What Are the Top Five Reasons to Donate Used Clothes?


Clothing drop off locations

We’ve all read the fairy tale about spinning straw into gold. But did you know that you can actually turn your old clothes and uses household goods into cash for charities for wounded soldiers? When you donate your old clothes, coffee makers and table lamps, you’re not just getting rid of clutter, but also helping the environment by keeping these materials out of landfills.
It really is one of those rare situations where it’s win-win all around. Read on to see the top five reasons why you should donate your used clothing and household goods.

#1 De-clutter your life
Once you decide to donate clothes to charity, you’ll be surprised at how much neater your home appears. Without the clutter, you can actually think, plan and even invite guests over without worrying about what they’ll think.
Most people find it difficult to look at their own lives objectively and to decide on the best course of action. That’s why there are professional trainers, life coaches and mentors. But when it comes to your overflowing closets full of clothes you haven’t worn for months or even years, the embarrassingly large collection of shoes, and the household goods and linens you don’t use but don’t want to throw out, there’s an easy way out.
Your donations of clothing are used by charities organizations to fund programs that help veterans and the environment. So you get to clean out your closets and help a good cause at the same time. Plus one to you.

#2 Help the environment
Keeping your used clothes and old household goods out of the trash and landfills is another major plus. Even though nearly all household textiles and clothing can be recycled, only about 15% actually gets recycled or donated. Instead, 10.5 million tons of clothing finds its way to the landfills each year.
When you donate clothes, you’re saving space in the already over full landfills. Plus, you’re giving someone a chance to wear your old clothes which may be in perfectly good shape but which you’ve outgrown or gotten bored of wearing. As much as 45% of recycled clothing gets a new lease of life as secondhand clothing. Points for you and the environment.

#3 Help wounded veterans charities
Charities for wounded soldiers help to keep used clothes, electronics and household goods out of landfills, turning them into cash to find programs like education and family support. In 2014 Green Drop raised $2.5 million charities for wounded soldiers.

#4 Get a tax deduction

It makes sense to donate to a group that has been granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. You can then claim the value of your donations as a tax write-off. You should keep in mind that if the value of your donated goods is more than $250, you will need to submit a receipt along with your tax return.
How much can you claim as a tax write-off? Men’s overcoats and suits are usually estimated to be worth around $60 and a coffee maker is generally worth $4 to $15.

#5 Inspire your friends to do a good deed
Tap into the power of social media to inspire your friends! The greater majority, or 70% of people who use social media say that seeing a friend post about making a charitable donation would inspire them to take action as well. Pluses for you and your friends.

Donating your used clothes to charities makes a lot of sense, whichever way you look at it. It’s easy to find locations where to donate clothes. Many charities for wounded soldiers have convenient free sanding locations that are easily accessible on your way to work or while you do your weekend errands. They also have a home pick up service for large items or if you have a really large consignment of clothes.


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