Where to donate clothes: a picture of a used clothing boutique
(Photo: Getty)

After an entire winter of putting it off, you’ve finally committed to cleaning out your closet. (Yay!) You’ve piled everything onto your bed, sorted it into categories and filled approximately 11 garbage bags with those pants that never actually fit and that top with the print that didn’t quite work for your style. Now what? With so many options for donations, you want to make sure you’re helping to make a difference where it’ll really count. Whether it’s a women’s shelter or an organization that offers mentorship and employment advice, we’ve sussed out the most deserving spots, so you can feel good about giving away your clothes this spring.

where to donate clothes: a woman shops at a used clothing store
(Photo: Getty)

Where to Donate Clothes in Toronto

Dress for Success

Find it: 188 Lowther Avenue, 3rd Floor Boutique, toronto.dressforsuccess.org
The rundown: This organization, which has locations across Canada, is the place to pass on your new and gently used professional clothing—think, modern suits, blazers, blouses, dress pants, skirts, dresses and sweaters, along with work-appropriate accessories including shoes, jewelry and briefcases. They work to provide support, development tools and, of course, clothing for women looking to enter or return to the workforce. Oftentimes, their clients will be headed directly to an interview, so make sure everything you’re donating is freshly laundered and pressed, or dry cleaned.
When they accept donations: Tuesdays between 10am and 4pm
Pick-up service: No

H&M

Find it: Across Canada. Find your closest store at hm.com, and learn more about the company’s recycling program here
The rundown: ICYMI, your local H&M will take donations of used clothing, shoes and accessories—and they don’t even have to be from H&M! The company accepts donations from any brand. In an effort to divert tonnes of textiles from landfills, donations are sent to a recycling partner who separates the clothing and will either re-sell or recycle the fibers to be turned into new products
When they accept donations: During regular store hours
Pick-up service: No

GLOW Clothing Bank

Find it: New Circles, 161 Bartley Dr., newcircles.ca
The rundown: GLOW provides free clothing to those with low incomes, so when you’re donating, think seasonal. Come springtime, they accept tees, dresses, skirts, light sweaters, sandals, sun hats and scarves. In the winter months, it’s all about warm weather wear. The organization also run special initiatives like teen shopping days and a prom boutique, and any additional clothing is provided to Mount Sinai Hospital’s emergency ward for patients in need.
When they accept donations: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; Thursday, 9am to 7pm
Pick-up service: No

Double Take Store

Find it: 310 Gerrard St. E., ysm.ca
The rundown: This thrift store, which is run by the Yonge Street Mission, takes used clothing, furniture, household items, and especially career-ready apparel. All of the proceeds go to funding the programs offered by the Mission in support of low income families, seniors and those with physical and mental disabilities.
When they accept donations: Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 7pm; Thursday to Friday, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Pick-up service: Yes! For furniture or large quantities of clothing, call 416-925-7198

Oasis Clothing Bank

Find it: 60 Camforth Rd., or check the site to find the closest drop-off bin, clothingbank.ca
The rundown: It’s a good idea to check the site to see what items they’re accepting before you drop off your bags, but generally, they accept nearly everything (clothing, shoes, bedding, kitchenware, stuffed animals, sports equipment, small electronics, art…). Donated items are either given to participants in the Oasis Addiction Recovery program or sold to fund the programs and services they offer
When they accept donations: Anytime in the dozens of drop off bins
Pick-up service: Yes! If you have a minimum of 3 garbage bags of clothing, call 416-751-0553

Filed under: clothing, donations, spring cleaning, toronto