Where to Donate Clothes in NYC: 15 Essential Locations for Every Wardrobe
Discover 15 trusted places in New York City to donate your clothes, shoes, and accessories for maximum impact—supporting local communities and sustainable fashion.
Clearing out your closet can be both liberating and impactful—especially when your gently-used clothing finds new life through local charities and organizations. If you live in New York City and are searching for responsible, high-impact ways to donate your clothes, shoes, and accessories, this comprehensive guide highlights 15 reliable places where your contributions will truly matter.
Why Donate Clothes in New York City?
Donating your clothing in NYC does more than declutter your apartment—it empowers job seekers, supports families, helps the homeless, and keeps textiles out of landfills. Whether you want to assist low-income women re-entering the workforce or simply want to ensure your items are reused sustainably, there’s a perfect donation spot for you.
Quick Tips Before Donating
- Make sure all clothing is freshly laundered or dry-cleaned. Many organizations require that donations be in clean, wearable condition.
- Check donation site hours and contact ahead for drop-off instructions or restrictions.
- Review each organization’s accepted items—some only accept specific categories, such as business attire or children’s clothing.
- If in doubt, bring only wearable, functional clothes and accessories. Avoid damaged, stained, or overly worn garments.
1. Dress for Success
Dress for Success empowers women by providing professional attire they can wear for interviews and new jobs. They accept solid or neutral business clothing, shoes, and accessories—everything must be ready-to-wear. This organization is ideal for your gently-worn suits, blazers, cardigans, and practical handbags.
- Location: 32 East 31st Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10016
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Contact: 718-832-6201
2. Bottomless Closet
Bottomless Closet aids low-income women on their journey to employment. Donations should focus on professional clothing and large handbags (suitable for resumes), cardigans, pants, shoes, and other accessories. Review their requirements online before donating.
- Location: 16 East 52nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. & select evenings
- Contact: 212-563-2499
3. Housing Works
Housing Works runs well-known thrift stores and supports those affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. Accepts all types of clothing, shoes, accessories, handbags, jewelry, furniture, and housewares. Donations can be dropped off at any of their thrift shop locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn during store hours.
- Location Example: 2569 Broadway (between 96th and 97th Streets), New York, NY
- Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sun 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Contact: 212-222-3550
4. Goodwill NYNJ
Goodwill NYNJ is a staple for donating almost any clothing, shoes, accessories, and small housewares. Proceeds fund job training and support services. Check their website for a list of locations and their hours.
What others are reading
- Accepted: Clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, plus some electronics and small home goods
- Locations: Multiple drop-off sites across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens
5. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army processes donations at their family stores, which support addiction recovery and emergency response programs. Take gently-worn clothing, shoes, and even household items to any of their designated collection points.
- Locations: Throughout NYC—visit their site to find a center near you
- Accepted: All types of clothing, shoes, bags, and small home goods
6. Wearable Collections
Wearable Collections specializes in keeping textiles out of landfills. They collect clothing, shoes, handbags, linens, and belts via bins in buildings, at greenmarkets, and by appointment pickup (minimums may apply depending on borough).
- Greenmarket Locations: Check their official site for bins at Manhattan and Brooklyn greenmarkets.
- Accepted: All reusable textiles, accessories, shoes, and bags
7. Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (Clothing Closet)
Supporting New Yorkers in need, the Clothing Closet at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine accepts professional wear, fall/winter attire, new packaged underwear, sneakers, and hygiene items.
- Location: 1047 Amsterdam Ave. (driveway between 111th and 112th Streets), New York, NY
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Contact: 212-316-7583
8. Ford Hall Food Pantry and Clothes Closet at Columbia University
In addition to clothing, this location accepts housewares, dry goods, and hygiene products. All items are distributed to community members in need.
- Location: 616 W. 114th St (between Broadway and Riverside), New York, NY
- Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Contact: 212-854-6310
9. One Warm Coat (All Angels’ Church)
One Warm Coat ensures New Yorkers stay warm during cold months. Donate coats, jackets, t-shirts, pajamas, jeans, pants, work attire, socks, and shoes at All Angels’ Church. All items must be in clean, wearable condition.
- Location: 251 W 80th St, New York, NY 10024
- Hours: Tue & Thu 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Contact: cm@allangelschurch.com
10. Bottomless Closet at M.M. LaFleur (Upper West Side Drop-off)
Bottomless Closet also has a convenient Upper West Side drop-off location at M.M. LaFleur for workwear, purses, and shoes in excellent condition.
- Location: 182A Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10023
- Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Contact: 646-933-5865
11. Give Back Box via Nordstrom
Give Back Box lets you fill a box with clothing, shoes, jewelry, or household items and drop off at select retailers such as Nordstrom, 225 W 57th St. Items can also be shipped. This program supports a variety of charities nationwide.
