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Planet Aid & other places to donate clothes
I have a bunch of clothes, accessories, and shoes to donate. I was just going to take them to the Salvation Army by us, but DH said why not drop them in the yellow Planet Aid box down the street from us. I didn't know much about the group, so I checked out their website, and it seems like a good cause. My mom said not to put items in those boxes though b/c she's heard people steal the stuff or it falls into the wrong hands. Does anyone know more about Planet Aid or have experience with them? Where do you donate clothes? I just want to get rid of my stuff, but be able to help others out in the best way possible. TIA for sharing your thoughts!
Re: Planet Aid & other places to donate clothes
Stand up for something you believe in.
Depending on the clothing you can take them to a womens shelter. There's ones that accept clothing for women trying to get into the work force.
We take ours to good will and depending on the items to a shelter.
I prefer to donate at a local thrift store because I know it will get there, I know the causes that the one we donate to supports, and we itemize so I like to get a receipt.
A quick Google search brings up a year old report from Fox news that isn't very flattering about Planet Aid. I don't see Planet Aid or the parent company on charitynavigator.org, so no insight from that.
Cool, that sounds pretty easy. I'm just not sure if I'd leave stuff out though, since we live in a large apt. complex. I'm afraid someone would steal any items I set outside of the building...
Planning Bio
I heard once from someone who worked for Habitat for Humanity in El Salvador not to use those drop boxes. She said that a lot of the clothes don't end up the way you think they will - i.e. the charities pick through them and the stuff they deem not good enough gets sent to developing countries where it is sold.
Having spent some time in El Salvador with Habitat for Humanity, I definitely did see a lot of the poorest residents wearing clothes that clearly had originated in the U.S. Like kids in very holey Bryan Adams World Tour 1985 type t-shirts.
Before donating clothes to a Planet Aid bin, you might want to check out the following news reports:
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/investigative/051209_fox_5_investigation_planet_aid
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/investigative/060909_planet_aid_denies_cult_connection
http://starbeacon.com/local/x1697310864/Goodwill-hurting-from-competition