What to Do with Baby Clothes...

if you are willing to freecycle, my little sister had a baby in Sept. and could use baby clothes (she doesn't really have the whole baby costs money thing together).

make a quilt out of squares of the baby cloths. It'll make for good memories!

Do you know anyone having a boy?? If so give them to that person. Or you could take it to a Goodwill or Thrift shop.

Consider donating to a homeless and battered women's shelter - clothing is especially needed as temps drop. Our store routinely donates to two churches that provide clothing to low income children and families at no cost with proof of need. We also donate to a battered women's shelter because a lot of times they leave with just the clothing on their backs and have small children with them. There are also pregnancy crisis centers that take infant clothing to provide their at-risk clients. Most of these places are not as picky as store type services, like Salvation Army and Goodwill, and are just truly thrilled to have anything you provide. You can clean out your closet and get a tax donation if they are a not-for-profit organization - just write down a simple itemized list for proof and ask for a receipt which most will be happy to provide.

B.,
Call around to the homeless shelters or battered womens shelters in town. They would probaly come and pick them up!!! If not, e-mail me....I know my church outreach group would take them for women/teen crisis pregnancy charities or St. Vincent DePaul.
J.

Crisis Pregnancy Center will take children's clothing up to size 2 or 3 toddler. The last time I took things down there they were SO EXCITED because they had recently run out of little boy clothes. There's a donation center downtown, but I think you could take them to any CPC and they'd get them there.

You can either ask around a neighborhood and see if anyone knows a mom who could use them, or donate them to Goodwill(naperville), Serendipity (naperville), Salvation Army, (villa park) or call places like charites such as The Veterans and they will pick up at your door.And get Tax deductions for them all.

Why not donate them to the local charities that provide clothing for the poor, ie Infant Aid Society, St. Vincent's Depaul Thrift Stores, Catholic Charities, etc. They will be more than happy to take these clothes off your hands and give you a tax reciept. Good luck and congratulations on the new addition to your family!

How about donating them to a local women's shelter, Salvation Army center or local homeless shelter?

Hi B.
I have a cousin who is due in december and is a little less fortunate than some of us. But wouldn't mind being blessed with some baby clothes. Let me know if you want to donate to her need. Also there is a thrift store called Unique that takes unwanted clothes and ends up selling them for cheap prices. Or there is an organization called Amvets that comes to your home and picks up clothing. Thanks

Dear B.,
The Birthline office at the Catholic center at 13th and Meridian St. will take the clothes. They provide clothing, layettes, and baby equipment to families.
The need is great.
Things can be dropped off anytime during the week.
For information call ###-###-####.

I haven't read the other responses, so someone may have already suggested this, but I would call goodwill. They will take it, you will get a tax write off and the clothes can go to a child who needs them. You can also call a local church and see if they have a clothing drive and they will match them with a family who needs them! Great way to help out other people and get rid of your stuff : )

You could donate the newborn/0-3 months clothing to the Cradle, an adoption agency in Evanston. It is a not-for-profit organization. They have a nursery there for some babies who need to stay at the Cradle while all the legal issues are ironed out. www.cradle.org is the website.

Hello B.

Depending on where you live, there are consignment shops that you can 'sell' your clothes at. We have one in Crown Point, that all you do is make an appointment, bring them in on hangers, and as long as they are in good condition, they will hang them in their shop and you get a percentage of what they sell them for. My sister swears by them! Good Luck

God's Blessings
D.

Hi - This is my first time using this site, so I hope I am using it/understanding it right... I'm assuming you live somewhere in the same area as I do, so I will tell you about a resale store that I loved when my kids were younger (one boy and one girl, now 9 & 11 years old). It is called "Once Upon A Child" and it is located in the perimeter lot of Spring Hill Mall (by the TJ Maxx and near the Toys R Us). They will buy your items outright - not on consignment. All you do is drop your items off and within about 24 hours they will call you back to let you know what they will take. They do only buy seasonally and I think they start buying for spring/summer as of Dec.1, so I would call and check before you drive over there. But after they make the offer, if you accept it, they will write you a check on the spot. Whatever they don't accept, they will offer to donate for you (or you can take it back). They are very picky about cleanliness and wear and tear, so this is also a fantastic place to shop. They have great brand names and great quality and great prices! I can usually outfit my kids with a whole new closet of clothes for each season for under $100 and that includes shoes, outerwear and accessories.
Good Luck with both little ones!!!

