Cleaning out your closet? Here’s how and where to donate in the Sacramento region
While Sacramentans may not have much need for bulky sweaters and big, fluffy coats, the changing of the season has already brought cooler temperatures to the region. For some of us, that means taking stock of the items in our closets.
If you’re eliminating items that don’t fit you right or just don’t “spark joy” anymore, keep donation in mind.
While some shelters and donation locations need new items, especially socks and underwear, there are several locations in the region that will take like-new or gently used items.
Here’s what you need to know before you donate items and where you can make these donations in the Sacramento area:
What should I know before I donate?
First, you need to make sure clothing is cleaned. Dry clean or wash all clothes before donating, and try to treat stains if possible. Many places will not take damaged or stained clothing, but Goodwill is one location that does: Goodwill can take items like ripped t-shirts and recycle them.
Next, remember not to donate any used undergarments. While many shelters need new undergarments, barring a few exceptions, used underwear isn’t acceptable. That generally includes swimsuits, too.
Make sure to check your pockets when organizing your donation. You might find jewelry, cash, receipts or even credit cards lost inside a pair of pants.
It’s also a best practice to call ahead before you show up to ensure a location is accepting donations and that your items match up with needs.
When you donate, be sure that matching pairs are packaged up together. It’s useful to label boxes, too, especially if you are donating clothing alongside other items like housewares.
Where can I donate clothes in Sacramento?
Goodwill
1900 Alhambra Blvd. and various other locations
Goodwill has several locations in the Sacramento region — all retail locations are accepting donations. You can call headquarters at 916-395-9000 with inquiries.
Salvation Army
10309 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova and various Raley’s locations
The Salvation Army has several donation trailers across the region, many of which are stationed at Raley’s grocery stores. You can find all the locations available online. The closest Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center is in Rancho Cordova, and you can contact the center by calling 916-362-6269.
Union Gospel Mission
400 Bannon St, Sacramento
Union Gospel Mission needs a wide variety of clothing for men, women and children. The drop off location is open daily, and according to the website, you should pull into the driveway at the north entrance near three crosses. You can call Union Gospel Mission at 916-447-3268.
WEAVE
2401 Arden Way, Sacramento
WEAVE provides services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento County, and accepts clothing donations by appointment only at its WEAVEWorks Recycled Fashion location on Arden way. You must call ahead at 916-643-4606 to schedule an appointment.
Where to donate bras
While many charities can’t take undergarments, there are some specific charities where you can donate your bras. Here are a couple options where you can send your bras via mail.
Free the Girls
This organization helps women who have been survivors of sex trafficking reintegrate into their communities. You can drop of five or fewer bras at various locations in the area, or you can ship any number of bras to Free The Girls, 1552 Pioneer Trail Chesterton, Indiana, 46304.
The Bra Recyclers
You can also mail bras to The Bra Recyclers by filling out its recycling form online. Once you do that, you’ll get a pre-paid mailing label to send your new or gently used (and cleaned) bras, sports bras, mastectomy bras or nursing bras.
Want to help refugees resettling in Sacramento?
Several organizations in the area are working to support refugees starting new lives in Sacramento, particularly refugees from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of the country. Sacramento is home to one of the largest Afghan communities in the United States.
Groups like the International Rescue Committee, World Relief Sacramento and the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services accept monetary donations, which you can send online. Lao Family Community Development maintains a closet of donated items, especially clothes appropriate for job interviews. They have two Sacramento offices, which you can call at 916-393-7501 or 916-359-2788 to discuss donations.
While some of these organizations accept clothes and home goods, in many cases the easiest way to help is to donate money so the organizations themselves can determine how to allocate resources based on needs.
Are we missing a donation site? Email us at utilityteam@sacbee.com.
What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our California Utility Team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email utilityteam@sacbee.com.
