Maybe it’s the fresh blooms and new growth, or the idea of thawing out after winter, but springtime always means cleaning out closets, attics, crawl spaces and other dark recesses of the home that seem to gather unwanted junk.
Donating gently used clothing and other household items always feels good. While it’s sad to see these items go, it feels refreshing to know they’re getting a second chance with a new family, and a new purpose.
There are many area charities that accept donations of baby clothes, jackets, formal dresses, towels, coats and other clothing that doesn’t fit or just doesn’t get used — and put them toward helping those who need it most. From aiding with financial stability and job preparedness, to helping pregnant mothers, these charities go beyond resale shops.
954-424-9999
Before her passing over 10 years ago, 16-year-old Rebecca launched a dress drive at her Florida High School to help local girls who could not afford prom dresses and accessories. She collected and donated more than 250 dresses. To keep her dream and memory alive Becca’s Closet has spread throughout the nation to help more high school girls have the prom of their dreams.
Becca’s Closet has chapters in both Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. To find a donation site near you, visit: http://www.beccascloset.org/beccas-closet-chapters .
202-269-4805
421 Seward Square S.E., Washington, D.C.
Through Dress for Success, D.C. women strive toward economic independence and empowerment through their programming and network support.
Dress for Success accepts gently used or nearly new professional women’s attire like blouses, slacks, suits, jewelry and accessories, shoes and skirts — clothing worn at job interviews.
703-536-2020
610 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA
HOPE in Northern Virginia provides women support, resources and education both during and after their pregnancies. HOPE provides counseling, medical and legal assistance, adoption resources, childbirth education, material goods and more.
HOPE accepts a wide-range of goods from bibs to children’s books, maternity clothes to baby furniture, and other infant needs in between. To coordinate a donation, please email [email protected].
410-889-0840
2201 Argonne Dr., Baltimore, MD
Committed to ending violence against women and their children, House of Ruth Maryland provides victims with necessary services to help them rebuild their lives. House of Ruth Maryland is recognized as one of the nation’s most comprehensive domestic violence shelters.
Donations of gently used, clean and new women’s and children’s clothing will be accepted at the main office, Monday through Friday between noon to 8 p.m.
202-667-8970 (NW D.C. Office)
2712 Ontario Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C.
202-758-3710 (SE D.C. Office)
2419 Minnesota Ave., SE, Washington, D.C.
Unemployment can be isolating and overwhelming. Jubilee Jobs, a DC-based organization, is connecting local employers with qualified candidates, many from low-income housing programs, and replacing this isolation with empowerment and productivity.
Jubilee Jobs accepts interview-ready clothing like business suits, dress shoes, slacks, blouses, skirts, dresses and ties. To arrange drop-off at the Southeast location, please contact Jacqueline Conerly at [email protected]. To arrange drop-off at the Northwest location, please coordinate with George Burdine at 202-667-8970.
1509 Benning Road N.E., Washington, D.C.
Menzfit is more than a charity, it’s a movement to help disadvantaged men get on their feet and find empowerment. By providing these men with career development services and professional clothing, they are giving them the tools need to support themselves and their families.
Donations can be made by appointment only, but the organization is at capacity. Donations will not be accepted until mid-May. Please contact ahead.
The National Center for Children and Families
301-365-4480, ext. 109
6301 Greentree Rd., Bethesda, MD
The National Center for Children and Families seeks to empower and improve the quality of life for vulnerable children and families through their programs. From family services to adoption and foster care services, NCCF programs ensure that clients will become self-sufficient and prepared for the future.
NCCF accepts gently used clothing of all sizes, and also accepts household goods like bedding, bath towels, sofas and chairs, dining table and chairs, dishes and silverware and unopened hygiene items.
703-538-4305
6201 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 220, Falls Church, VA
To ensure women don’t have to face tough choices and crisis alone, A Woman’s Choice provides job and house search assistance, free pregnancy tests, planning for parenting, and more community resources. The charity is also expanding to provide maternity and baby clothes, and baby equipment.
Donations of new or slightly-used baby and maternity clothes, baby accessories, cribs with all parts and instructions, strollers and other baby equipment are now being accepted. Items can be dropped off at the center Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment.
20 Export Dr., Sterling, VA
703-554-9386
Started by local marketing and sales professionals, Women Giving Back assists homeless women and children get back on their feet. Through clothing donations, WGB is helping this vulnerable population succeed in the workplace and in school.
Donations of women’s and children’s clothing, handbags, accessories, shoes and jewelry the second Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. until noon, and the previous Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
