Have you recently cleaned out your closets and thought about giving away some clothes to charity or a donation site near you? While you might just want to throw them away, bringing them to a charity donation site can be a much better option for both the environment and people in need. In 2011 alone, 2 million tons of clothing and textiles were recycled or donated to charity in the United States. In 2007, about $5.8 billion worth of clothing related donations were made to charity foundations in the country. If we did not recycle those clothes, they most likely would have ended up in landfills, which is a not a good choice for the environment.

Aside from the environmental aspects of giving to charity, donating your clothes can also help the lives of others by giving them clothes that they can use to keep warm and it also gives them access to clothes for a lesser price. The same goes for household items. That coffee pot you do not need anymore can help a family who would like to have coffee in the morning with their breakfast but maybe cannot afford a new one or who are trying to save money.

Giving children in need clothing donations can help them stay warm when it is cooler outside and they are in need of pants and long-sleeved clothing articles and might not have the money to purchase. If there is a large family that is going through financial struggles, your clothes can really help them. Giving children in need clothing donations also helps to make sure they have clothes they can wear to school that can look nice and not costs their family a lot of money. If a child needs to wear a uniform for school, they might not be able to afford new articles of clothing and can benefit from clothes their family can purchase from a thrift store thanks to your donations.

There are several charities that pick up donations, and you can surely find them by calling local thrift stores and charity organizations. This is especially important if you would like to donate larger items like wardrobes, cabinets, and other large pieces of furniture.

Giving children in need clothing and access to other goods that they would like to have but might not be able to afford can help make them happy, feel safe, and be taken care of. The average American purchases 10 pounds of pre-used clothing in one year alone. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying items that are still in great condition for a lesser price because they are pre-owned. Many times no one will even know, and it can help you find unique or vintage items and save money.

Some charities, such as Purple Heart (named after the military decoration given to soldiers who were wounded or killed while they were serving), even take some of the proceeds and put it towards programs to help groups of people like veterans or the disabled, who need more help.

Clearly, charitable clothing donations help make the world a better place! If you are thinking of giving some items away, look for your nearest local charity today!