11 Top Places to Donate Men’s Suits in the US
Published January 15, 2024
Job interviews, weddings, and formal gatherings typically require men to wear suits. But while suits might be a prominent fixture in your wardrobe, they can be expensive for some people.
Good-quality men’s suits may cost around $500 to $800. But if you’re struggling even to put food on the table, you surely won’t be able to afford such an expense.
This is one of the significant reasons why homeless and underprivileged people often have a hard time getting a job that pays a living wage. Even if they have the skills and qualifications, they can’t attend a job interview with a threadbare shirt. That’s why a business suit can sometimes be a lifeline for them.
So, if you want to get rid of your business suits, you better donate them to those who need them. Here are the best places to donate men’s clothes in the US:
Where To Donate Men’s Suits
1. Career Gear
Founded in 1998, Career Gear aims to provide interview-appropriate clothing to men entering or re-entering the workforce. They serve people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Aside from secondhand suits, Career Gear supports mentoring, peer support groups, financial planning seminars, and time management classes.
They accept both new and gently-used interview-appropriate clothes as well as:
- computer bags
- notepads
- briefcases
- cufflinks
- collar stays
- business and office supplies
As of this writing, only their Greater Houston office is operational. So, if you live in Houston and want to donate men’s suits, you can drop off your donation at their office in the old Sharpstown Mall. Make sure to schedule your drop-off by emailing them or through their website.
2. Salvation Army
Salvation Army is the go-to organization for most people wanting to get rid of old clothes. And yes, they accept slightly used men’s suits, too.
Donated clothes are sold in their thrift stores. This money is then used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers and various charity programs.
They have drop-off locations all over the country. So wherever you might live, there’s a good chance that there’s a Salvation Army drop-off station near you.
3. Vietnam Veterans of America
Our war veterans make up a significant percentage of the country’s homeless population. A recent report states that in 2023, a total of 35,574 veterans were identified as homeless.
Aside from homelessness, many veterans are also struggling with unemployment. This is why the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) was created. They aim to help uniformed officers get back on their feet through various advocacies, outreach programs, and veteran services.
The charity accepts both cash and in-kind donations, including used clothes. You can drop off your donation in various locations nationwide or schedule a pick-up through their website.
4. Hire Heroes USA
Like VVA, Hire Heroes USA helps military veterans find jobs by providing them the support they need to start a career. This includes personalized coaching and mentoring, resume writing, and whatever else they need to thrive in the civilian workforce.
The charity also partners with various companies and corporations to encourage them to hire veterans.
Aside from cash, they also accept interview-appropriate clothes for both men and women. You can drop off or mail your donations to their head office in Alpharetta, Georgia.
5. Green Drop
If you don’t have time to drop off your donation or the drop-off location is far from your home, just call Green Drop, and they’ll take care of it.
Green Drop is a nonprofit that converts lightly used clothing and household items into cash to support charitable organizations. They’ve converted abandoned gasoline stations and convenience stores into drop-off locations.
While most organizations in this list only accept slightly used clothes, Green Drop welcomes all kinds of clothing donations. Depending on their condition, your donations are either sold to thrift stores, sent to third-world countries, or recycled.
They do both pick-up and drop-off. Just make sure to pack your donations securely. They’ll also give you a receipt for your donation, which you can use for tax deduction purposes.
As of this writing, they have already partnered with organizations like:
- American Red Cross
- Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation
- National Federation of the Blind
- St. Vincent de Paul
You can choose which charity you want your donation to by putting the charity name on it or informing the attendant (for drop-offs).
6. Project Smile
Project Smile is a nonprofit based in Massachusetts. Through their Suits and Smiles program, they provide business attire to low-income men so they can get better jobs and achieve financial independence.
The organization works with various social service agencies to identify men needing a job interview or work attire. They cater to men of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. This includes veterans, recovering people with an addiction, and disabled individuals.
Donation drop-offs are by appointment only. So call or email them before bringing your donations to their office.
7. Homeless Shelters
Yes, some homeless shelters accept business clothing donations, too. Besides giving them a temporary place to stay, some homeless shelters also help their residents find employment. This includes providing them with clothes they can wear to interviews.
Not all homeless shelters accept clothing donations, though. So, call your local homeless shelter beforehand to determine if they accept clothing donations.
8. Organizations Helping Former Felons
It’s no secret that former felons usually have difficulty finding a job. But having access to work-appropriate clothes will surely enhance their chances of getting hired.
So, if you plan to donate men’s suits, consider giving them to organizations that help former felons. One organization, JailstoJobs.org, has a list of charities that provide professional attire to those in need. You can donate directly to those organizations. Or you can check out charities like:
9. Soup Kitchens
Soup kitchens primarily provide home-cooked meals to anyone in need in an environment free from judgment and discrimination.
But some soup kitchens like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen also provide clothes and business attire. These are especially useful for guests who are down on their luck but are trying to put their lives back together.
Inquire at your local soup kitchen to see if they accept clothing donations. Or, if you’re from South Florida, you can drop off your donations at our soup kitchen in Pompano Beach.
10. Places of Worship
Churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues usually conduct donation drives for the local community. You can ask your local place of worship if they accept men’s suit donations and their donation process.
11. Local Charities
Many local charities accept used women’s and men’s clothing donations. These are usually distributed to families and individuals in need within the community. So, if you want your work clothes to benefit a neighbor or a local family, these charities are your best bet.
(Related: 7 US Charities With Book Donation Drop Off Stations)
Do’s and Don’ts When Donating Men’s Suits
When donating men’s suits, following some do’s and don’ts is essential to ensure your donation is beneficial and appreciated. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
Do’s:
- Do donate clean and gently used suits: Make sure the suits you donate are in good condition and have been adequately cleaned.
- Do consider donating to charity-oriented thrift stores: Giving your suits to organizations that raise money for charities ensures that your donation will benefit those in need.
- Do check for specific donation requirements: Some organizations may have specific guidelines regarding the types of suits they accept, so it’s always a good idea to inquire beforehand.
- Do donate seasonally appropriate suits: Consider the time of year when donating suits. Avoid donating heavy coats or winter suits during the summer, as they may not be immediately helpful.
Don’ts:
- Don’t donate damaged or heavily worn suits: It’s essential to ensure that the suits you donate are in wearable condition.
- Don’t donate outdated or unfashionable suits: Try to donate still relevant and stylish suits, as this increases the chances of them being utilized.
- Don’t donate suits with personal belongings: Make sure to remove any personal items or accessories from the pockets of the suits before donating them.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and it’s always a good idea to check with the specific organization or thrift store you plan to donate to for any additional requirements or recommendations.
Make a Difference
Donating men’s suits to organizations that support those in need is a meaningful way to contribute to the betterment of society. The 11 top places to donate men’s suits in the US provide various options for individuals looking to make a difference. These organizations offer a chance to declutter one’s closet and empower individuals by providing them with professional attire for job interviews and momentous occasions.
Donating men’s suits can help individuals regain their confidence, increase their chances of success, and create positive change in their lives. Let us embrace generosity and solidarity by supporting these organizations and making a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.