The gift of warmth: Where to donate winter coats and clothing in Athens

Sarah Dolezal, Athens Banner-Herald
·4 min read

As temperatures crawl towards winter weather in Athens, it's time to for sweaters, coats and jackets. For those who may need a helping hand to get winter clothing, donations are greatly appreciated.

Used clothing stores or charity organizations rely on donations from the public to keep stock of winter clothing. Most places are open throughout the week, but hours vary. And while all clothing donations are accepted, the most needed items right now are men's clothing.

Here's places to donate winter clothes and which items are most needed:

  1. Goodwill of North Georgia - Accepts gently used winter clothing items such as coats, hats, gloves and scarves. 3898 Atlanta Hwy., Bogart 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 706-395-1558; 4070 Lexington Rd., Athens 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 706-433-1900; 2061 Experiment Station Rd., Watkinsville 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 706-310-0073 For more information, go to: https://goodwillng.org/.

  2. St. Mary's Auxiliary Gift Store, 2156 W. Broad St. Athens. - Accepts all types of clothing for men and women. Children's clothing not accepted. In need of sweatpants, sweatshirts and hoodies without logos on them, along with coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closing hours vary on Fridays.) Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 706-389-2772 For more information go to: https://www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org/for-patients/st-marys-auxiliary-thrift-store.

  3. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Thrift House, 540 Prince Ave. - Accepts any used clothing, but especially needs coats and jackets. Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 706-395-6468 For more information go to: https://www.emmanuelathens.org/thrift-house.

  4. Project Safe Thrift Store, 995 Hawthorne Ave. - Accepts all types of clothing. Call ahead to see if they're accepting donations because sometimes they are full. Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 706-425-8863 For more information go to: https://www.project-safe.org/thrift-store-2/.

  5. America's Thrift Stores, 3190 Atlanta Hwy. - Accepts all types of clothing. Drop off locations that accept clothing and shoes are listed here: https://accgov.com/1343/Clothing-and-Shoes. For more information go to: https://www.americasthrift.com/.

  6. The Athens Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Accepts all types of clothing, but needs coats and jackets. ReStore West: 4125 Atlanta Hwy., Athens. Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 706-715-6729 ReStore East: 532 Barber St. Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 706-354-0936 For more information go to: https://www.athenshabitat.com/stores/.

  7. Athens Land Trust - The Athens Land Trust is now holding their Winter Coat Drive that accepts coats, gloves, scarves, socks, boots and blankets. You can drop off any of those items from now through Dec. 16 at the West Broad Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 300 S. Rocksprings St., Athens; or on Tuesdays at 108 Park Ave., Athens from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 706-765-4020 For more information go to: https://athenslandtrust.org/2023/11/14/winter-coat-drive/.

  8. Atlanta Mission - Accepts all clothing, but needs men's clothing. 2415 Jefferson Rd., Athens. 706-357-9240 For more information go to: https://atlantamission.org/ways-to-give/thrift-store/.

  9. Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty - Accepting monetary donations until Dec. 15 to buy children's coats during its 31st annual Coats for Kids Coat Drive. Contact: Kate Schneider at relo@upchurchrealty.com. For more information go to: https://www.upchurchrealty.com/blog/231/coldwell-banker-upchurch-realty-announces-annual-coats-for-kids-coat-drive/.

  10. Hope Springs Outreach Center - Accepts all clothing, but needs men's clothing such as coats sweaters, pants, socks and shoes. 1025 Baxter St., Athens. Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 706-549-0350 For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/hopespringathens/

  11. The Sparrow's Nest - Accepts all clothing, but needs men's clothing and men's and woman's underwear. 745 Prince Ave., Athens. Monday to Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 706-549-6693. For more information go to: https://www.sparrowsnestathens.org/.

Don't see your organization listed? Email sdolezal@onlineathens.com

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Where to donate coats, winter clothing in Athens, Ga.