- Accepted: Clothing, shoes, jewelry, household items
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Contact: 212-295-2000
12. The Bowery Mission
The Bowery Mission provides essentials to homeless and vulnerable New Yorkers year-round. Accepted items often include clothing, shoes, outerwear, and accessories. Check their website for up-to-date policies and drop-off procedures.
13. Baby2Baby NYC
Baby2Baby is dedicated to children in need. Donate children’s clothes (sizes 0-12), shoes, and new baby essentials (diapers, wipes, toiletries). Regular drives and collection events are held in partnership with leading retailers.
14. Room to Grow
This nonprofit supports families with infants and toddlers. High-demand items: clothing for ages 0-3, books, new toys, baby gear (no cribs or used car seats, for safety reasons). Schedule a drop-off directly through their website.
15. Out of the Closet
Proceeds from Out of the Closet thrift stores benefit AIDS Healthcare Foundation programs. They accept apparel, shoes, accessories, and small housewares. Visit their NYC location or find a nearby bin.
Clothing Donation Table: Organization, Key Items Accepted, and Notes
| Organization | Accepted Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dress for Success | Business attire (women), accessories | Dry-cleaned, solid/neutrals only |
| Bottomless Closet | Professional clothing, handbags | Handbags: large, must hold resumes |
| Housing Works | All clothing, shoes, accessories | Fundraiser for AIDS/homeless services |
| Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine | Professional attire, fall/winter clothes, new underwear | Distribution for the local homeless community |
| Salvation Army | All clothing, shoes, home goods | Supports NYC recovery programs |
| Wearable Collections | All clothing, shoes, textiles | Focus on textile recycling |
| Goodwill NYNJ | All clothing, shoes, linens, some home items | Funds job programs |
| One Warm Coat | Coats, outerwear, pajamas, socks | Seasonal needs (fall/winter) |
| Baby2Baby NYC | Baby clothes, supplies, new baby essentials | No used car seats/cribs |
| Room to Grow | Toddler clothing (0-3), baby gear, new toys | Scheduled drops preferred |
| Give Back Box | Clothing, shoes, jewelry, household | Mail or retail drop; ships to U.S. partners |
| The Bowery Mission | Clothing, shoes, accessories | For city outreach programs |
| Out of the Closet | Clothing, accessories, small home goods | Benefits AIDS healthcare |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Donating Clothes in NYC
How do I know which organization is right for my donation?
Match your donation to the group’s mission—business clothing for career support charities, warm coats for winter-focused programs, baby clothes for family assistance agencies, or general textiles for large nonprofits and thrift stores.
Can I donate damaged or stained items anywhere?
Most organizations cannot accept unsalvageable or soiled items, but textile recycling programs (like Wearable Collections) will accept worn-out textiles for recycling as long as they’re clean and dry.
Will I receive a tax deduction for my donation?
Many registered 501(c)(3) organizations offer a tax receipt for your donated items. Ask for documentation at drop-off or check the organization’s website for specific instructions.
Are there options for pickup or shipping donations?
Services like Give Back Box and some local nonprofits offer pickup or mail-in donation options. Check each organization’s website or contact them directly to arrange non-contact giving.
What happens to my donated clothes?
Clothes are either given directly to people in need, offered through low-cost thrift stores to support charitable work, or recycled for environmental sustainability. Each organization details how your donation supports their mission on their website.
Pro Tips for Donating Clothes in NYC
- Sort carefully: Separate business, casual, children’s, and outerwear for easy donation matching.
- Avoid last-minute drop-offs: Some organizations have limited hours or accept items only by appointment.
- Ask for a list: Download or print accepted items lists from each donation site’s website.
- Get involved: Consider volunteering or participating in seasonal clothing drives for added impact.
Map of Major NYC Clothing Donation Locations
To plan your donation, check each organization’s website for an interactive map to find the most convenient location near you. Many have multiple drop-off spots across the five boroughs.
Final Word: Decluttering with Purpose
Donating your clothes in NYC serves a bigger purpose: it uplifts vulnerable New Yorkers, supports vital community programs, and keeps textiles out of local landfills. With these 15 trusted organizations, you’re sure to find a place that values your donations as much as you value a tidier closet. Make sure your items are clean, sorted, and ready to help others—your generosity can transform lives throughout the city.
References
- https://council.nyc.gov/gale-brewer/how-to-donate-clothing/
- https://www.lisatselebidis.com/your-guide-to-donating-selling-recycling-clothing-in-nyc/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a30895798/where-to-donate-clothes-nyc/
- https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02424
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a63679179/political-beliefs-dating-app-experiment/
- https://dcgoodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/dcgoodwill-irs-donation-value-guideweb.pdf
- https://clothestokidsfairfieldcounty.org/ways-to-give/
- https://www.rinse.com/blog/rinse/clothing-donation-etiquette-and-how-to-guide/
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