Fall is here. Our summer outdoor furniture and toys are put away for the season. We may or may not have already boxed up our summer clothes to be put into storage. We have pulled out our warmer, winter clothing and jackets. During this organizing process, it is likely that you have come across multiple items of clothing that you will no longer wear. Perhaps you did not wear the item much last winter, and you still will not wear it. Maybe it is too large, too small, or simply not your style. Maybe you have too many jackets, and it is just not your favorite item.
Donating these unwanted clothing items and jackets can provide a lot of good for those in need. There are many families right now who do not have boxes in storage of previous year?s winter clothing. There are families who may be required to wear the same clothing items that they wore all summer long. Some of these families are worried how they will make it through the winter, and how they will keep their children warm, all winter long.
Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments a year. That is 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person or more than one piece of clothing purchased per week. In our country, many people shop for excitement and entertainment. They purchase new clothing items because they want them or because they are bored, not because they need them. It is important to remember to donate these clothing items, when they are no longer used or wanted.
There are many charities that will take donations of unwanted clothing items and other household items. Red Cross donations are one of the most popular charities. They assist individuals who are in need. They may help those that are struggling with unemployment, or those who have suffered an emergency, such as a natural disaster. The American Red Cross is often a large part of the relief efforts of many large scale national disasters, when people are misplaced from their homes.
According to the EPA, Americans throw away an average of 10 pounds of clothes per person each year. These clothing items may be thrown away out of lack of awareness or because of the perceived inconvenience of donating. However, the Red Cross donations and other charity donations have made it easier than ever to donate unwanted clothing items and household items. Many of the Red Cross donations centers, for example, offer drop off or drop box locations. A person who wishes to donate clothing can do so without ever visiting their local charity.
For 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, the American Red Cross provides relief for families and communities in the form of blankets, food, blood and shelter. Clothing donations are just one part of the donation process. The Red Cross donations centers are also in need of household items, such as blankets, unperishable food items, and blood donations. However, clothes donations can provide a way for the American Red Cross to get the additional items.
In many cases, the American Red Cross clothing donations are used as donations and also, to be sold for a small profit. The profits that are made from these clothing and household item sales benefit those in need in other ways. These profits might be used to purchase blankets and other bedding, shelter, employment outfits and classes, educational expenses, and any other needs that someone might need. However, the Red Cross donations all begin with the donation of your unwanted clothing items.
Most Americans have an over abundance of clothing items. People tend to purchase more clothing than they can ever wear. When they are tired of an item, they throw it out. However, many charities could find multiple benefits from the donation of these clothing items. There are also many charitable uses for unneeded household items. Consider donating your clothing items when you no long want or have a need for them.
