If you are anything like me, one of your resolutions is always to clean out your closets. I have been putting this one off for years as I found reason after reason to keep things around. Well, I finally cleaned out my whole closet and had 3 bags of junk and 10 bags of perfectly good clothes and shoes and a whole bag of never worn items. Well, my first thought was to wish for my money back on those brand new items. Next, I breathed a sigh of relief as I realized I could cross this off the list it had been on for years. Then, I looked at the bags and wondered where I should take them here in Charlotte.
Usually, I just take things to Goodwill or The Salvation Army and these are awesome charities! However, when I looked at all of the suits and dresses I had I thought there must be a better way to get these items to people who could really use them right now. I found some awesome places in Charlotte that need your gently used hand-me-downs!
It takes a while to finish this so my advice is to find some good music and a friend for telling you what to do with those maybes. I personally added a glass of wine for courage. I knew I was going to be a little weepy about things I really wanted to look good in. Then start cleaning out and know that what you give will be helping someone here in Charlotte who needs it!
I found great places to donate items for men, women and children so ask everyone in the family to help. You will have a cleaner home and a happy heart!
Got Suits or Work Clothes for Women?
Dress for Success Charlotte provides suits to disadvantaged women returning to or entering the workforce. They provide hundreds of women in Charlotte with suits and accessories for job interviews and work attire. They also have a career center that helps women find jobs and successfully complete the interview and hiring process. If you have professional clothing or accessories you no longer need this is a great place to donate them. You can reach Dress for Success at 704-525-7706.
Got Maternity or Baby Clothes?
If you have maternity, post delivery or baby clothes to donate there are 2 wonderful maternity homes in Charlotte. Both Angel House and Florence Crittendon help at risk or displaced pregnant adolescent and adult women in crisis through their pregnancies, providing safe housing, education, health care and counseling. You can reach Angel House at 704-392-6270. You can reach Florence Crittendon at 704-372-4663. Both homes provide wish lists on their site. They are looking for movies and games and sundries as well so you may find that you have a wonderful bundle to bring them!
Got Toys and Books for Kids? Art Supplies?
Check out the Siegle Avenue Preschool Cooperative, a center that provides free pre-school for 2-4 year olds from the North Davidson neighborhood (NoDa) in Charlotte. The kids are nearly all living with their single mothers whose annual income is less than 10,000. Each parent must serve volunteer hours at the school. What a wonderful way to bring some joy to less fortunate kids! You can contact the pre-school at 704-377-8076.
You could also donate to your own pre-school or your church pre-school. Toys take quite a beating in pre-school so many programs are looking for replacements. Also, most churches can provide you with locations that have need or will accept donations.
Got Stuff for Tweens and Teens?
Check out The Relatives, a youth shelter and so much more! The Relatives is a safe location for kids aged 7-17 who are homeless, runaways or going through very difficult times at home. Kids can stay there for up to 4 days while the center figures out a safe place for them. They offer a 24-hour hotline, walk-in crisis support, counseling and free classes to parents in addition to their safe house, The wish list includes everything from clothes and linens to games, books and househld items. You can reach The Relatives at 704-377-0602.
Got Men's Clothes?
The Men's Shelter of Charlotte assists adult homeless men in Charlotte by providing shelter and basic needs and helping to find permanent housing. The shelter also provides counseling, medical repsite care, mental health support and substance abuse counseling. Their wish list includes men's clothing as well as linens and sundries (new). What a great place to give some gently used menswear! You can contact the Community Coordinator at 704-334-3187.
As you slim down your own belongings and start to simplify your life, you will also be helping others! The list of agencies needing support in Charlotte is much longer than what I have provided but this is a few ideas of specific places where your things could do a great deal of good.
Happy New Year! Giving back to the Queen City is a great way to start!
