What To Do With Clothing Donations During Coronavirus
When life gives you a self-quarantine order during the coronavirus pandemic, it also gives you newfound time to actually organize your closet. Make that all of your closets. Maybe the cabinets, drawers and everywhere else clutter has been lurking, too.
“Now is the perfect time since folks are already at home and have time … two of the biggest excuses for not organizing have just been removed,” professional organizer Andrew Mellen told HuffPost. He has created an online “De-Stress Your Mess Challenge” from April 13-18 to offer guidance, support and, perhaps most importantly, some structure to the big task ahead.
Samantha Blumenthal, spokesperson for online clothing consignment shop thredUP, says that the fresh impulse to declutter your closet goes beyond checking off the final item on a vintage to-do list. “During these uncertain times, cleaning and organizing your home can provide a sense of order and control over your environment,” she said.
But no matter the reason behind the project, there will be a hurdle to clear: Donating clothing, accessories and anything else you’re willing to part with might not be possible right now. COVID-19 social distancing measures have brought mandatory closures of nonessential businesses and stay-at-home orders to most states. As a result, it’s likely that your favorite thrift store is closed for shopping and donating.
“Currently, 98% of Goodwill [retail stores] have closed,” said Lauren Lawson-Zilai, senior director of public relations at Goodwill Industries International. (However, 16 locations are still able to accept donations as of April 8.)
Clothing donations to The Salvation Army Family Stores involve some research: You may still be able to drop off clothing on a location-by-location basis, including stand-alone donation drop boxes.
Smaller community thrift stores are also impacted by COVID-19, from the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission’s thrift shop in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to Community...
