Got a wardrobe full of clothes you never wear? Well, why not gear yourself up to donate and have a clear out at the same time – there’s the chance to get a fresh new wardrobe whilst also helping a good cause. Dozens of charities in the UK accept clothing donations and it’s an easy way to give your unloved items a second lease of life.
How clothes donations can help those in need
Your clothes might be sitting in a drawer and never seeing the light of day – but by donating them to charity, they could get a second chance at purpose. Some charities sell clothes in their charity shops, meaning someone else could drop on a gem of yours to help a good cause. Some donate them to homeless or vulnerable people who need them.
Charities to donate your clothes to
If you’re staring at that bag of clothes you know needs to go then there are plenty of ways you can donate to charity – along with plenty of causes to help. It’s generally easy to donate – there are charity shops where you can physically drop the items off, clothing banks and you can even donate by post.
British Heart Foundation
If you’re looking to support the British Heart Foundation, it couldn’t be easier to drop off your unwanted items. They also accept things like books and furniture too if you’re looking for a bigger overhaul. At BHF, you can drop your items into a shop, they offer a free nationwide collection for homeware items or you can post them for free.
The Salvation Army
There are several ways you can donate your stuff to The Salvation Army. They have clothing banks – 8,000 across the UK – where you can drop your clothes. They also have hundreds of charity shops and donation centres across the country which will take and resell your clothing. The Salvation Army also has a scheme called Recycle With Michael, a donation drive at school. The charity sends bags to collect donations and then picks them up.
Oxfam
Oxfam have charity shops and also specific branches for second hand books. You can take your items into the shop to donate and also there’s a donate by post option for Oxfam too. Everything is welcome – you can donate books, toys, games, clothes and even a car.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research also has plenty of charity shops on the UK high street where you can see your unwanted things turn into someone else’s treasure, helping a wonderful cause in the process. They take donations in store – they ask if you can call in advance to let them know so staff can prepare. But you can also arrange a home collection if you want to donate a large amount and live within a radius of 20 miles to a shop.
Ummah Welfare Trust
The Ummah Welfare Trust runs clothing banks across the country. You can find your nearest one with this handy tool. They ask that you don’t use the banks for dirty clothing, torn literature, damaged or electrical equipment or general rubbish. They also recommend that the clothes are washed, pressed and properly bagged to fit in the clothing bank chute.
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross also accepts a plethora of items in their charity shops if you wish to donate. You can find your nearest branch on their website. They also have vintage and designer charity shops around the UK and they also have a specialist bridal boutique selling vintage wedding gear.
Mind
Mind also is a mainstay charity shop name on the high street and they accept a range of items alongside clothing. They will take any accessories, books, records, CDs, DVDs and homeware all to help a good cause. You can take your donations into a shop.
Marie Curie
If you want to donate your pre-loved goods to Marie Curie, there are plenty of ways you can do so. Either take your donations into your local shop, download a postal donation form to send them in or request a pickup of your goods.
Alzheimer’s Society
If you want to support the Alzheimer’s Society, there are plenty of things you can give to them to aid their cause. The charity accepts clothing donations – but also broken jewellery, currency, cameras, stamps and old electrical goods. If you’d like to donate jewellery, hop onto the website and request a free jiffy bag to send them over. For other bits, you can post them in – have a look here on how to do so.
Samaritans
If you fancy helping Samaritans with your vintage gear, they accept donations in any of their shops. You can find a branch near you on their website.
Other ways to donate to charity
Maybe you’ve just had a clear out, live minimalist or maybe have a trusty capsule wardrobe so have nothing to donate – well not to worry, there are plenty of ways you can help charity. If you’ve got a good cause you’re particularly passionate about why not start a GoFundMe for that charity today.
You could host a Get Changed party for Alzheimer’s UK, or a coffee morning for Macmillan. If you’re looking for inspiration on something to get stuck into, have a look at our fundraising ideas.
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