The Best Charities, Places, & Non-Profit Clothing Organizations: Where to Donate Used Clothes To (2025 Update)

Sorting through your clothing isn’t just about getting organized. It’s about finding a better purpose for the pieces you no longer wear.

Whether you’re decluttering your closet, simplifying your wardrobe, or adjusting to lifestyle changes, chances are you’ll find garments that no longer fit or suit your needs. Instead of tossing them in the trash or letting them sit in storage, donating clothes to charity can make a lasting impact on people and the planet.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the benefits of donating, how to make sure your donations do good, and introduce you to the best charities to donate clothing to, including where to drop items off or schedule a pick-up. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best charities that accept clothing donations.

15 Great Charities That Take Clothing Donations

Below are some of the best places to donate clothes, whether you want to help your local community or support global causes. Several of these nonprofits also offer donation pick-up services, making it even easier to give back.

1. GreenDrop

GreenDrop is a convenient and eco-conscious choice if you’re short on time. They partner with nonprofits like the National Federation of the Blind and the American Red Cross. You can schedule a home pick-up or use one of their drop-off locations. All donated items are sold in local thrift stores, with proceeds going to their nonprofit partners.

2. Soles4Souls

Ideal for donating shoes (and clothing), Soles4Souls distributes wearable footwear to people living in poverty across the globe. They also help create micro-enterprises by reselling donated shoes to small business owners in developing countries. You can drop off or mail your items directly.

3. Dress for Success

Dress for Success supports women in need by offering professional clothing for job interviews and career development. Items should be workplace-appropriate: think suits, blouses, handbags, and shoes. Your gently used business attire could help a woman secure meaningful employment.

4. Career Gear

Career Gear offers similar services to men in need, accepting donations of suits, shirts, belts, ties, and shoes. The organization also provides life coaching, mentorship, and skill-building programs.

5. Goodwill

Goodwill remains one of the most widely known donation centers. Clothing and other items are sold in thrift stores, with proceeds supporting job training and placement services for people with barriers to employment. Check with your local branch to confirm which items are accepted and how they’re processed.

6. Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts clothing, furniture, and household items at its nationwide thrift stores. Proceeds support addiction recovery centers, shelters, and disaster relief. However, they do occasionally redirect overflow donations, so it’s best to ask about current needs before donating.

7. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

VVA is an excellent organization if you’re looking for fast, easy ways to donate clothes to a nonprofit. Their Pickup Please program allows you to schedule a free next-day pickup in many areas. Proceeds from donated items go toward programs for veterans.

8. Big Brother Big Sister Foundation (BBSF)

BBSF supports youth mentorship programs and distributes donated clothing to underserved communities. They prioritize essential items like coats and school-friendly attire. Some clothing is resold to fund operations, while in-demand pieces go directly to families in need.

9. Planet Aid

Planet Aid collects used clothing in bright yellow bins located in many communities. Donations are either resold in developing countries or recycled responsibly. Funds support global health, education, and food security initiatives.

10. Room to Grow

If you have children’s clothing to donate, Room to Grow accepts new and gently used baby clothes, shoes, books, and gear for ages 0–3. Items are distributed to families living in poverty through their long-term support program.

11. One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat focuses specifically on coats for adults and children. Donated outerwear is provided directly to people in need at no cost. You can host a coat drive, donate to a local collection event, or send items by mail.

12. The Arc

The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clothing donations help fund advocacy programs and job training services. Drop-off locations are available in many states, and some chapters offer pick-up options.

13. Housing Works

Based in New York, Housing Works uses thrift store proceeds to support people affected by homelessness and HIV/AIDS. They accept stylish, gently worn clothing and accessories and offer donation drop-off and scheduled pick-up services.

14. St. Vincent de Paul Society

A Catholic nonprofit with chapters across the country, St. Vincent de Paul accepts clothing, shoes, and linens to fund charitable programs like rent assistance, food distribution, and shelter services.

15. Becca’s Closet

This organization collects formalwear like prom dresses and suits for high school students who otherwise couldn’t afford them. If you’re cleaning out special occasion attire, Becca’s Closet ensures your donation brings joy and confidence to teens across the country.

Why You Should Donate Clothes to a Nonprofit

Donating gently used clothing does more than clear out space in your closet. It provides real support to people who need it most. Families facing financial hardship, veterans adjusting to civilian life, and parents preparing for job interviews all benefit from access to affordable clothing. What you no longer need could become a crucial resource for someone else.

It’s also an environmentally responsible choice. Each year, the United States throws out more than 17 million tons of textiles, much of which ends up in landfills. Materials like polyester can take centuries to break down, releasing harmful gases and chemicals in the process. Donating helps cut down on that waste and keeps usable items in circulation.

Beyond the practical benefits, giving away clothes you no longer wear promotes a culture of generosity and mindful living. It’s also a great opportunity to teach children about giving back and making thoughtful choices about what we consume.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Donating

Before dropping off or scheduling a pick-up, follow a few best practices to maximize the impact of your donation:

• Wash and fold clothing. Clean items are more likely to be accepted and reused.
• Check the charity’s guidelines. Some organizations only accept certain clothing types or sizes.
• Bundle similar items together. For example, group kids’ clothing separately from business attire.
• Be realistic. Don’t donate items that are overly worn, stained, or damaged beyond repair.

While some big-name charities are recognizable, not all of them are transparent about where your donations go. In fact, only about 10–15% of donated clothes end up in thrift stores; others are sold to textile recyclers or even shipped overseas. That’s why it’s helpful to focus on organizations that clearly outline how they handle donations.

Other Ways to Repurpose Clothing

While donations are ideal for gently used clothing, some items may not meet quality standards. Consider these alternatives for well-worn garments:

• Textile recycling centers – Many cities have programs to recycle torn or stained fabric.
• Animal shelters – Old towels, blankets, and t-shirts can be used for pet bedding.
• DIY projects – Upcycle old t-shirts into cleaning rags, reusable bags, or quilts.

The goal is to keep clothing out of landfills and in circulation for as long as possible.

Stay Organized After the Cleanout

Decluttering your closet feels great, but staying organized long term requires the right system. If your current closet feels cramped, inefficient, or chaotic, now’s the perfect time to rethink your storage.

That’s where Closet America can help.

We design and install custom closet systems that are tailored to your space, lifestyle, and wardrobe. Whether you need a sleek walk-in closet, a space-saving reach-in, or a multipurpose storage solution, our team can create a design that makes organization effortless.

Every Closet America system is made in the USA, installed by experts, and backed by a transferable warranty. Our design consultations are free, and we bring samples, ideas, and layout suggestions straight to your home.

Schedule your free design consultation with Closet America today and discover just how functional and beautiful your closet can be.