Spring isn't the only time of year when you can take the opportunity to declutter your home. Better yet, now is a great time to consider donating gently used clothing and other items to resale stores, shelters and people in need. Not only does this help others, but it also reduces waste by keeping items out of landfills — a small but impactful step toward addressing a growing global issue.
Fortunately, Chicagoland is home to dozens of organizations that accept clothing, furniture, household goods and personal items to repurpose and distribute to those in need. Below, we've highlighted a few to help you get started, though many more are equally deserving of your time and donations.
Bridge to Success
2208 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
While going through your things, you may find that you have professional-quality clothing items that you just don't need anymore. Whether you've changed career paths or just changed sizes, you can donate these clothes to a good cause at Bridge to Success. This organization's mission is to enhance employment opportunities for the people who need it most, or otherwise wouldn't have access to high-quality, workplace-appropriate attire. Get started by checking out this list of most-needed items here.
Cara Collective
237 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661
Cara Collective is another Chicago-based organization that provides employment coaching and pathways for candidates seeking work. In addition to providing job opportunities, Cara Collective makes sure that every candidate is outfitted in attire to help them bring their most confident, capable selves into the workplace. Gently-used professional clothing and accessories like purses and briefcases can be dropped off at the Cara Collective offices on weekdays. Get more details about donating here.
Candles to Crayons Chicago
2500 W Bradley Pl, Chicago, IL 60618
If you have kids, you know that children's clothing — especially pieces they've outgrown — is another one of those items that can accumulate quickly in the home. Candles to Crayons directly distributes clothing and other items to kids up to age 12 who are experiencing homelessness or low-income situations. While the main office is based in Chicago, there are 82 clothing drop-off sites all across Chicagoland. Find out near you here.
The Self-Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines
769 Holiday Ln, Des Plaines, IL 60016
This not-for-profit organization accepts monetary, grocery and personal item donations year-round, and seasonally accepts clothing, jackets and shoes in very good condition. For a full list of acceptable donations, check out their website here.
Sharing Connections
5111 Chase Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Sharing Connections was founded in 1986 as Sharing Connections Furniture Bank and expanded in 2001 into the 4,700-square-foot warehouse it occupies today. Now, the organization works closely with other local shelters, housing organizations, schools, veteran associations, and more to provide clients with furniture, clothing, and other household items. Read the full guidelines on how to donate clothing, furniture, personal care items and more here.
Midwest Veterans Closet
2323 N Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064
At this unique shop, clothing, furniture and other goods are provided to veterans at no charge. The store relies completely on donations — both monetary and item-based donations — to keep doors open, so consider contributing to the cause along with your gently-used goods. A full list of accepted items can be found here.
Donating your items intentionally is always going to be more time-consuming than just putting them in a bag and stopping by your nearest resale store, but doing so can be incredibly rewarding in more ways than one. Not only are you taking the time to clean and organize your space — you could also be making a real difference for someone in need.
