There are very few people who can resist the lure of thrift shopping. With good quality clothing and household items at throwaway prices, what’s not to like? However, there’s much more to the story of charity thrift stores than bargain hunting. People may not be aware that shopping at charity thrift stores helps to fund their programs. They may also not know that it’s easy to help these worthwhile causes by donating clothes to charity.

Charities and clothing donations
In a growing trend, charity groups are using thrift stores to raise funds for their programs. With donated items like used clothing and household items, the stores are attractive places to shop for all kinds of bargains. It’s a good place to stock up with quality items like winter hats and gloves. You can also find everyday and special occasion clothing, kitchen items and small appliances like toasters and coffee makers, and more.
Many stores are staffed by volunteers who love what they do, so they have a cheerful, bright layout. And there’s always the chance of finding vintage treasures that have long gone out of style and are actually trendy once again. Corning glass cookware and old lace, alarm clocks like the one your grandmother traveled with, and many more exciting things are just waiting to be discovered.

How do charities use clothing donations?
Charities that support educational and support programs for veterans and families, the environment and other good causes, use the money raised from sales of donated clothing and household goods to fund their programs. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the store itself or at convenient locations.
Drop boxes are typically placed in car parks at shopping centers and schools, so you can combine your charity donations with other errands.
Many charities will pick up clothes donations from your house if you have a large consignment. So even though charity thrift are places for adventure shopping, there’s a serious purpose behind it all, which makes it a worthwhile cause to support.

Who donates clothes to charity?
Charitable donations have been part of American life for a long time, and as many as 94% make charitable donations of one kind or another. In these times, it can be difficult to find the extra cash, but you can help out by donating clothing to charity. Small household goods like pots and pans, appliances and dinnerware can all be donated. Your donations are tax deductible, and you can request a receipt for the items you drop off.

Donating clothing to charity also helps to clear out the clutter in your closets, attic and basement. By keeping these items out of the trash and landfills, it helps the environment too. Many people who are starting out or starting over go to charity thrift stores to look for bargains. Your old dinnerware or coffee maker will serve someone else for years.

By 2007, the value of donated clothing was around $5.8 billion. That’s a lot of money to help fund the good work done by the charities. By donating clothing to charity, you’re doing your bit to keep the cycle of support and good deeds turning.