We, at Donatekart, have at least ten kind souls writing to us every day who want to donate clothes. A lot of requests are popping up in our inboxes, asking if one can donate things offline? We really appreciate your kindness however we don’t accept offline donations.
What does Donatekart do?
On Donatekart, NGOs create campaigns displaying the products that they are in need of. Once the order is placed, and the payment is processed, Donatekart fulfills the delivery from our end.
What to donate and what not to donate?
The aim is to make a meaningful donation, not just to dispose of the unwanted items through offline donations. This is why one should categorize the items that can be donated and that can’t be donated.
If your unwanted garments aren’t in good enough condition to be worn again, you can still keep them out of the landfill by recycling them. Many organizations that accept clothing for resale will also recycle clothes that are torn, stained or worn.
There are three important things that you need to know before you donate your old clothes/items:
- Make sure they are dry and damp-free: Would you like to wear musty and damp clothes? No. Keep the clothes that you want to donate dry and free from all kinds of dampness. Do not donate broken items that leak or can’t be of proper use.
- Separate and Wash: Even when recycling is encouraged, a three-step procedure of sorting, washing, and cutting is recommended. Even though segregating takes time, segregate, and wash the clothes or items before donating.
- Fix them if you can use them: Not all items can be recycled. Some materials are difficult to recycle, which is why you can use them if they take a weekend to fix them. If not, you can get them to the nearest repair store and then donate. Donating these items in the damaged condition is not recommended if you can’t fix them.
Many organizations accept clothes for recycling, even when they are torn, worn are stained. However, if you still wish to donate them, here are few NGOs that can help you:
Organizations that accept offline donations:
- Goonj — Goonj, an NGO headquartered in Delhi, undertakes humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and community development in 23 states across India.
- SADS — Share at Door Step — Share At Door Step, is the easiest way to donate the items that are taking up space in your house — toys, books, and clothes.
- Clothes Box Foundation — Operating from Haryana, Clothes Box Foundation also bridges the gap between the donor and receiver when they donate clothes.
- Clothes for help — Clothes For Help program is only available in Kolkata & Pune where the old clothes are collected and distributed.
You can choose any of these organizations, read their terms and conditions, know what they take and approach them to make significant offline donations.
