I had a handful of clothing under one arm and my post office box key in one hand when a neighbor stopped me last week with a question: Where do you donate your used clothing?

It was a fair question. After all, there’s growing concern that those of us who mean well when we donate our used items end up adding to landfill problems or burdening the economies of under-developed nations with our leftovers. 

It turns out donated clothing in the US can end up being buried or burned in places like Ghana simply because there’s no real use for it ... and Americans have washed their hands of these goods. 

So where can you donate those items that are clogging up your closet and weighing down your living room shelves? 

If your items are in good condition (a requirement that I cannot stress enough), there are more options out there than you might realize, options that can truly be put to good use right here in Sullivan County. 

Here are just a few ideas for your next “closet purge” that you might want to consider!

1. School guidance and nurse’s offices. If you have items of clothing that are in good condition and appropriate sizes for school-aged children, call your local school to see if their guidance or nurse’s offices need them. Whether it’s a kindergartner whose taken a spill in the mud puddle in the middle of recess or a middle schooler who’s just gotten her first period in the middle of the school day, there are plenty of reasons kids will suddenly need something to wear. 

2. Local libraries. You likely think of libraries as great places to donate books, and they can be (although they can also be easily overwhelmed with those well-meaning donations, so check before you show up with a box or 12!)c But what many don’t realize and others often forget is the sheer volume of free and low-cost offerings libraries offer beyond checking out books! From craft supplies to board games that still have all their pieces and that all-important instruction manual, there are plenty of items that might be put to good use during one of your local library’s programs. Check with the program coordinators to see if your trash could be their treasures!

3. Teachers. Did you know the nation’s teachers spend $750 on average out of their own pocket each year to outfit their students and keep their classrooms running? Everything from those books in the classroom library to extra pencils for kids who are always losing theirs are often purchased by teachers with their own money. So next time you are cleaning out your kids’ bookshelf or abandoning a crafting impulse that turned out to be too much work, consider asking a local teacher (or several) if they could used the things you’ve got. 

4. Domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters. Bought the wrong shampoo and have a brand-new bottle that would go to waste? Have a pile of brand-new toothbrushes from the dentist but use an electric one? Loaded up on pads only to find out your teen is ready for tampons? Did your toddler jump a size in diapers? All these necessities will be massively appreciated in shelter spaces where folks could use all the extra compassion and care you have to spare. You may also want to chat with the staff to see what household items you have that might help a new person or family as they start over in a new space.

6. Senior centers or senior activity groups. Another group that uses plenty of craft supplies that might otherwise go to waste is your local senior center. Never really got the hang of crochet and don’t need those hooks anymore? Tired of embroidery hoops literally hitting in the head with a reminder that you gave up on needlework every time you open the closet door? These items can provide plenty of fun for folks who have the time. Your local senior activity group may also be able to put those board games and puzzles to work if you’re looking for a place where they can find new life! 

7. Nursing homes. Nursing homes can often make good use of the items mentioned above, and you might want to add in stationery for residents to write letters to loved ones. 

8. Animal shelters. We typically think of animal food and toys when it comes to our local rescues, but old sheets and towels that still have life in them may prove useful as bedding for the little critters waiting for a place to call their “furever” home.

This list is just the beginning, and it bears noting that it’s general in nature – which means you might find a call to your local organization results in a “thanks for thinking of us, but we really don’t need that right now.” Don’t be insulted if your well meant offer is rebuffed. Small organizations can be overwhelmed by offers at some times and desperate for help at others. It’s unfortunately the nature of non-profits. 

When the answer’s no, you might just respond back, “So how CAN I help?”