If you’re one of the millions of youngest siblings who grew up on hand-me-down clothes, then you know how important quality re-used clothing is to your self esteem. Going to school everyday in your brother or sister’s out-of-date, old-fashioned, and just plain ugly clothes takes its toll. After all, there just aren’t many ways to look good in 90s overalls.
Donating clothing to charity can help less privileged families upgrade their style and self-esteem at the same time. Some of the best charities to donate to collect and recycle clothing and textiles to those in need of new threads, whether it’s for back-to-school outfits or a new suit for a job interview.
Studies show that between 12 and 13 million tons of clothes are thrown away every year in the United States. Those tons and tons of textiles just fill up landfills, even though virtually 99% of all tossed out clothes are eligible for recycling or reuse. Help divert some of that unnecessary waste to those who need it most by taking an inventory of your old clothes just taking up closet space.
While up to 13 million tons of clothes end up in the dump, only 2 million tons of clothing and textiles were recycled or used as charitable donations in the United States. Clothing donations to charity organizations help children in need, poor families around the world, and even families who might be living in your own neighborhood.
Check around the house to see if you have any extra clothes you could donate. Clothing that has grown to small or faded to suit your needs might be exactly what someone else needs to mix up their wardrobe. Even if you aren’t sure about a particular item, consider recycling or donating it rather than taking it out to the curb.
Not everyone can afford to give money to charity, but we all have extra clothing at the end of the season. Consider donating clothing to charity to really make a difference in someone’s life.