spending, as well.
Participate in a charity event (or start your own).
While there is no real answer to the question “What are the best charities to donate to?”, there are plenty of organizations that already need help. For example, many military organizations hold Purple Heart clothing donations events and drives, and some will even pick up clothing donations right at your door. In addition to military Purple Heart clothing donations, there are also other charities that focus on helping families in need, and they always need assistance with gathering resources. If you don’t see an effort in your community to get donations for those charity organizations, try partnering with a school or church to start a donation drive.
If you want to know more about donating, check out your local charity organizations to find out what they need. You can also leave a comment below with questions or suggestions for donating clothing to charity.
