According to a report on the CBS news program, Sunday Morning, emergency and relief agencies often receive so many donated articles that the goods become a burden rather than a benefit. 

When literally tons of clothes arrive to a local disaster site or go overseas disaster areas, there is nowhere to store them, no one to move the goods to a proper area, not enough people to help sort the clothing into usable categories and no distribution system to actually get them to those in need.

When resources must be allocated to deal with too many or inappropriate items, critical needs may often suffer.
The most valued donation: money.
The relief organizations can then buy the specific items and services that are most need.



But I Want To Donate To Charity

I volunteer weekly at a charity that serves those in need or suffering a crisis in our community. We provide some financial assistance, food and clothing.

I have seen firsthand how even a small amount of help can change lives.

However, each week I also witness the amount of work and resources it takes to deal with inappropriate donations.

For every clothing item that comes through the door, someone must evaluate it for state of repair and cleanliness and seasonal appropriateness.

Then the item must be sized and folded or hung for the clients. Finally, if the item is out-of-season space must be found to store it until the appropriate time of year.

That takes a great deal of man-power and a large facility to store all the goods. Those items that are not usable must then be passed along or disposed of. There are commercial companies that buy these donated clothes and household items and sell them for a profit or the items end up in a landfill.

I've learned a great deal during my weekly work sessions and I've compiled some tips to help you.
By following these tips, your donation of clothes and linens should always be warmly accepted as a benefit and not a burden.



Tips For Donating Clothing, Linens And Accessories To Charity

  • Call or visit the charitable organization before you donate to ask what is specifically requested or needed by the agency and on what schedule. This is particularly important before beginning a collection drive of shoes or coats or prom dresses.

  • No fabric items like bedding, linen or clothes should be donated unless they have been cleaned. Dry clean or wash everything and treat any stains before donating. If possible, use a fragrance-free laundry detergent and skip scent enhancers and fabric softener to benefit possible recipients who are sensitive to perfumes.
     
  • Every clothing item or piece of linen should be inspected for rips or tears, missing buttons, broken zippers and stains. Charities do not have seamstresses to do repairs and those in need may not have the resources to do repairs.

  • For sheets and towels that are permanently stained or badly worn, wash and give to animal shelters who can always use them.
     
  • Check all the pockets - especially in purses and wallets. Charities find personal information, money, credit cards and even jewelry.

  • Since most charities do not have large storage areas, donate clothing that can be distributed during that season. Giving a wool blazer during July is inappropriate. Hold onto it and donate it during the autumn or winter season.

  • Many organizations will not accept used undergarments and bathing suits. Always ask before donating these items.

  • Shoes should be in good condition, clean and given in pairs.

  • If you have collected a large quantity of a specific item like coats or children's clothing, consider separating the donation by size and labeling each container.
    That will save countless volunteer or staff hours and get the items to those in need much more quickly.


 Source: the spruce website

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