I would donate them.... Purple Heart will come and pick them up at your doorstep, local church, Salvation Army, etc. Congrats.

Goodwill, Salvation Army, some churches will take them to use in yard sales. . .there are lots of ways to donate them.

You can donate the clothes to a Goodwill or A womens & children facility. They would be greatly apperciated by those that can not afford going to a regular store to buy the items they need.

I would suggest giving them to Third Phase in Noblesville. That way they will definitely go to a family in need.

Sign up for freecycle, freesources and dupagecountyparent swap. It's a recycling site where people give stuff away, and you can get rid of stuff. You can also get a lot of good stuff for free. I've received some winter boots for my kids, halloween costumes for 2 years for both of them, christmas tree, toys, sleeping bag, etc. I've seen people give away a car, computers, furniture and a lot more stuff.
Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/, then search for freecycle, freesources groups in towns in your area. Just type in your town, sign up and have fun. It's an awesome site! You get a lot for free and by recycling you help save the environment!

I know of this awesome site, called freecycle.org (I believe it's org) I do know it is a "yahoo group". So you will have to join and be accepted. The one in Hendricks county asks for your zip code. You put them on the message board for PU (pick-up) and you'll get emails from people who want the items. Anyway check it out, it is to help keep the landfills clear. Hope this helps you! And others that have toys, clothes, beds, comps, christmas items ect...

H....Any questions ____@____.com
Looks like you heard this already sorry!

B.,
There is a lady (Tracy) in Woodstock who is looking for baby clothes 0-3m for a boy, and possibly some of the next sizes for families that they (a group of friends) are helping. Actually they have a few families I guess. I think between them they are picking up items. If you are interested in doing this, just send me a note, and I'll look for her email.

M.

You can donate them to NCCS (national childrens cancer society) or another organization that will come pick them up from your house. Then, you get the benefit of giving to those in need and the write-off.

Or, try freecycle.org. But, no tax write-off with that one.

T.

With a 3.5 month old boy, I'm tempted to say "I'll take them!", but we have a 2.5 y/o boy and the baby gets all his stuff...man there is a TON! Lol!

If I were you I would try to donate them to a Crisis Shelter in your area or the Salvation Army. I do alot of volunteer work and I know our Crisis Shelter is always in need of baby clothes and diapers. You can always call a church too or a mission in your town, hope this helps some. My daughter takes her clothes to Once Upon a Child but I know it sounds like a hassle to you. Good luck!

you could take them to a consignment shop so that they'd have the hassle of selling them, donate to a womens' shelter like the Julian Center, donate on freecycle, to a church, a daycare that might not otherwise have funds to get spare clothes,...

I have to disagree with Once Upon a Child. They used to be good, but lately, they want as much as possible for as little as possible. Their selections just aren't what they used to be, either. Also, they only take in-season items.

If you are not wanting to sell them, you can always donate them to a local women's and children's shelter (Turning Point in McHenry County is a good choice). There are also donation places like Salvation Army, Sparrow's Nest, and Purple Heart Veterans.

You can also list it on FreeCycle (www.freecycle.org) as something you are not selling, but just want to get rid of. I've had really good success with FreeCycle.

Another good option is maybe offering it to local moms.

Congrats and good luck!

You could either freecycle them or donate them to a pregnancy center.

If you can't find a good organization or person to donate the clothes to, you can always list them on craigslist or freecycle to give away. Kids stuff goes like crazy on those lists and it's a great way to recycle.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chicagofreecycle/
http://chicago.craigslist.org/

But I'm sure there are lots of hospitals, shelters or programs for young moms that would love baby clothes in good condition.

You could take them to an ebay store. They'll sell them for you and give you a percentage of the profits. I've never used an ebay store, but it seems like a good solution for you.

