Ask Bostonist: Clothing Donation

Hey Bostonist: last week you told us where we could get rid of some "September 1" leftovers and help the needy. I wanted to give my extra clothes to the Katrina victims but I heard on Morning Edition that physical goods aren’t the best donations. Are Goodwill, Boomerangs, and the Salvation Army my only options for clothing donations?

Relief efforts are gearing up to full swing in the Gulf Coast. Monetary gifts are the best way of helping out at this point. Bostonist heard a report this morning and we’re taken aback when we heard of a truckload of lettuce reaching a shelter where they didn’t have any refrigeration. Among a long list of charities accepting financial support for Katrina displaced persons are the Red Cross, NAACP/MoveOn.org – in support of rehousing efforts, and America’s Second Harvest – providing food for displaced persons.

Back to the question at hand, you’ve got extra clothes and you want them to help the needy. First are the familiar charities Goodwill and Salvation Army who give clothing to the needy and sell clothing in thrift stores (then use the revenue in other helpful ways). The Red Cross is also taking similar donations. Other charities around Boston exist to take donations of physical goods and turn them around to those in need in the local area. Bostonist reminds ourselves not to forget those in our own neighborhoods who need our help, even when other national and international disasters hit.

Both Dress for Success and Tailored for Success provide low-income women in the Boston area with gently used business attire and career development services in an effort to propel women to self-sufficiency. Dress for Success is a national charity with a local outreach center and accept only business suits for women. Malden-based Tailored for Success accepts a wider range of business attire and has a local scope and sphere of influence.

The Boston Project is accepting donations of clothing that will be given directly to homeless persons and other charities and ministries in support of the homeless. The Boston Rescue Mission is always accepting donations of Socks, Winter Hats, and Gloves or Mittens. You should feel free to contact them directly to see what other items they may be in need of. Their needs do change with the people they are serving and clothing and other household items are sometimes needed. Donations of household goods are accepted at the Household Goods Recycling Ministry (HGRM) in Acton. Unlike many charities that accept donations of household goods the HGRM does not sell the items but distributes them to members of the community in need.

If Katrina relief is most important to you The American Friends Service Committee is looking for donation of relief kits, contents they outline on their website. The Mass Emergency Management Agency has activated Operation Helping Hand and is looking for donations of time, not physical goods or money. And don’t forget the pets.

Of course this is only a partial listing of ways to help, Katrina victims and others who are in need in the local community. Bostonist readers are sure to have more; the comments section is open!

Have a question? Ask Bostonist. Send an email to askbostonist@gmail.com