How can I pass on quality new clothing for reuse?
We talk a lot about upcycling, reusing or recycling old clothes and textiles but Louis wants help passing them on:
A couple of years ago our company produced some clothing (hooded sweatshirts and t-shirts for men and women).
We still have quite a substantial amount of this clothing, which we plan to donate to charity. Every item is brand new and is extremely good quality (100% combed cotton) and each item is individually wrapped in a plastic bag.
We were wondering if you have any contacts or links to legitimate clothing charities who may be interested in this clothing? We’re keen for this clothing to be used by those in need (and not recycled)
A “substantial amount” would probably overwhelm a high street charity shop but it might be worth getting in contact with a local shop anyway – they might be able to put you in touch with someone higher up the chain who could distribute the items over a wider area.
What about more direct distribution to those in need? Does anyone know about any charities who accept large amount of clothing for giving out rather than resale? From what I’ve read, large international aid charities tend to prefer money to items (or items to be sold in their local shops to make money for sending overseas), because the items are rarely what they need in a given situation but does anyone know different?
I’d say donate them to homeless shelter.
I agree with the homeless shelters, and stay away from the Planet Aid boxes. They are a more for profit organization.
How about the high schools in low income districts, they would be able to give them out to the kids.
For reasons I can’t now remember, people in Cuba were constantly asking for T shirts when I went there – perhaps basic clothing is very expensive there due to the US embargo? The Cuba Solidarity Campaign send containers out, try asking here http://www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk
Wonder if The Big Issue would pass them on to their street vendors? http://www.bigissue.co.uk/
Women’s shelters often help women who have had to leave their homes very quickly without taking anything with them. They may appreciate items of basic clothing – try this lot http://www.lastnetwork.org.uk/take-action.php#4
Kids in foster care or in group homes may appreciate these clothes, too.
Barnardo’s is the one charity I have seen that has new items from various companies for sale in it’s charity shops and these items are clearly labeled as new donated stock (rather than personal donations). If that is any help.
Could the items be donated to non profit sports teams (like kids disabled football leagues etc)? If they come in a decent volume that could be a good use for them, especially if they’d be suitable for printing on (team names and numbers etc).
Would it be possible to sell the stock and donate the proceeds dirrectly to charity? (or is it already branded).
I guess it does depend upon how many a “substantial amount” is. I have seen stuff go to my friends art college where they practice things like screen printing on unwanted clothing. The students sometimes can even sell them at a local market to help fund their materials and learn even more in the process!
@Wendy: This one I really like! Students get an art project, then get to sell the results with proceeds going to a charity THEY choose. Teaches: art, skills, salesmanship/organization, and that THEY can make a difference.
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