15 Places To Donate Gently-Worn Clothes And Unused Beauty Products

15 Ways To Clean Out Your Closet And Make A Difference

Letting go of things is never as easy as decluttering experts say it's going to be. But when you've reach the point where your closet rod starts to bend and your medicine cabinet is leaning to one side, you have to ask yourself, "Do I really need all of this stuff?"

If you answered a begrudging "no" to that question, then we're here to help you figure out the best place to unload your extra things. There are plenty of charitable organizations, including American Red Cross, Dress for Success and United Way, that will accept gently-worn clothes and shoes as well as unused personal hygiene and beauty products. In most cases, you can even turn your donations into tax savings. It's important to be informed when you're giving back, so be sure to check out sites like CharityWatch.org to find out how your donation will actually reach people in need.

Here's a list of 15 places where you can contribute to a worthy cause by purging your closet.

1
MADRE
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This international human rights organization partners with local grassroots groups to meet the basic needs of women around the globe, including supplying sanitary napkins, soap and shampoo. Visit Madre.org for more information.
2
Big Brother Big Sister Foundation
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No donation is too small or too large for BBBS, as the foundation turns "old clothing and household items into treasure." Head over to bbbsfoundation.org for more.
3
Soles 4 Soles
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Donate your gently-used sneakers, boots or flats to this global organization that fights against the effects of poverty. Find out how at Soles4souls.org.
4
Goodwill
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The name sums up this charity perfectly, plus the fact that over 88,000 people (and counting) have been able to get back to work thanks to donations received in 2015. For more information, visit Goodwill.org.
5
The Salvation Army
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There's practically a Salvation Army in every city or state. And the charitable organization makes it even easier to give back with its pickup truck service. Get more details at Salvationarmy.org.
6
Dress For Success
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Sometimes a skirt suit or black blazer is the extra boost of confidence a woman needs to enter the workforce. Get more information at Dressforsuccess.org.
7
Career Gear
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Through their job readiness program, the organization provides interview clothing as well as training to men entering and re-entering the workforce. Head over to Careergear.org for details.
8
Fairy Godmothers Inc.
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Prom is a special occasion that no high schooler should miss because they can't afford formal clothes. This organization helps to outfit prom-goers for the big night. Hit up Fairygodmothersinc.org to get details.
9
Brides Across America
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We can only imagine the stress of planning a wedding while your loved one serves in the armed forces. Luckily, Brides Across America is there to help lend a helping hand by giving military brides a free gown. Get the skinny at Bridesacrossamerica.com.
10
Share Your Soles
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Providing pairs of shoes to the less fortunate throughout the world, this organization brings a new meaning to the phrase "happy feet." Get more information at Shareyoursoles.org.
11
Change Purse
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Take a load off your shoulders (literally) by giving away your gently-worn handbags, clutches and purses. Find out how at Changepurse.org.
12
Indigo Rescue
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This charitable organization raises money from jewelry donations to benefit animal shelters nationwide. For more, visit Indigorescue.org.
13
One Sight
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Get your friends, family or co-workers involved by hosting an eyeglass drive to donate gently-used spectacles to those with vision needs. Find out how at Onesight.org.
14
United Way
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As one of the world's largest non-profit organizations, United Way relies heavily on volunteers and donations to help improve the lives of the less fortunate. Visit Unitedway.org for more details.
15
American Red Cross
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Since 1881, the American Red Cross has led the charge in the United States' humanitarian efforts -- from disaster relief to aiding military families. Visit Redcross.org for more information.
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