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Hand Me-Down Treasures

posted by Terri Hall-Jackson Oct 16, 2008 5:00 pm
Hand Me-Down Treasures
84 comments

By Terri Hall-Jackson, contributing writer, Care2.com

We all know the truth of the statement that one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Look at the phenomenal success of eBay. When it comes to used clothing, there is a special opportunity to contribute to the basic material well-being of others. In addition to the usual avenues of sharing your used clothing, such as your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store, consider expanding your sense of community by sharing your gently used clothes with others for whom you would be making dreams come true.

Dress For Success, is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting “the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Donations of suits, blouses, business shoes, briefcases and the like can be made at one of their 85 affiliates across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Career Gear promotes the gainful employment and self-sufficiency of disadvantaged men actively seeking employment. They collect and distribute business attire, including suits, shirts, belts, ties, shoes, and overcoats.

The Glass Slipper Project () collects and distributes gently used formal dresses, shoes, evening bags and unused make-up in order to make prom dreams come true for girls in the Chicago area who otherwise might not be able to enjoy that special time in their lives. The Princess Project does the same in the San Francisco Bay area.

Soles 4 Souls collects used and new shoes for those who need them, including natural disaster victims.

More on Fashion (33 articles available)
More from Terri Hall-Jackson (63 articles available)

84 comments

84 comments

add your comment »
84 comments add your comment
Courtenay B.

I think a nice thing to do with old clothes is trade them. It is always neat to receive a package of new clothes. It is like Christmas! And instead of having to pay for the gift you get to send some of your own clothing.

Adam R.
  • Adam R. says
  • Nov 16, 2009 9:59 PM

Yes, by doing these we are doing a noble deed. The things which becomes less important for us maybe of very high importance for the needy ones. I just simply convey my heartiest thanx to this kind of efforts.


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Omar Ksa

Yes I am seriously considering this. But I am unable to contribute since my location is outside territory. But I always feel to donate my used cloths in good condition for charitable organization. While I was in India I used to give it away to underprevileged peoples or to some one who would try it and take it, as I do not want some one to take it and take money out of it.
My feelings & consideration goes for underprevileged peoples and for senior citizens in charitable homes.

Kay Wright-kaiser

I try to send clothing that is nice to the Native American Heritage Association Rapid City, SD. It is especially important beginning fall and into winter as so many Native people have little heat or warm clothing. This is especially helpful for the Elders of many tribes.

Maria G.

Is there a place in Sacramento, where I may contribute too.

Jennifer R.

Thank you so much for this article! I am getting ready to move and was wondering where else I could donate my clothing besides the local Salvation Army. These are wonderful programs and I am very excited to give them anything I can! I'm going to pass this article on to all my Chicago area friends--since we're all still renting, we usually find ourselves moving every 1-3 years and there are always items that are going to be given away. There is a great organization in Chicago called The Inspiration Corporation and it "helps homeless individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives" by providing transitional housing, job training and other support. They are always in need of office and household items and other goods for their programs. Here is a link to their "wish list" page: http://www.inspirationcorp.org/support/support_inkind.html

Glyn P.
  • Glyn P. says
  • Sep 16, 2009 7:15 AM

There is nothing wrong with wearing hand me downs , I grew up wearing hand me downs from my older brother .
Today I still wear hand me downs ,i get them at "Care and Share " shop in Souderton , Pennsylvania ,this is where I donate my clothes I no longer wear that are in ok condition . This is run by the Mennonites and all proceeds go toward their mission and church work .
Besides clothes , they also have house wares and furniture and toys and books . I am sure that there is a similar facility in most areas .
Another great way to get hand me downs of course is garage sales and flea markets . These are really good ways to stretch those dollars , which is what we all must do with the times being as they are .


BESIDES I LOVE FINDING A BARGAIN !

Hentie Olivier

I am working for a charity organization where people donate all there unwanted clothes, toys, books,etc. We sell what we can to the public and when or clients are in need we hand it out to them. This is for us a way to generate an income and also to help those who cannot afford

Consuelo Walker

We always donate and buy at second hand stores. The savings then go to good causes where the cash is used for creating jobs for those in need of one. I always call this "Recycling of the higher level" For donating clothes suited for working, the best places are the homeless centers where people receive training to go back into the work force. There are many in every city in the US. Research them in your yellow pages, or in your church

Natalie Quiet

I always donate my old clothes. There are definitely people who need them.

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