A Guide to Donating Kids’ Clothes at Every Age

Your child just told you their shoes are too tight, but it feels like you just bought them a week ago! It seems like they grow an inch a week, which can be difficult when it comes to their clothing. 

Donating kids’ clothes to Goodwill is a wonderful way to support families in need and promote sustainability. Whether your child is a newborn or a teenager, donating items can help in a number of ways.

Why Donate Kids’ Clothes?

As children grow, they quickly outgrow their clothes, leaving many items in good condition but no longer useful to your family. Donating these clothes can provide essential items to families in need, reduce waste, and even offer potential tax deductions for your contributions.

Goodwill accepts a wide range of clothing and shoes, providing support to local communities.

Condition and Size

When donating, ensure the clothes are in good condition:

• Clean and Fresh: Wash all items before donating.
• No Major Damage: Avoid donating clothes with stains, holes, or excessive wear.
• Size Labels: Organize clothes by size to make sorting easier for the receiving organization.

Tax Deductions

Donating clothes can be tax-deductible. Here’s how to maximize your benefits:

• Keep Records: List the items donated and their estimated value.
• Get a Receipt: Save your donation receipt for tax purposes.
• Value Guide: Use IRS guidelines or thrift store prices to estimate the value of donated items.

Donating Kids’ Shoes

Kids’ shoes are also in high demand. When donating shoes:

• Ensure They Are Clean: Clean shoes thoroughly and tie laces together to keep pairs intact.
• Check Condition: Donate shoes that are still in good wearable condition without major damage. Will another child be able to wear these items safely or confidently?

Who Benefits From Your Donations?

Your donations can make a significant impact:

• Families in Need: Provide essential clothing for families who may be struggling financially.
• Charitable Programs: By donating to Goodwill, you in turn support programs that offer job training, education, and other services to those in need.
• Environment: Reduce waste by keeping clothes out of landfills and promoting recycling.

Thrifting for kids’ clothes can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to keep up with your child’s rapid growth. Here’s how to make the most of your thrifting experience:

Benefits of Thrifting Kids’ Clothes

You can find a variety of kids’ clothes if you’re looking to replenish their closet after a donation drop-off. There are also benefits to thrifting clothes for your ever-growing children (and utilize your 20% Goodwill coupon after donating). 

• Cost Savings: Thrift stores offer clothes at a fraction of the retail price, allowing you to save money while keeping your kids well-dressed, especially if it’s during a growth spurt.
• Sustainability: Buying second-hand reduces waste and supports a more sustainable fashion industry.
• Unique Finds: Discover unique and vintage pieces that aren’t available in regular stores.

Donating kids’ clothes is a simple yet impactful way to give back to your community. By ensuring that your donations are in good condition and appropriately sorted, you can help make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

So next time your child outgrows their clothes, consider donating them to Goodwill! For more information on donating items, please visit Goodwill for more tips and tricks.