Here’s Where to Donate Baby Clothes in the US
Published Dec 19, 2021
As a parent, you’ll understand how fast babies outgrow their clothes. That baby sweater you buy today will be too small in a month’s time. Unfortunately, not all parents are capable of buying their babies new clothes every month. In poor communities, parents usually rely on baby clothing donations to clothe their little ones.
So if you have plenty of baby clothes just lying around in your closet, it’s time to give them a new purpose. Those bodysuits and sleepers might already be too small for your baby. But I’m sure a lot of parents will be more than happy to have their babies wear it.
But before packing them off, make sure they’re still wearable. Meaning, they don’t have any large stains or holes in them. After all, you don’t want those poor babies wearing clothes that are clearly destined for the trash.
So where should you donate used baby clothes? Obviously, you want to make sure that your donation really goes to the people who need them. To help you out, we’ve compiled this list of local and national charities where you can donate baby clothes:
1. Goodwill
Known mostly for their thrift stores all over the US, Goodwill accepts in-kind donations of almost anything. From basic necessities like food and clothing to electronics and even vehicles – you can donate them all at Goodwill. And yes, that includes baby clothes – from newborn swaddles to toddler shirts and shoes. They also have drop-off stations in virtually every city around the country.
Learn more about how you can donate baby clothes to Goodwill here.
2. The Salvation Army
Like Goodwill, Salvation Army also accepts almost all items of clothing. Aside from clothes, they also accept toys and books. Your donations are either sold in thrift stores or distributed to children in need not just in the US but also in over 130 countries around the globe. They also have multiple clothing banks spread around the country. So wherever you are, chances are there’s a Salvation Army drop-off location near you.
Learn more about donating infant clothes to Salvation Army here.
3. Vietnam Veterans of America
If you don’t have the time to drive all the way to a donation drop-off center, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) can pick up your donation. You can schedule a pick-up and they’ll get it right off your door within 24 hours.
But unlike most of the places on this list, VVA does not directly distribute your donated goods to those in need. Instead, they sell your donations to the highest bidder. The proceeds are then used to fund the organization’s support programs for war veterans.
Learn more about how to donate baby clothes to Vietnam Veterans of America here.
4. Baby2Baby
As its name suggests, Baby2Baby focuses on the needs of children across the country. For the past decade, they have distributed essentials to children in homeless shelters, foster care, and domestic violence programs. They also help kids who are victims of natural calamities like the recent wildfires in California.
They are headquartered in Los Angeles but they have a wide network of charity organizations where you can also drop off your donations. Aside from toys and clothing, they also accept donations of new diapers, wipes, formula, and hygiene items.
Learn more about donating used baby clothes to Baby2Baby here.
5. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is known for being one of the first responders during emergency situations. But what many people don’t know is that aside from cash donations, they also accept gently used clothing items. Like VVA, they also offer pick-up of donations right from your door. All collected items will be sold to thrift stores and the proceeds are used to fund their emergency response programs.
Learn more about donating baby clothes to the American Red Cross here.
6. Uniqlo
Not a lot of people know this but Uniqlo has a recycling program for used Uniqlo clothes, including infant wear. If you’re a loyal Uniqlo shopper or have brought baby clothes from their store in the past, you can drop off your donations right at their store.
Nearly every Uniqlo store has a recycling box. But if they don’t, you can just approach the staff and they’ll take it from you. Take note that they only accept donations that are clean and still wearable.
Learn more about how you can donate items to Uniqlo here.
7. Cradles to Crayons
Rated 96.46 in Charity Navigator, Cradles to Crayons distribute children’s essentials like diapers, hygiene products, and clothing to families who can’t afford them. For now, they only operate in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. If you are from these areas, you can donate to them any gently used children’s clothing for newborns through age 12. They also accept other items like shoes, books, and toys.
Learn more about their donation process here.
8. Soup Kitchens
Soup kitchens are where the homeless and destitute get a hot meal free from judgment and discrimination. But aside from a meal, some soup kitchens also give out used clothing donated to them. If you want your old baby clothes to benefit your local community, you can donate them to a soup kitchen near you. Babies from homeless and underprivileged families can certainly make use of clothing donations, especially during winter.
Every soup kitchen tends to have a different donation process. So coordinate with the local soup kitchen in your area to find out how you can donate baby clothes to them.
9. Homeless Shelters
As you know, homeless shelters do not just cater to adults. Most of the time, they also take in entire families including the babies. So some used baby clothes will be a big help.
Though for safety and sanitary reasons, not all homeless shelters accept clothing donations. Some only accept new ones. So if you’re planning to donate baby clothes, coordinate with them first.
10. Places of Worship
Churches, temples, and most places of worship periodically run charity events. At these events, they usually collect food and clothing donations. If your local place of worship doesn’t hold a charity drive, you can ask your worship leader to organize one. Or if you’re not affiliated with any religion, you can ask friends and family if they know of any local religious center that accepts used baby clothes.
Keep in mind that these places may not accept donations that are considered inappropriate with their beliefs. So before packing your donations, make sure to remove those that may have religious iconographies or anything that might be offensive to other religions.
Donate To The Poor Online
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless over 90,000 full and nutritious meals since 1993. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online. Visit our homepage to find our online donation form.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a full time blogger and is devoted to topics about charity, kindness, and Christianity. She is part of Correct Digital, Inc which is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
May 24, 2021 @ 2:11 pm
Hello, I have a lot of gentle used clothes for women and some men clothes and shoes and little girl shoes I would really love to donate them to a homeless shelter if you could please contact me.