Best Places to Donate Clothing when Moving
Whether you are moving between houses, you’re on a spring cleaning mission or just decided to declutter your closet, there are bound to be a few pieces of clothing that you’ve never worn, grown out of or just got tired of.
Whatever the situation, donating old clothes has become the new trend in recycling, benefiting not just yourself, but others as well. It’s a way to get rid of the things you don’t need and to give back to your community in some way.
Here are our top 5 places accepting donations and where you can find them:
1) Clothes to Good
Clothes to Good is an established textile recycling company, focusing on empowering those living in poverty or with disabilities. Clothes to Good focuses on taking ‘waste’ from others and creating opportunities for those seeking employment opportunities, skills development or for anyone looking to give back to the community through charity and recycling.
Clothes to Good takes donated clothes, up-cycles them and turns the pre-loved items into clothes that can be resold. These clothes are sold through employees trained and employed by Clothes to Good at various stores located across South Africa. These employees are comprised of young unemployed individuals, single or struggling mothers wanting to support their families, and those with disabilities because they can be given the chance to improve upon their own employability. Clothes to Good teaches them the necessary skills to become financially literate and to be prepared for the business world.
Clothes to Good accepts any donations from anywhere across South Africa, whether it be pre-loved items or a small donation in funds. You can find out where to donate by visiting their website .
2) H&M
H&M prides itself on giving back to the community, and that is why they have invested their time in collecting old clothes and turning them into new and creative pieces. Each H&M store across South Africa has installed collection bins where shoppers and citizens can donate some unused items from their wardrobe.
H&M accepts all donations. Clothes that are still in good condition will be reinvented as new pieces that can be donated or sold to various charities and thrift shops. Items that are a bit older and more used will be turned into new items such as insulation material, carpet underlays, shoe insoles and even stuffing for some fluffy toys. H&M has declared that all of the proceeds from their recycling movement will be invested into new technology where they will be able to reuse and recycle all of their textile fibers, aiming to become one of the top sustainable clothing companies in the world.
Next time you go shopping for new clothes at H&M, don’t forget to take your old items with you to become a part of one of the biggest recycling movements.
3) The Clothing Bank
The Clothing Bank was established in 2011 in Cape Town to empower unemployed mothers to become self-employed business owners. The Clothing Bank takes any donations and trains motivated unemployed mothers to become business owners by selling the donated clothes in their own little established shops.
The Clothing Bank has risen in popularity as an employment and development opportunity for women of all ages, attracting partnerships with popular South African clothing companies such as Woolworths, MRP, Truworths and Pick n Pay Clothing. These major retailers donate customer returns and end-of-season clothing to The Clothing Bank and their employees to resell them and make a profit to support their own families.
The Clothing Bank offers a two year training program to women looking to develop their professional careers by offering them a practical and supportive environment where women are trained and offered the opportunity to build upon their skills, motivation and self-belief.
The Clothing Bank is situated in Thornton, Cape Town and will accept clothing donations at their headquarters and clothing that is mailed to them. You can also go onto their website to find out more about the organization and to find out how you can make a contribution to this developing company.
4) The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the oldest established charity organizations in South Africa. Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army created a mission to help those in need by providing basic human necessities, helping them to live a life as comfortably as possible. The Salvation Army works both locally and internationally, helping in any way possible to improve the life of so many affected by poverty and hunger.
The Salvation Army has established such a huge presence that many people, old and young, depend on them to live a life as normal as possible. The Salvation Army has established many soup kitchens, children homes and rehabilitation centers that aim to improve the standard of anyone in need.
If you are looking to make a difference, consider donating not only clothes, but old blankets, shoes, toys or really anything that can be used by someone else to help them live a better life. The Salvation Army has established many centers across South Africa where you can drop off any donation. You can also make use of the details stated on their website to make a money donation if you don’t have any unused items to donate.
5) Local Churches and Orphanages
If you are looking to make a difference in your hometown, look no further than any local orphanage or church. Churches and orphanages work hand in hand to help those in their community struggling to survive without basic necessities.
The great thing is, you can donate not only old or unused clothes, but you can donate almost anything that can make a difference in someone else’s life. Blankets, food, toys, anything! When donating, make sure your items are clean and packed neatly in a bag or container. Drop the items off at your local church or orphanage and inform one of the staff members of what you are donating.
And there you have it. These are only a few of the more popular places to donate old clothes, and there are so many more. Taking the time to declutter your house and closet will not only make you feel more organized, but you will be helping those in need. I can guarantee you there is no better feeling. So grab some boxes and get to work!
Where to Drop Off Old Clothes Near Me
We all have those pieces of clothing tucked away in the back of our closets, forgotten or outgrown. When the time comes to declutter, why not consider donating those items to someone in need? Instead of letting these garments gather dust, give them a new life by contributing to organizations that repurpose or redistribute them to those in need. If you’re wondering, “where can I drop off old clothes near me?” you’re in the right place. Here’s a list tailored for residents of Cape Town, Joburg, and Durban:
Cape Town
Cape Town, known for its picturesque landscapes, is also home to numerous organizations that welcome clothing donations. The Clothing Bank in Thornton stands out as a top option. Established in 2011, this initiative empowers unemployed mothers to become self-employed business owners. They train these mothers to sell the donated items in their own establishments. With a strong ethos of empowerment and support, they not only give clothes a second life but also transform the lives of many women. You can visit their headquarters to drop off your clothing donations or check their website for more drop-off points.
Joburg (Johannesburg)
In the bustling heart of South Africa, Joburg has an array of organizations that accept clothing donations. A notable one is H&M. This global fashion brand isn’t just about selling the latest trends. They’re deeply invested in giving back to the community. Each H&M store in Joburg has strategically placed collection bins where you can deposit those items you no longer need. Whether it’s a t-shirt or a pair of jeans, they either reinvent them into new fashion pieces or recycle them into other products. It’s not just about decluttering; it’s about sustainable living and making a global impact, one garment at a time.
Durban
The coastal city of Durban, with its rich cultural tapestry, offers its residents ample opportunities for clothing donations. Local Churches and Orphanages in Durban often stand at the forefront of community service. These establishments work tirelessly to support those in need within their vicinity. While they welcome all types of donations, clothing remains one of the most sought-after items. These garments bring warmth and comfort to many who walk through their doors. When planning to donate, ensure your clothes are clean, and neatly packed, and then simply drop them off at any local church or orphanage. These establishments ensure your generous contributions reach those in dire need.
Whether you’re in Cape Town, Joburg, or Durban, remember that your clothing donations don’t just clear space in your closet; they warm hearts, uplift spirits, and sometimes even pave the way for new beginnings.
Author: Izana Coetzee
