The holidays are fun, but with the flood of gifts comes clutter. If you’re ready to clear out some of the older toys and clothes — or just want to spread your cheer to less fortunate local families — try one of these charities.

 

Cradles To Crayons

The new Giving Factory in East Falls has purple totes available for 24 hour donation drop off, or you can stop by for an in person donation Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Check the website for additional donation locations
Learn even more about Cradles to Crayons in our Shop Local Guide Feature!
4700 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia

 

Cradles to Crayons accepts a multitude of items not just during the holiday season, but year-round. They accept new or gently used clothing for newborns through adult sizes, socks, books, school supplies, toys, baby carriers and equipment, underwear, and more. (See a more detailed list of acceptable and not acceptable donations here.) They also host community drives.

 

Plaid Pajamas Project

Accepting donations all year long

 

Started in 2014 by local mother of four Pamela Badolato, the Plaid Pajamas Project seeks to keep kids cozy all winter long in new pajamas! They’re accepting donations of new pajamas in any size from preemie to adult (and donations that can be made via PayPal), they just need to be new and have the tags on. Want to help out? Here’s how!

 

One Warm Coat

Currently accepting donations
Find a location

 

This organization seeks to keep everyone warm during the colder months, free of charge, through donated coats, new or used. There are several drop-off locations for coat donations in our area (please check the website for info on acceptable donation times), but if you’d like to help out further, you can host a coat drive, raise money (every $1 donated provides two coats for someone in need), or you can volunteer.

 

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission

Drop off from 7 am — 7 pm at the Mission
302 N. 13th St., Philadelphia

 

Sunday Breakfast has a simple mission: to provide “for the practical needs of hungry, homeless, and hurting.” They are accepting donations year round — here’s a list of what they need most. There are many other ways to help them out this season, from serving meals to group volunteering.

 

Career Wardrobe

Currently accepting donations
Find a location, or mail donations to: 1822 Spring Garden St., 3rd Floor, Philadelphia
 
Career Wardrobe is looking to fill their final needs for the 2016 season, and you can help! Career Wardrobe seeks to help women ready themselves for a new start in life from varying circumstances. Your donation of gently used business wear that you no longer have use for can change someone’s life. There are multiple drop-off locations both in Philadelphia and the Main Line.

Operation Warm

Accepting donations year-round
 
Operation Warm seeks to keep kids warm this season through monetary donations which fund their coat creations. That’s right: they make the coats themselves to ensure quality and warmth all winter long. How can you help? You can donate money, start a fundraiser, or connect them with a local community group in need.
 
Photograph by Jean Goins.