How to Donate A Winter Coat

This coat was beloved by my daughter two years ago. Ever since, it's been collecting dust in a closet. It's now going to the Boys & Girls Club in Hoboken.

This one, worn by my son last year, is going to the Boys & Girls club now, too.

I obviously love buying stuff. And I know you do, too. But today, I wanted to highlight something a little different. I was cleaning out a closet earlier this week, and what I found was basically ridiculous: There were TONS of coats lurking in there. Coats that didn't fit. Coats we didn't use. Among other things taking up space in the packed closet, I had a size 6 to 12 month baby's coat and a two year old's jacket, both of which once belonged to my FOUR YEAR OLD. 

I briefly thought about selling them through my local mom's group, but then I realized I'd really rather donate them. But I had no idea where to start. Well, I did a little research and found this great website that I thought I'd share here just in case you're looking for a place to donate, too. The site will help you find tons of places across the U.S, and in Canada, to donate and it's very easy. You just type in your zip code and you'll instantly get a list of drop-off locations. (There are several in NYC alone.)

There was also a lot of sobering info on there. According to One Warm Coat, for the fifteen percent of Americans who fall below the poverty line, winter coats are typically considered a "budget 'extra.'" Many of these families have to choose between buying coats or paying rent.

Geez.

Working in New York, and living just a few blocks away from several schools, I've witnessed this first hand. Last year, even on the coldest days of the polar vortex, on the days I was absolutely FREEZING in my embarrassingly expensive parka and faux-fur boots, I saw kids wearing just hoodies. That's insane. 

So, this is my plea: Before winter really gets under way, take this moment, and clean out your closets (if you're like me, you totally need the extra space in there anyway!). Grab that coat you loved when you bought it two years ago but have barely worn since, the teeny ones your kids have outgrown, even that maternity coat you're hanging onto for no good reason. Then wash them. Then donate them.

You'll feel great, someone else will be a lot warmer this season, and your instantly-roomier closets will thank you.

Have you ever donated a winter coat? If so, where do you usually donate it? If not, are you planning to do so this year?

P.S.: BTW, I hope it's obvious, but just in case: This post is not sponsored in any way.