Hi B.--Have you tried EBay? I am happy to sell them for you on EBay. Sometimes you can get decent money for them especially if they are Gymboree, Old Navy, Baby Gap, etc. I would just charge the EBay/Paypal fees plus a 5% commission. I have been selling things for my sister in law and it has been going well. Let me know if you'd like me to do it for you!

You can also donate to a local church--they know what to do with those items!
My email is ____@____.com if you're interested.

Well if you dont want to sell them on E-bay , Craigs list or a garage sale then you could always donate them.. or just give them to a deserving new mommy like me... HEHE. I am 8 months pregnant with my first baby whom happens to be a boy. Just a thought. But FYI, my cousin sold tons of clothes in garage sales both girls and boys.
Let me know if you want to give them away.

Oh PLEASE let me take them off your hands! My husband owns the Merlins 200,000 mile shop in Plainfield and they are currently collecting clothing, shoes, mitten - all types of childrens clothing that people no longer need. The program is called the "Snug Hugs for Kids" and I would gladly take them off of your hands for you!

Please email me at ____@____.com or you can call me on my cell phone at ###-###-#### - usually anytime after 5:00 pm.

Thank you!
C.

First, thank you for being so generous!

I would highly recommend PHD in Palatine. They are a nonprofit organization that provides counseling and support to people with unexpected pregnancies. One of the things they have is a baby closet, described below:

The Maternity Closet

Help supply PHD's Baby and Maternity Closet, which accepts donations of gently-used baby and children's clothing to size 6, maternity clothes, all stages baby food, formula (Similac with iron is in large demand), diapers, baby toiletries and layette items. This closet was established to assist clients with the practical needs of pregnancy and baby care.

For more about the organization, visit their website at http://www.sphd.org/index.shtml

If you aren't close to the Palatine area, let me know where you are and I probably have some ideas for closer to you.

B.,
I have read others responses to your post, and I think to donate them to a shelter in your area is the absolute best idea. Or if you want to choose who they go to, you can try to put them on Freecycle. You can offer them to someone who NEEDS them there too. Go to ____@____.com can wait until you get several responses...(which won't take more than an hour for 20 plus responses..and choose who will pick them up from you. If I have the site wrong, google indy freeycyle groups. It is easy and a lot of fun! You can post OFFERS and WANTEDS for things that you need,...like newborn baby GIRL stuff!

Good luck!

A.

You can donate the clothes to a resale shop, a hospital, or a home for children

You could offer them up on freecycle. It is a community where people give things away that they no longer need.

I am also due with a baby boy in March and would be happy to have some of them, if you are interested.

I would gladly take them off of your hands. My sisters and I are just starting our families and could definitely use them. Just let me know!
Thanks!

You can give them to a goodwill or find a place that has a feww clothes closet and give it to them.We have a place like that where I live.I usually drop my off at goodwill though.The prices they put on them are not bad at all.Alot of people go there looking for baby clothes,I know I have.Good luck with the new baby.

You could try placing a posting in you OB's office offering them to an expecting mother free of charge. Give and email address for contact so you dont have to give your phone number if you are leary of that. That is maybe a little more satisfying than just chucking them at goodwill. Of cours ask permission from the staff at the clinic before posting anything!

Do you have any friends or relatives who could use them? I belong to a site called freecycle.com for my area and people ask for things they need and give away things they don't, all for free. Otherwise you could donate them to a charitable orginization. Or even offer them here on mamasource for someone in need.

Hi B.,

Why not donate them to an organization for needy people. I donate a lot of my stuff to the cancer federation. There's the salvation army or plenty others. Perhaps your church or synagogue has a place to donate.

