Goodwill Clothing Donations

Goodwill clothing donations are accepted year round at Goodwill locations across the nation. Knowing what to donate and how to receive a tax credit will save you time and trouble when it comes time to dropping off items.

Goodwill also accepts furniture donations

Since Goodwill Industries features a quick drop off where you don’t really need to wait for your items to be sorted through, pretty much anything can (and is) donated. However, as a courtesy to the employees at the donation centers and those who will be shopping through the stores, it is best to follow a few guidelines.

Any clothing item can be donated, from shirts to belts to shoes. Style doesn’t matter, as the thrift store does not have current fashion trends in mind as much as functionality, resale and the ability to earn more proceeds toward their charitable endeavors.

Any size is also appropriate for Goodwill clothing donations, however these should be sorted if at all possible. Clothes should be washed and folded before dropped off, and anything that is stained and torn to the point where you feel guilty donating it – probably shouldn’t be donated.

As mentioned above, Goodwill accepts any and all clothing items, but here is a partial list of ideas for you if you aren’t sure what to give away:

• T-shirts
• Sweaters/sweatshirts
• Jeans/dress pants
• Hats
• Belts
• Bracelets, necklaces, hair accessories, etc.
• Skirts/dresses
• Pajamas
• Tank tops
• Coats/jackets
• Seasonal wear such as rain slickers, snow suits, etc.
• Shoes/sandals

Again, this is only a partial list of items accepted and if you are unsure about one of your potential donations, you can call your local drop off center.

Unlike many thrift stores, Goodwill donors are allowed to claim their donation as a tax deduction. A “donation” includes any monetary contribution as well as clothing and household items. According to the Goodwill website, you will know if your item is eligible for a tax credit if it is in decent enough condition to give to a friend or family member. Clothing tattered with holes is not a good option, while gently used items that no longer are wanted and/or fit the donor are excellent choices.

To receive a tax deduction, you must value your items. You can even use the valuation guide on Goodwill’s official website to help you determine the value of the clothing you donate. Your deduction won’t make you rich at tax time, but it is a nice reward for your thought out generosity.

Many people wonder what exactly happens when they donate clothing to this charitable organization. First and foremost, you are giving individuals a fresh start at life by creating job opportunities and training programs that come out of your donations’ proceeds. Once your clothes are received, they are sorted, priced, and are brought into the store for consumers to buy. The clothes are sold, and this helps to fund job training opportunities and other career service oriented endeavors for people who need that extra bit of help getting started in the working world. Eighty four percent of Goodwill’s sales revenue from clothing donations and other generous givings go back to fund these important re-entry programs. Many thrift stores give very little back to the community with their profits, and Goodwill continues to be at the top of the list.

Your clothing donations also help local families in your community who cannot afford to shop at the trendy mall stores and boutiques found throughout your local region. By donating, you may help keep a child warm in the winter, provide a single mother with a new pair of shoes – the possibilities are limitless. Do some good will in your corner of the world by donating some clothes today.

• Tracking Charitable Donations for Taxes
• Fundraising Strategic Plan
• Request for Donation Letters

• List of Nonprofit Organizations
• Furniture Donation Pick Up
• Sample Letters Asking for Donations
• Samples of Non Profit Fundraising Letters
• Samples of Thank You Letter for Donations