Donating ripped clothes to thrift stores?

Question

I keep hearing two different answers to this question.

I have a pile of ripped clothes, all of which could be useable after the care of a talented seamstress - (something that I'm not). I've given up and renamed this 'sewing pile' to 'donate pile'.

Is there anywhere that I can take these for a tax deductible donation without it being sleazy to do so?

I've had friends tell me that some thrift stores employ folks that do in fact repair things, so they donate their ripped clothing. I've also run across articles which indicate that places such as Goodwill send such donations as rags to other countries - _costing_ the thrift store’s sponsoring organization rather then helping them.

Any of you guys know what the true story on this is?

Answer 1

Ask the store if they'll take them. I'm betting the answer is no, but you can still ask.

Answer 2

You are supposed to donate gently used clothes. You wouldn't were rags so why do you expect someone else to?

Answer 3

Maybe they do have people who repair things of this sort.  I do not donate anything I would not but there.  If it is not good enough for me, it is not good enough for someone else.  You might call them and ask.  Why would you want a tax deduction for something that can not be worn.

Answer 4

Obviously you live in a different country to me because over here, a donation to a thrift shop is just that - a donation of good, no tax deduction.

Secondly, any charity which sells rags will take you ripped clothes if you tell them they are ripped and they are suitable to be rags.  If you bag them up and drop them in then someone spends time sorting just to find them all damaged they will still use them as rags but you will have wasted someone's valuable time.

Answer 5

I would contact the places you're thinking of donating to first. But truly, if you don't want to wear them for being torn, doesn't this say something to you?

Can't you give them to your mother or neighbor who has a sew machine?

.

Answer 6

They can't afford to employ anyone to repair torn clothing. It does cost them to dispose of things they can't sell. A good rule of thumb, if you wouldn't wear it, don't donate it, just dispose of it yourself

Answer 7

Most people trying to clear out their closets think they only have two options for the clothes: donations or trash. But some clothes are in such bad shape, organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army then must deal with them. In fact, on the Goodwill's list of do's and dont's for donating, it asks people not to donate broken or soiled items. Textiles such as clothes, towels, shoes, handbags and curtains account for between 4%-6% of residential waste, only 15% of which finds its way to being recycles. That's about 2.6 billion pounds. And more than 60% of this is exported. Used clothing in this country's 8th largest export item behind automotive parts and wheat - source: US Department of Commerce

Answer 8

Best bet would be to call the stores yourself to find out for sure.  

The Thrift store where I live will not take any ripped clothing.  The clothing has to be washed and folded before they accept it.  

This store receives such a high volume of goods that they can be picky.

Other stores might just be grateful for what they get.

Answer 9

Please donate clean, good, clothes to the Salvation Army.  You can leave the ripped, needing-repair clothing at the outside trash dumpster.  Someone will come along and sort through the trash and see these clothes.

Answer 10

No one wants your torn clothes!

and why are so many of your clothes ripped?

Answer 11

Most charities do not want things that can not be given away or sold as is.   Most do not have money or facilities to pay people to mend. Some do take damaged things to sell as rags.   Generally if you or your family wouldn't wear it as is if it fit it is pretty useless to anyone else.

One exception.  You can join Yahoo Freecycle group for your area and accurately describe what you want to give away and the fact that it needs repair.   You just might find someone who enjoys sewing who will want to fix it for themself or to give away or use the fabris for crafts.  This is a free group go to www.yahoo.com and click on groups.

Answer 12

Can't you buy rags in your own country?

Here in Australia rags are sold to be used in workshops, white tshirt material is the most sort after. I'm sure the people that sell them are making a profit.