I never imagined

I never imagined how hard it would be to find an organization that will take donated clothing!

I spent the afternoon calling all the religious locations I can think of....and then got the run around when I called a county number.

I want to donate my grandmother's clothing. She has brand new clothes with the tags still on them & other items are all in good condition. We also have 3 winter jackets.

I just checked out Big Brothers/Big Sisters & there is a location in the next town. I am going to call them tomorrow to see if they are able to take clothing there. ( I am leery of putting it in one of those drop off bins. )

I'm trying to do something good...trying to help others...it's quite discouraging. Especially at the holidays.

Will let you know how it all turns out.
Wish me luck!!!

Wow, Kay, that IS hard to imagine! We have two charities that call us every 2 months to see if we have any used clothing or other items to donate...and if so, we bag them up, leave them on the front doorstep and they come and pick them up! And we can call them anytime in between those pickups and they'll come by within a few days.

One is the Canadian Diabetes Association, the other is the Salvation Army, plus we have a Thrift Store run by another charity organization right around the corner, but they don't pick up. I don't know if you have organizations like that in your area. But you could try the American Diabetes Association, maybe they have the same sort of thing.

What about any women's shelters? Or homeless shelters?

Kay...do you not have Salvation Army, Red Cross or Goodwill Industries?
Sometimes the county has certain organizations that they refer the homeless to for clothing and such.
Sure others would be real thankful for a warm winter coat.
How nice of you to donate, it all comes around you know.

We have an organization here called freecycle.com

You just go on-line to freecycle and type in all the stuff you want to give away for free and the info is submitted to all the members who are registered. We've given away tons of stuff to needy families and to folks just wanting the things. People also send in requests for things they want or need. They aren't supposed to do that but so far it's working out okay.

In turn, we receive the listings of needs and stuff others are giving away. This has worked out so much better than giving it to Goodwill or Salvation Army.

[ December 05, 2005, 08:37 PM: Message edited by: ladybug ]

One of the churches here has a place where those in need can get used clothing for free, no questions asked. They gladly accept any and all donations. Good Will and Slavation Army no longer do. You might call around and see if any of the churches in your area do this. I know my mother found one that took my father's things.

The only problem here is getting someone to come pick the stuff up. There are too many places here to count that take clothing etc. I have been taking anything I can get or don't need, to the local womans shelter. Most of those ladies leave their situations with the clothes on their backs. Try to find one in your area.The police services officer usually has the name.

We finally found a place to donate my grandmother's clothing. The Methodist Church in the town where my grandmother lived most of her life has a thrift shop. So it's sort of fitting that we found them.

We already donated her winter jackets to NY Cares-they collect jackets for the homeless every year.
I am very happy to know someone will get the jackets that need them.

I am also happy we found the Methodist Church. I know the money from the sales at the thrift store goes to help the church & the community.

I hated the idea of giving the clothing away & not knowing where it would end up. I know many of the places you drop them off in the bins are sold by the pound overseas.

Thank You everyone for your help!