Submitted by someoneyoudontknow0 t3_10qy935 in CambridgeMA

I have a bunch of size 0-4 professional and casual women’s clothing as well as size 6.5-7.5 women’s shoes I want to get rid of. It’s all good, just outgrew the styles and am making space. I’d like to donate to a place that gives these away for free to people in need (not resell). Does such a place exist? This is the first time I’ve looked into this here.

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zepporamone t1_j6smpzi wrote

I was going to recommend The Women's Lunch Place, which is an absolutely fantastic day shelter where my partner used to volunteer, but it looks like they're no longer accepting most clothing. That said, they posted a handy list of spots around town that are. Dress for Success is really well regarded and provides professional attire and networking support to women.

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ClarkFable t1_j6sjni3 wrote

Most of the public schools have clothes recycling bins near to their regular recycling bins.

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slippy_slidey t1_j6sreo5 wrote

Graham & Parks School has multiple large bins for clothing.

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commentsOnPizza t1_j6slse6 wrote

I'd recommend Boomerangs in Central Square. Boomerangs is really cool and the money goes to benefit AIDS Action, helping prevent the spread of HIV and helping those living with HIV and AIDS in Mass.

There's a donation bin by the church on Cardinal Medeiros Ave and Cambridge St (St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church), but who knows what happens with the clothes - they might just get scrapped for textiles. There's also a Goodwill in Davis.

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bowlofcherries16 t1_j6t7dsv wrote

Seconding Boomerangs. Fenway provides SO many crucial medical services to the LGBTQ community for folks without means.

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Fleur75 t1_j6skvhl wrote

I searched for this before and found this place that actually uses the clothes: https://afsc.org/sites/default/files/documents/AFSC%20MAAP%20Wishlist%20%26%20Donation%20Guide_0.pdf

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BearsLikeCampfires t1_j6t9e91 wrote

I second the MAPS program. And also, that link provides excellent information on where and how to donate a variety of items outside of what they need for their programs.

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pfaublau t1_j6uegew wrote

Please bring them to On the Rise! It's a women's day shelter and has a full "boutique" of donated clothes for the women to take. I volunteer there regularly and know that they are always very grateful for clothing donations in good condition.

Edited to add: they are particularly looking for winter items at the moment, especially professional clothes and any shoes!

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pinap45454 t1_j6so30s wrote

I’ve also found Cambridge buy nothing groups on Facebook are really active. I’ve never struggled to give away quality items there. It isn’t necessarily folks with the most need, but it is people that actually plan to use the items which I place real value on.

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boat_against_current t1_j6tw3fz wrote

Second Chances is a good organization - seccondchances.org. All the clothing goes to local nonprofits and they recycle unbearable items. They have bins and, often, local businesses have clothing drives for them.

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Guava-Duck8672 t1_j6t8fys wrote

I’ve brought professional clothes to Solutions at Work on mass ave. Boomerangs is convenient though, even if they are a reseller

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maplekitkat t1_j6vlrfp wrote

Some colleges in the city have programs for students to get professional clothes as they start interviewing/co-ops.

I know Wentworth has a program for it. I'd imagine others do as well.

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