There are always people in need during the holiday season whether it’s coats, sweatshirts or other  items. The importance of donating clothes is vital in our ever changing society. This holiday season, people should take time to go through their closets and find items that they don’t wear and donate them to local charities in order to help those in need. 

Some people depend on the donations of others to be able to stay warm and provide for their families. Some outlets that people donate to are places like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross.These are all establishments that offer donated clothes to community members.  

Not only will lending your clothes help people in need, but it will also help the environment by reducing your environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone. By donating your clothes, you are saving the life of the existing garment and therefore decreasing the need for the production of the product. 

According to Philanthropy Round Table, about 63 million people volunteer their time to charities whether it’s a soup kitchen or a Goodwill, these people volunteer for the betterment of society and to help families in need. Around 67% of households donate to charity every year. 

Families who usually depend on charity donations are people living below the poverty line, which as of January 2024, is 37.9 million people. 

There is a common misconception that thrifting is disgusting because the clothes were already worn and used, but thrifting is actually a resourceful way to still have stylish clothes at an affordable rate. It’s also a great way for people to drop off their donations of items that they don’t wear or use anymore. These donations also significantly decrease the fast fashion industry, which gives appreciation to diverse styles for everyone. 

The importance of cleaning out your closet could potentially help hundreds of people find stylish clothes for a low and affordable price.