7 Places to Donate Gently Used Kid’s Clothing in Des Moines

7 Places to Donate Gently Used Kid’s Clothing in Des Moines

If it’s time to clear some space in your kiddo’s closet or their pants are now starting to look more like shorts and you’re looking for somewhere to unload the unwanted items, Des Moines provides plenty of options. Below we’ve listed seven non-profit organizations that will take your tot’s clothing donations and make sure they get to another kiddo who really needs them. Here’s our list of resources for helping you make a clean sweep this spring!

A few tips for donating kid’s clothes:

  • Check all pockets. You would be surprised by what is found in the pockets of donated clothing…money, jewelry and other forgotten items. Be sure to check all pockets or you may be donating more than just clothes.
  • Make sure clothes are clean. Some organizations will accept dirty clothes, but the chances of dirty clothes being given out is less likely. Dirty clothes are more likely to end up as rags or recycled fabric products. So, if you want your clothes to have their best chance at a second life, wash them.
  • Be considerate. If clothing is in really bad shape and cannot be recycled, the charity you’re donating to may end up having to pay money to dispose of it. Some organizations recycle old clothes and others do not. It’s best to double check with the specific organization, you will be making your donation to, if they recycle past their prime duds.
  • Wash and dry baby clothes. Baby clothes should not be soiled because they are often re-donated to moms in need. Use a fragrance-free detergent product to avoid allergy or sensitivity problems for the new babies who will wear them. Basically, if you wouldn’t put an item on your own child or baby, don’t donate it.

Clothes Closet – Johnston Partnership

Partnership Place • 5870 Merle Hay Road Suite D • Johnston, IA • (515) 868-1357

The Clothes Closet helps Johnston area families become economically stable by providing access to much needed clothing items. The Closet is operated entirely by community volunteers. Families in the Johnston Community School District may access this clothing closet as many times as they need and will be allowed 5 clothing items per family member per visit.  There is no fee for the clothing items. Their hours are weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12 noon and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Clothes Closet – West Des Moines Human Services

139 6th Street • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 222-3660

West Des Moines Human Services has been assisting low-income, elderly, and disabled residents since 1979. Their Clothing Closet is available to eligible, low-income residents of West Des Moines Clive, Urbandale and Windsor Heights. Community donations of clothing and small household items in clean, gently-used condition are always needed and may be dropped off during office hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Clothing Closet – Urbandale Community School District

Urbandale High School • 7111 Aurora Avenue • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 457-6800

The Clothing Closet is a student-run, non-profit business that accepts clothing donations in order to provide clothing free of charge to those in need. Gently used, clean clothing donations are accepted Monday through Friday between 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Clothing Closet requests you call to schedule a time to drop off your donations.

Clothes Hanger – Caring and Outreach Center

201 Ninth Street NE • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 967-4533

Caring Hands Outreach Center is a collaborative effort of churches and community organizations in the Southeast Polk region of Central Iowa, providing food, clothing, and household items to those in need. Their Clothes Hanger offers gently used clothing (for infants, children, and adults) to residents of the Southeast Polk Community School District and Bondurant School District or families whose children are open enrolled in the district.  You can make donations Monday and Wednesday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm or the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9:00 to 11:00 am.

Clothing Pantry – Bidwell Riverside Center

1203 Hartford Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 244-6251

New or gently-used clothing items are needed in Bidwell’s Clothing Pantry for families and are given away free of charge.  Items need to be clean and in good condition. Damaged items may be turned away.  Donations may be dropped off at the back door of the food and clothing pantry during the following hours: Mondays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; Tuesdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesdays through Fridays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Helping Hand

109 East Clinton Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-3864

Helping Hand provides clothing, furniture and household items to residents of Warren County free of charge. You can donate your gently used kid’s clothes during their business hours Tuesday 12:30 to 2:30 pm; Thursday 9:00 to 11:00am and Saturday 9:00 to 11:00am.

St. Mary Family Center – Catholic Charities

601 Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 244-3761

St. Mary Family Center offers perishable food items, clothing and infant items to kids and families in need in Des Moines. All clothing donations must be clean and gently used and donated in small boxes or bags. They will not accept any “loose” donations. The Center’s donation times are subject to change due to the amount of donations already received and limited space for donation storage. If you have a large donation or will be making a special trip, they recommend you to call ahead to ensure that they are currently accepting clothing donations.

 

 

Where do you donate your kiddos gently used clothing? Tell us in the comments below!

1 Comment

  1. There are a number of tips for donating kid’s clothes check all pockets, make sure clothes are clean, be considerate, wash and dry baby clothes. After all these things one can easily donate clothes.

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