A few days ago I posted something over in Green Boot Camp about figuring out ways to donate items you no longer want or need. This notion is twofold–to keep items out of the waste and recycling stream for as long as possible, and to bless someone else with free stuff. Based on comments I’ve received so far, I guess I’ve struck a (good) nerve with many of you.

With that in mind, I wanted to build on that notion because giving away your goods is a great way to support charities. I know that I try to schedule a Purple Heart pick up every month or so. They come to my house to take away clothes, household items, books and whatever I put out for them. Purple Heart then sells these items in their thrift store, and the money goes to support veterans. There are many other philanthropic organizations with similar donation-supported thrift shops. I’ve seen them for homeless missions and domestic-abuse shelters.

Recently, I became aware of other charitable organizations that take donations of clothing but for specific purposes–all to support women struggling in one way or another. One is for business women trying to get back on their feet, another is for teenage girls who otherwise couldn’t afford to go to their prom, and the third is for women who have breast cancer. Let me tell you more about each.

The Career Wardrobe
Based in Philadelphia, The Career Wardrobe is a non-profit organization that provides women in transition with free professional clothing and educational opportunities to help them successfully find and retain employment. Since 1995, The Career Wardrobe has assisted more than 50,000 women transition into the workforce. As far as donations go, you can bring clothing to the organization’s Center City, Philadelphia and East Falls’ locations. Naturally, The Career Wardrobe wants donations of business attire (suits, skirts, blouses), but it is also interested in receiving pocketbooks, briefcases, scarves and other accessories. Note: this is NOT the place to donate your used jeans or khakis.

Cinderella Project
This nationwide organization is devoted to accepting donations of gently used prom, formal and bridesmaid dresses so it can provide a young lady, who otherwise couldn’t afford to go to her prom, a pretty dress to wear. There are a number of “Cinderella Project” groups in various states. A few years ago I wrote about the Cinderella Project in New Hampshire for Sky Magazine (though the story got bumped). This web page provides links to other prom dress-related charities in the United States and Canada that also serve indigent teens who would like to have a new-to-them dress for the prom.

Brides Against Breast Cancer
This organization provides low-cost wedding attire to engaged men and women suffering from terminal breast cancer. While it relies heavily on manufacturers, retailers and designers for last season’s overstocks on wedding gowns and whatnot, much of its donations come from regular men and women. These folks have decided to depart with what could have become a family heirloom in order to bring happiness to a bride or groom who may not live to see a first anniversary. (It’s hard to write that without getting a lump in my throat!) For more information on how to donate a wedding gown, click here.

Are you aware of other organizations that take donations of “special” clothing and attire? If so, post a comment here, and let us know. Maybe together we can help to clean out our closets, avoid throwing out clothing we no longer want and provide someone in need with an article of clothing that will bring him or her joy.