Guidelines for Donating Clothes
Donating clothes allows you to help someone in need while freeing up space in your closet. Go through your clothes carefully before dropping them off; search your pockets and purses so you don't make the mistake of giving valuable keepsakes away. Think carefully before giving away baby clothes; you might decide instead to store them carefully for memory's sake, or in case you or a close friend or relative decides to have another baby. Does this Spark an idea?
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Do Your Homework
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Before donating your clothes to a drop box, thrift store or charitable donation, find out where your donation is going and how the proceeds will be spent. Call the organization, or look them up online to find out whether your donations will be given away or sold, for how much (if sold) and how the profits will be used. Some companies that represent themselves as charitable organizations actually operate for profit. If you intend to give to the needy by donating clothes, don't assume your good deed is finished once you hand the box over. Do the research, and donate to an organization with a mission and methods with which you're comfortable.
Keep Your Records
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Donating clothes can merit tax deduction but not if you can't prove it. If you hope your good deed will benefit your pockets, obtain a typed or handwritten receipt detailing what you've donated. Take a picture of your donation before handing it over, and attach the receipt to the photo. Keep your records in a safe place.
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Donate Clothes in Acceptable Condition
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Common courtesy calls for donating ready-to-wear clothing. Wash or dry-clean all donation items before sending them on; mend tears and other damages to the best of your ability. Although most people wash or repair donated clothes before wearing them, not everyone who accepts your donations will have access to a washing machine or alteration materials. Treat others as you would want to be treated. If you don't have time to wash or mend donations first, check with the organization to which you plan to donate. Some organizations will accept anything; others might turn your donations away if the quality is unacceptable.
Mind Your Manners
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Running into someone wearing your old clothes is rare, but it happens. Follow donation etiquette, and don't mention it. Stifle every urge to say, "I used to have an outfit just like that." For many people, wearing donated clothing is a sensitive subject.
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References
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