Style & BeautyAmerican Red CrossDress for SuccessThe Salvation Army

15 Places To Donate Gently-Worn Clothes And Unused Beauty Products

15 Ways To Clean Out Your Closet And Make A Difference
By 

Executive Fashion And Beauty Editor, The Huffington Post

Letting go of things is never as easy as decluttering experts say it's going to be. But when you've reach the point where your closet rod starts to bend and your medicine cabinet is leaning to one side, you have to ask yourself, "Do I really need all of this stuff?"

If you answered a begrudging "no" to that question, then we're here to help you figure out the best place to unload your extra things. There are plenty of charitable organizations, including American Red Cross, Dress for Success and United Way, that will accept gently-worn clothes and shoes as well as unused personal hygiene and beauty products. In most cases, you can even turn your donations into tax savings. It's important to be informed when you're giving back, so be sure to check out sites like CharityWatch.org to find out how your donation will actually reach people in need.

Here's a list of 15 places where you can contribute to a worthy cause by purging your closet.

1
MADRE
SAM PANTHAKY via Getty Images
This international human rights organization partners with local grassroots groups to meet the basic needs of women around the globe, including supplying sanitary napkins, soap and shampoo. Visit Madre.org for more information.
2
Big Brother Big Sister Foundation
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
No donation is too small or too large for BBBS, as the foundation turns "old clothing and household items into treasure." Head over to bbbsfoundation.org for more.
3
Soles 4 Soles
Lucas Dawson via Getty Images
Donate your gently-used sneakers, boots or flats to this global organization that fights against the effects of poverty. Find out how at Soles4souls.org.
4
Goodwill
John Moore via Getty Images
The name sums up this charity perfectly, plus the fact that over 88,000 people (and counting) have been able to get back to work thanks to donations received in 2015. For more information, visit Goodwill.org.
5
The Salvation Army
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
There's practically a Salvation Army in every city or state. And the charitable organization makes it even easier to give back with its pickup truck service. Get more details at Salvationarmy.org.
6
Dress For Success
Shutterstock / Odua Images
Sometimes a skirt suit or black blazer is the extra boost of confidence a woman needs to enter the workforce. Get more information at Dressforsuccess.org.
7
Career Gear
shutterstock
Through their job readiness program, the organization provides interview clothing as well as training to men entering and re-entering the workforce. Head over to Careergear.org for details.
8
Fairy Godmothers Inc.
MARK RALSTON via Getty Images
Prom is a special occasion that no high schooler should miss because they can't afford formal clothes. This organization helps to outfit prom-goers for the big night. Hit up Fairygodmothersinc.org to get details.
9
Brides Across America
Giannis Katsaros / Alamy
We can only imagine the stress of planning a wedding while your loved one serves in the armed forces. Luckily, Brides Across America is there to help lend a helping hand by giving military brides a free gown. Get the skinny at Bridesacrossamerica.com.
10
Share Your Soles
Carlo Allegri via Getty Images
Providing pairs of shoes to the less fortunate throughout the world, this organization brings a new meaning to the phrase "happy feet." Get more information at Shareyoursoles.org.
11
Change Purse
Thos Robinson via Getty Images
Take a load off your shoulders (literally) by giving away your gently-worn handbags, clutches and purses. Find out how at Changepurse.org.
12
Indigo Rescue
Shutterstock / itakefotos4u
This charitable organization raises money from jewelry donations to benefit animal shelters nationwide. For more, visit Indigorescue.org.
13
One Sight
MARCO LONGARI via Getty Images
Get your friends, family or co-workers involved by hosting an eyeglass drive to donate gently-used spectacles to those with vision needs. Find out how at Onesight.org.
14
United Way
BEN STANSALL via Getty Images
As one of the world's largest non-profit organizations, United Way relies heavily on volunteers and donations to help improve the lives of the less fortunate. Visit Unitedway.org for more details.
15
American Red Cross
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Since 1881, the American Red Cross has led the charge in the United States' humanitarian efforts -- from disaster relief to aiding military families. Visit Redcross.org for more information.

Related

American Red CrossDress for SuccessThe Salvation ArmycharitiesStyle

Do you have info to share with HuffPost reporters? Here’s how.

Go to Homepage
Close

Gift Guides

MORE IN LIFE