Clothing is accepted almost everywhere, but it does the most good where it's needed. Shelters and clothing closets need specific things, especially men's clothes, winter coats and new socks and underwear.
Before you go
Wash everything first and bag it by type.
Coats and jackets are in highest demand from October to February.
Men's clothes are almost always short at shelters.
Not accepted: mattresses and box springs; damaged or stained furniture; non-working electronics; car seats, cribs and baby equipment; medical equipment; hazardous materials
These take donations from anywhere in the country, by mail, at partner drop-off points, or through local chapters. Check each one's rules first.
Nationwide
Soles4Souls
How: Fill out the donor form, then use the drop-off locator or ship free with a Zappos for Good prepaid label dropped at any UPS Store.
Rules: Some drop-off sites take no more than 15 pairs. Boxes must be under 50 lbs. Free label requires a Zappos account. You can also ship to the nearest Soles4Souls warehouse at your own cost (shipping cost gets a tax acknowledgment).
New or gently worn shoes of all styles and sizes
Single or mismatched shoes
Clothing with usable life left
Not accepted: Shoes with holes or mold; Undergarments