6 places where you can donate your clothing in Toronto
By Jen Taylor on Mar 07, 2016
We all have those items of clothing lurking in the closet. The pair of pants that never fit right, the dress you spent a lot of money on but haven’t had the occasion to wear, the sweater that has so many good memories attached to it that you can’t bear to give it away. These items aren’t just taking up valuable real estate in your closet, they’re creating clutter.
This spring, take a step back and reevaluate your wardrobe. Does your closet resemble a black hole? Then it might be time to declutter and donate some items. Start spring by shedding the clothing that you no longer need, reclaiming the space in your closet, and helping out a family that can put your unworn clothing to better use!
Step 1: Declutter
Take everything out of your closet; only the necessities will make it back in.
Sort your clothing into two piles. You can choose to either keep or donate an item. Set high standards for yourself. The New Minimalism blog suggests that “when you’re considering whether to keep an object or agree to a commitment, you don’t want the answer to be ‘yeah, sure’ or ‘ok.’” You need to answer “hell yes” to every item you keep, otherwise it’s a no. Don’t keep items simply because you’re waiting for the right occasion or you’re feeling nostalgic.
Set up a “donation test.” If you’re really struggling with an item or two, put them in a box and store them for a few months. If you can survive without them or forget they even existed, then you know it’s time to donate.
Step 2: Donate!
Now it’s time to donate your gently used clothing!
In January, Toronto’s Goodwill stores unexpectedly locked the doors and turned off the lights, leaving many Torontonians without a clue where to drop off clothing donations. Fortunately, the Goodwill isn’t the only clothing donation service in the city. Below we’ve created a quick guide to donating clothing in Toronto.
Via Pinterest
This Toronto-based organization collects and distributes donated clothing to Syrian refugees entering Canada. They almost found themselves out on the street in December when the temporary lease on their storage space expired. However, three GTA business partners (including VInce Petrozza and Jawad Rathore of Fortress Real Developments) donated one of their retail spaces to the project, keeping the organization running.
This not-for-profit social service agency helps residents of Toronto by providing access to basic necessities like gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. The GLOW (Gently Loved Outfits to Wear) program accepts clothing donations throughout the year and is currently in search of clothing for boys, sizes 4-16, and clothing for young men.
This organization collects clothing, linens, and shoes for participants in the Oasis Addiction Recovery Programs who cannot afford necessities. Clothing is also sold to help fund the programs and services offered by Oasis. You can drop off unneeded clothing at a number of bins around the city.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy and the Canadian Diabetes Association
If you’re unable to transport your goods to a drop off location, consider donating to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Both organizations will pick up clothing and household item donations right from your front door, free of charge.
If you’re clothing is almost brand new, you can also try selling or trading it for something new at the Kind Exchange. They offer cash or trade on the spot to anyone with unwanted shoes, clothing, and accessories. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the items goes to a local charity.
If you need more inspiration on how to donate your clothing, check out the Waste Nothing website. They offer information on how to recycle, reuse, upcycle, compost, or donate everything from bicycles, to school furniture, garden waste, and automotive parts.
Do you have any strategies for decluttering and donating clothing?