Hi B.! I see that you have gotten ALOT of advice already...which i have yet to read through, but my first thoughts after reading your post was to donate them to Goodwill. If you do that, you can also get a form from them to fill out for taxes...all your donations are a tax deduction!!! So, it's a win-win situation! :) I do that with alot of items i have. Also, if you'd like to make a few extra dollars, take them to a consignment store. I do that with some of my kids' clothes. (I have 4 children, ages 14 yr. to 4 months!) They do not give me cash outright, instead, they have them on consignment in their store for three months, whatever sells, i get 50% profit of the ticket price! (That way of doing it nets you more money than selling outright!). Whatever does not sell, i donate to Goodwill. I also keep most of my kids' high end, name brand clothes, and list them on ebay. I'm particular about what i list...it has to be in great shape, no stains, and a recognized brand name...that way i'm pretty much guaranteed it will sell. Yes, it is difficult trying to find the time to sell on ebay with a 4 mo. old and 3 other children, but i find the time. It's almost like a part-time job, but you make your own hours and profit nicely. Usually, extra money just goes right back into buying my kids clothes that they've outgrown!!! (Then, i try to shop at the consignment stores! I love a bargain!). But, again, donating to charity is always great and gives you a feeling of doing something nice for others. I still do that regardless. They do not take clothes with stains or rips or holes though! I'm sure after all this advice, you will find a good place to put your used clothes, and get rid of the clutter once and for all!!! :) Good luck!

I have donated all my clothes (mine and babies) to the cancer federation. Their phone number is 800-962-3260 or the website is www.cftruck.com to schedule a pick up!

You can post them on freecycle. Take them to goodwill or a church. Maybe you have a pregnancy crisis center in your town.

Hi! It looks like you've gotten a ton of responses and I haven't read them all, so I hope I'm not repeating, but I recently found out myself that Delnor Hospital (and I'm sure other hospitals too) accept donations of used baby clothes, particularly newborn clothes, which they package up to give to mothers in need. Some of the mothers giving birth there don't have much and some are even homeless. This is a great program that they have to help those women and another good donating opportunity!

If I were you, I would donate them to a charitable consignment shop. There is a place on South Madison, about 3 miles south of downtown Indy, that sells a bit of everything... I think it's called Annabelle's... and I know that most all of the profits go towards a good cause. If you don't care about getting money from them, this would be a great way to be "green" and recycle them.

Once Upon A Child is a consignment shop that you can take and they'll give you cash for them - not a lot, but if you have a sizeable amount it may add up. Also, Goodwill or Amvets is always an option. Amvets will even pick up.

Many church organization help families in need. Also on Allisonville by Wellington North there is place that helps displaced families and accepts donations as well as a Church based group that is located right by the 5 way stop. The red cross is located behind government parking lot off of Conner.

It has been a real blessing to have a friend of ours give us some hand-me-down clothes for our daughter. My friend has no children to give her daughter's clothes to, so we are the happy recipients! Perhaps you have a friend who may bennifit from your son's clothes. If you attend a church, or know of a church in your area, they may know of a family in need this season of some boy clothes. And of course, there's always the Salvation Army, Goodwill or other store like that. Please remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 'Tis the season of giving! Good luck!

hi B.,

Congratulations to you on your growing family of a "big" boy and a baby girl! :)

I know several NICUs in the area would very much appreciate the donation: when babies are ready to go home, they may not have anything to go in!

If you want to PM me, I will be happy to give you more details. there are also women's shelters (Sojurner, Julian Center) who would SALIVATE over such a generous donation.

Depending on where you live, you could donate the clothes to PHD in Palatine. They are a clinic which aids and councils women and families dealing with pregnancy and parenting. They have a counciling program that allows mothers to receive donated items for their children called the Maternity Closet. It's a really wonderful program run by some amazing women, and PHD has been around for over 30 years. If you are interested in checking them out, their website it www.sphd.org

One idea is to gift them. Check out www.freecycle.org. It is a web page where you can sign on to a local group and give away items you can't use anymore. People are always looking for baby items and grateful for the gift.

B.,

I give my old clothes to my nanny Maria who then sends them off to single moms in Guatemala - they NEED clothes for their little babies....she tries to help those young moms.

Her name is Maria Bernales her cell number is ###-###-####. She is great and if you are in the north side of the city she could pick them up or I am in Glencoe and I could pick up for her.

When I became a Mom I realize that so many Moms dont have what they need for their babies and thought this is one little way to help them...thanks for thinking the same way!