During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in your wish list (perfect-fitting Levi’s® jeans but no trucker jacket? Thanks a lot, Grandma). But, as we’ve learned from the infamous holiday villains like the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge, often the most satisfying gifts aren’t the ones we receive, rather the ones we give to others.
The good news is making a positive impact during the holiday season doesn’t require high-tech gadgets or big-ticket presents. For people and families struggling to make ends meet, a wish list often includes basic clothing and household supplies — things many of us take for granted and even have extras of laying around the house.
This holiday season, keep the cycle of giving and receiving going by donating your no-longer-needed clothing or by adding a few of these much-needed essentials to your holiday giving list and donating to a charitable organization like Goodwill.
Here are six clothing items that could make a big impact for a family in need:
- Clean clothes – for all occasions
You may think those khaki pants or suit jackets are little worn, but for someone else they could make all the difference in acing a job interview or building a more professional wardrobe. The same goes for children’s clothing — that too-small super hero shirt or barely-worn pajamas could provide its new owner with a lot of comfort and joy.
- Socks
Socks are often in high demand at homeless shelters, especially during the winter months. They wear out quickly, as people who are homeless often spend a lot of time on their feet and walking long distances. Donating clean, gently-used or new socks can help protect feet from blisters, infections, and the elements.
- Shoes
Good shoes can help someone else get back on their feet, literally and figuratively. Dressy or sporty, adult or child-sized, donating new or gently worn shoes can help others protect their feet from injury or to look sharp on the job.
- Winter Coats
As temperatures drop, a warm winter coat becomes a necessity, but one that can be cost-prohibitive. No longer feeling fabulous in your too-tight neon ski jacket? Give it to someone else who would love another layer of warmth. Shelters need warm layers for children and adults, so they appreciate coats of all sizes.
- Bras
Though bras may not immediately come to mind as a key category for donation-seekers, the bras you own but don’t wear could directly benefit women who have survived domestic abuse, breast cancer, or human trafficking. A new bra can help someone feel more comfortable and confident, and well…supported. You can donate all things old, new, lacy, or grandmotherly through various non-profits who partner with women’s shelters.
- Sheets & Blankets
Imagine sleeping outside night-after-night without the comfort of family, friends or even a blanket. True, they’re not technically clothing, but items such as sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags are donation items that can bring much-needed — and sometimes life-saving — warmth on cold winter nights.
LS&Co. and Goodwill have teamed up to make it even easier to donate used clothing. During the holiday season, for every box of donated clothing shipped, LS&Co. will contribute $5 to Goodwill, up to $50,000, to support the organization’s mission of helping people in need reach their full potential through skills development and the power of work. What are you waiting for? Print a shipping label and get to giving!
