How to Donate Winter Coats in Lake County, Illinois

Winter coats are more than just pretty accessories to those in need.

Though usually thought of as a fashion statement first and an article to keep you warm second, many impoverished people in the United States wouldn't give a second thought to taking your hand-me-down winter wares. One estimate finds that 3.5 million Americans are homeless, particularly in the months of February and October. Another survey finds that 14,145 people were found in homeless and abuse shelters across Canada on a single day in March, and a census for Australia in 2001 found that 99,900 people were homeless. Ten percent of them were under the age of 12. (See Reference 2)

Things You'll Need

• Winter coats
• Winter hats
• Winter boots
• Socks
• Winter gloves
• Mittens
• Scarves
• Internet access
• Telephone
• Transportation

Instructions

The Process

1. 

   There are many places in Lake County that accept used winter clothing.

   Find a website or organization you want to donate to. This can be done by searching under donations in the phone book or by doing an Internet search.

2. 

   Using the Internet is a quick and easy way to search for organizations.

   Contact the business or organization by telephone, e-mail, or drop in and discuss their preferred method of drop-off.

3. 

   Neat folding of your garments will allow your box to hold more articles of clothing.

   Gather your unwanted, folded clothing items and pack them into a cardboard box or plastic garbage bag. This will make temporary storage and transportation easier.

4. 

   Your local city bus is another way to get around.

   Drop your unwanted items off at the establishment of your choice. Congratulations, you have just helped someone in need!

Tips & Warnings

• Below is a list of organizations in the Lake County, Illinois area that accept winter coats and other used clothing donations.

• - Lake County Haven, a women's shelter in Lake County that accepts winter coats, gloves, boots and other winter apparel.

• - Freecycle is an online message board-style community. The goal of the website is to reduce community waste by posting what you intend to get rid of such as a winter coat, and explaining where the needy individual can pick it up. All items must be offered free.

• - Goodwill Industries International is a gently-used clothing store that accepts clothing and furniture donations, selling back to the community at a low price.

• - Young Women's Christian Association accepts used clothing donations. Pick-ups are arranged by by YWCA representatives or items can taken to their orange drop-box locations.

• - The Humane Society of the United States has created the Coats for Cubs program, in which participants can ship their furs to the humane society. From there, the coats are shipped to various wildlife rehabilitation centers and are used in enclosures as bedding, which can help comfort an orphaned or injured animal by having a familiar fur to sleep on.

References

• Haven for the Homeless:
• Homeless Statistics:
• Lake County Donations:

Resources

• Freecycle:
• YWCA - Lake County:
• Kijiji.com: