How to Donate Children's Clothing to Central America

There are many things you can do with your old clothes. You can throw them out, sell them, consign them, give them away as gifts, or donate them. While many people usually donate to the Goodwill, Salvation Army, shelters and churches, you might want to consider the people of Central America. There are a few agencies where you can specifically donate your used clothing to the needy in Central America.

Things You'll Need

• Used clothes in good condition

Instructions

1. Donate your new or gently used clothes to Central America Foundation (CAF). CAF helps with building schools, supplying medical needs and supporting cultural centers. They also meet the needs of the locals in Central America by supplying them with donated clothes. Visit Cafoundation.org for more information about where to send your clothes.

2. Donate your used clothing to Greenspot.travel, an organization that helps travelers plan environmentally friendly trips to Central America. This agency also encourages travelers to take part in the many different community projects. One such project, "A Community Dresses for School Success," is helping a Costa Rican school sell the donated clothes. The money raised will buy new computers, start an environmental education program and eventually build a new school. To donate, email [e-mail] or call [phone]. They will arrange a way for you to donate your clothes to one of their "green travelers" going to that location.

3. Donate your used clothes to Planet Aid. Planet Aid is a nonprofit organization that does not actually give the clothes to Central America, but rather raises funds from selling them to support schools, health programs and HIV/AIDS prevention. It also donates funds to Africa and Asia. Visit Planetaid.org and select locations to find a donation box near you. Usually, they are usually located in local parking lots and recycling centers.

Tips & Warnings

• Be on the alert for friends or local missions going to Central America, and ask if they'll take along an extra bag of clothes to donate.

Resources

• Central America Foundation Donation Page
• Community Dresses for School Success
• Planet Aid