General Question

Uasal's avatar

Is there a place to donate winter coats for children?

Asked by Uasal (1762points) April 24th, 2015

My son inherits a lot of hand me down clothing from a friend of mine who has two boys.

This last care package included, like, six coats. I live in central Florida. This last winter completely failed to show up, and I don’t hold out hope for a coming ice age next winter. I don’t want to just unload these rather nice coats at a Goodwill, because my friend wanted them to go to someone who needs them.

Any ideas?

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11 Answers

anniereborn's avatar

The Salvation Army might be a better place than Goodwill. I know here in Chicago Goodwill is more of a place where anyone shops for a deal. The Salvation Army tends to be people who are who more hard up for money. You could call the Salvation Army and explain your situation, they may be able to help in the way you wish.

janbb's avatar

If there is a Habitat for Humanity in your area, they might have a thrift store where they raise money for their projects. Or another charity’s thrift store such as a hospital.

(But be careful, there’s a load of penguins on your right checking out Florida for next winter.)

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

@Uasal I could give you the names of some churches up this way (Upstate NY) that I’m sure have people in major need of coats like that.

gailcalled's avatar

Local service clubs like The Lions’ Club or The Shriners.

Uasal's avatar

@Adirondackwannabe – that would be great. Passing around coats in the Florida summer isn’t going to get them to people who really need them (and I’m less than fond of the Salvation Army.)

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

I’ll PM you with the names and addresses.

jaytkay's avatar

If you Google winter coat drive you might find a local collection effort.

Judi's avatar

Women’s shelters might need them too. But if you don’t need them in Florida others probably don’t either. Are you willing to send them north?

Uasal's avatar

Yes, I’m planning on shipping them to a place that needs them. My friends travel a lot, so that is likely why I have so many coats all of a sudden. I have a list of churches from @Adirondackwannabe, but if there’s a secular charity specifically for providing winter clothing to the homeless or needy, in areas that experience an actual winter, that would be ideal.

janbb's avatar

Here’s a site that lists drop-off points for coat donations in NYC. Most of them seem seasonal but the last link, New York Cares – which also has its own site – seems to have permanent drop-off points. Perhaps you can contact them about a mail-in. I also found sites for Boston, Chicago and Toronto.

ibstubro's avatar

I think it might be tough to donate this time of year. Can you wait until fall?

You might check this resource.

If you’re on Facebook, that’s probably the best way to find a suitable place to donate. Seems most of the activity is there, these days.

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