Want to make a fresh start in the new year and get rid of the stuff that you no longer need? Instead of throwing it all away, consider donating your family’s outgrown items to one of these organizations. Your donation might be just the thing that someone else needs.

Cradles To Crayons

Founded in 2002, Cradles to Crayons’ mission is to provide children with the everyday essentials they need to thrive — at home, at school, and at play. On a year-round basis, they accept a wide range of high-quality, new and like-new items for children from newborn to age 12. They also host community donation drives. (See a detailed list of acceptable donations.) When you are ready, find a donation drop-off location. Learn even more about Cradles to Crayons in our Shop Local Guide Feature!

Green Drop

Donating your un-wanted stuff to Green Drop is super-easy and convenient. Plus it helps keep useful items out of landfills by giving them a second life. In our area, there are numerous drop-off locations that are open every day, from 10 am – 5 pm or you can schedule a pick up from your home. Green Drop is a for-profit company that partners with, and supports a variety of charity organizations, including the Red Cross, the National Federation of the Blind, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. 

One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat provides free coats to children and adults in need, which they collect through individual donations and organized coat drives. You can donate your new or clean, gently worn coats (without stains or holes) at one of their drop-off locations. If you’d like to help out further, you can host a coat drive or donate funds (every $1 donated provides two coats for someone in need!).

Plaid Pajamas Project

The Plaid Pajamas Project was started in 2014 by local mother of four Pamela Badolato. The goal is to keep kids cozy all winter long in new pajamas. Throughout the year, they accept donations of new pajamas (and not just plaid!) in any size from preemie to adult. Donated pajamas must have sales tags still attached. Want to help out? Here’s how!

The Wardrobe

Your donation of gently-used business and casual clothing that you no longer need can change someone’s life! The Wardrobe provides a stable source of well-maintained and displayed clothing for individuals experiencing barriers to employment and independence. The Wardrobe’s clothing is available for sale or free to those with a referral from a community service partners. The Wardrobe accepts clothing donations at its’ Philadelphia and Lansdowne stores on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 11 am – 5 pm. Find out more.

Lead photograph courtesy of Cradles to Crayons. Jes Lyons contributed to this article.