Submitted by someoneyoudontknow0 t3_10qy935 in CambridgeMA
I have a bunch of size 0-4 professional and casual women’s clothing as well as size 6.5-7.5 women’s shoes I want to get rid of. It’s all good, just outgrew the styles and am making space. I’d like to donate to a place that gives these away for free to people in need (not resell). Does such a place exist? This is the first time I’ve looked into this here.
Most of the public schools have clothes recycling bins near to their regular recycling bins.
Graham & Parks School has multiple large bins for clothing.
I'd recommend Boomerangs in Central Square. Boomerangs is really cool and the money goes to benefit AIDS Action, helping prevent the spread of HIV and helping those living with HIV and AIDS in Mass.
There's a donation bin by the church on Cardinal Medeiros Ave and Cambridge St (St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church), but who knows what happens with the clothes - they might just get scrapped for textiles. There's also a Goodwill in Davis.
Seconding Boomerangs. Fenway provides SO many crucial medical services to the LGBTQ community for folks without means.
I searched for this before and found this place that actually uses the clothes: https://afsc.org/sites/default/files/documents/AFSC%20MAAP%20Wishlist%20%26%20Donation%20Guide_0.pdf
I second the MAPS program. And also, that link provides excellent information on where and how to donate a variety of items outside of what they need for their programs.
Cambridge Women's Shelter
Please bring them to On the Rise! It's a women's day shelter and has a full "boutique" of donated clothes for the women to take. I volunteer there regularly and know that they are always very grateful for clothing donations in good condition.
Edited to add: they are particularly looking for winter items at the moment, especially professional clothes and any shoes!
I’ve also found Cambridge buy nothing groups on Facebook are really active. I’ve never struggled to give away quality items there. It isn’t necessarily folks with the most need, but it is people that actually plan to use the items which I place real value on.
Second Chances is a good organization - seccondchances.org. All the clothing goes to local nonprofits and they recycle unbearable items. They have bins and, often, local businesses have clothing drives for them.
I’ve brought professional clothes to Solutions at Work on mass ave. Boomerangs is convenient though, even if they are a reseller
Some colleges in the city have programs for students to get professional clothes as they start interviewing/co-ops.
I know Wentworth has a program for it. I'd imagine others do as well.
Donate to The Spot in East Cambridge!
Cambridge women’s center
zepporamone t1_j6smpzi wrote
I was going to recommend The Women's Lunch Place, which is an absolutely fantastic day shelter where my partner used to volunteer, but it looks like they're no longer accepting most clothing. That said, they posted a handy list of spots around town that are. Dress for Success is really well regarded and provides professional attire and networking support to women.