How to Launder Donated Clothes for the Red Cross

With the number of disasters in America rising, the hearts of people in this country are opening up wider than ever before. Unused clothes are wonderful things to donate to the Red Cross, but it can't always be accepted. Here's how to launder clothes for charity, and a little information about Red Cross relief.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Understand that the Red Cross is very careful about the items it accepts for donation. Although they understand that people are giving out of kindness, sometimes donated items are misguided and can hamper their efforts, especially when a disaster strikes.
2. Know that the Red Cross does not accept used clothing, hygiene items, furniture, toys or canned goods. Although these are the items that are most commonly donated, the Red Cross does not have the facilities or resources to collect them, store them or move them to a disaster area.
3. Donate used clothing locally to other charities such as the Salvation Army, Purple Heart, or St. Vincent DePaul Thrift stores. The Red Cross's position on donated items is that they be given to local charities that have the means to collect and house them. They will also respond with needed items when a disaster strikes close to home.
4. Sort all laundry into usable and unusable clothes, and into like colors. You will only be laundering the usable clothes.
5. Set the washing machine to the temperature and cycle required for the type of fabric you're washing. Add detergent to the washing machine and allow the machine to fill with water.
6. Put the like colors of clothing into the washing machine to launder them, being sure to check all pockets for loose items, especially items that could ruin the whole load of laundry such as gum, crayons or pens.
7. Transfer the wet laundry to the dryer after they have completed the wash cycle. Dry according to the fabric requirements on a regular or low setting. Fold or hang the clothing as required by the charity.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure what you are giving is in good condition and properly laundered. The more time you take in caring for your donated goods and preparing them for the charity, the easier you make it on them and less time and effort it takes for them to sort and store them.
• Use a detergent suitable for sensitive skin to launder clothes for charity if you're concerned about people with allergies.