Where to Donate Clothing and Shoes in Chicago

Updated on October 20, 2010
K.S. asks from Chicago, IL
5 answers

Hi Moms - looking for a great and worthy place to donate mens's and womens professional and business casual clothing and shoes. Also have lots of kids T-shirts sizes 6 and up. (I think they multiply in the drawers) I could just drop at Goodwill or salvation army but was hoping for them to be used by someone in need vs. being sold.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

For work clothes, check out Bottomless Closet. I don't know all of the specifics about the organization, but they help women (primarily low-income, I believe) with interview skills and maybe some job training. They have a store for women to shop for work and professional clothing among donated items. Check their website because, unlike Goodwill or Salvation Army, drop-off is a designated day per month. I donated a lot of stuff one time this summer. They're located downtown on LaSalle, and I was a little worried about parking, but it was the easiest experience. Since it was a Saturday morning, there's little traffic. As soon as you pull up, there's a team of people to help unload your car and give you a tax donation receipt. I think they'll accept men's clothes, too.

As for the kids stuff, I donate those items to Salvation Army. As someone pointed out, they sell the items at a low price so that it's affordable for people who can't buy new clothes for their kids. They then use the proceeds for their own work in helping homeless and hungry people in Chicago.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.

answers from Chicago on

I recently posted a very similar question. I got lots of responsed to my desire to not donate to Salvation Army. Like you, I wanted them to go directly to people in need and not made a profit from. I was given the name of a social service agency that supports pregnant teens--Family Focus. Google them..It felt really good to give our stuff to people in need. I even make it a teachable moment for my daughter...

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.O.

answers from Chicago on

You can donate them to a church or a school. I am sure someone may find good use for them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.C.

answers from Chicago on

The Ethiopian Community Association can use kids' clothes. They are at 1730 W. Greenleaf Ave and the phone number is ###-###-####.

Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Chicago on

I became homeless 14 years ago and was living in my car with two kids. They were going to give me a place to stay, but God blessed us with an apartment before my kids and I had to stay. Nice place in need.

Marillac House Social Center
- www.marillachouse.org
212 S Francisco Ave, Chicago - ###-###-####
2 reviews, directions, and more »


Marillac House Thrift Shop
- www.marillachouse.org
2859 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago - ###-###-####
3 reviews, directions, and more »

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