It’s that time of the year again! Festivities and holiday cheer are rampant through the U.S, with many of us preparing for Christmas with elaborate gifts and outings for family and friends. However, this holiday season also tells a tale of something more important than presents—narratives of the less fortunate. Many citizens rely on charitable donations to last them through the upcoming frigid, winter months. Many families in need are merely overlooked to celebrate the holidays through materialistic means, but that’s not all holiday spirit accounts for. If you or a friend are truly feeling in the holiday spirit this year helping families in need and military families through the gift of giving is a present worth cherishing forever.
According to statistics, the average American purchases nearly 10 pounds of clothes each year in the U.S, most of these clothes end up never or hardly being worn because the ratio of outfits to a person nearly doubles what they might wear during an average lifetime. Nearly 12 million tons of clothing and textile is thrown out in the U.S, every year .Many organizations accept donations for non-profit and will gladly accept new, worn, or gently-worn clothing to support children in need of clothing. Unfortunately, veterans significantly suffer during the holiday seasons as well. There are more than 1.7 million veterans who have earned the military’s highest award, the Purple Heart, to soldiers who were wounded or killed while serving but remain without proper clothing and shelter this holiday. Data shows the unemployment rate is the highest veterans (2%), which is higher than the national average for regular citizens. Military organizations typically partner with veterans charities to support military families who bravely served our country. Military charities are extremely important during holiday seasons because most veterans in the U.S are severely impoverished and unable to receive adequate government assistance.
How To Donate To Charity
Find organizations that accept clothing donations isn’t the least bit difficult—many organizations even have a charity pick up services for those unable to donate directly. Contacting organizations that pick up donations is as simple as a quick Google search about ‘donation pick up’ and speaking with them, charity donations are seen as a gift, and many organizations are very grateful for people’s generosity and willingness to help others during these cold months. Local donation centers are typically open 24/7 for drop-off or direct delivery to receive charitable donations, which makes donating to charity a much easier process. Many people who rely on charity donations are unemployed or significantly struggling, the Bureau of Labor recorded the unemployment rate for veterans as 20.4% between ages 18-24, and Philadelphia residents are considered the most improvised with 44,000 falling below the federal poverty line. There is a definite employment crisis in the U.S leading to homelessness and poverty, but thankfully clothing donations are gradually seeing an incline with nearly 80% of donated clothing going directly to charitable organizations for the less-fortune, and funding to keep these programs around. If you’re looking to give back to veterans, veterans clothing donations are aimed directly towards helping military families and partnering with organizations that support military families—they offer charity pick up services as well.
Where Can I Donate Clothes?
Clothing donation locations are prevalent in most states to combat homelessness. However, many organizations also understand that delivering clothes doesn’t fit into everyone’s schedule. Most locations and organizations that accept clothing donation typically include a clothing pick-up, but nearly all charities offer a charity pick up service to accommodate those who might not have adequate transportation or a hectic schedule that prevents them from directly participating in charitable acts. Charity pick up services provide people a level of care and accessibility that usually leads to them actively participating in charity donations. Research shows 95.4% of American participate in some type of charitable act—this level of participation is accounted for through using donation pick-ups and a sense of altruism that most desire to have. Everyone wants to feel good about their actions—clothing donations give you that warm feeling while knowing your contribution makes a difference, which is indeed a win-win. After all, clothing donations are one of the most charitable acts a person could do, so why not donate to your local charity?
