Don't Toss That Coat In The Trash, Here's How To Donate It To Someone In Need
Nov. 29, 2019, 9:02 a.m.
That forgotten coat in the back of your closet could make a big difference in someone's life.
If you’re clearing out your closet and need to jettison an obsolete coat or two, remember that it doesn't have to wind up in a landfill. As winter sets in (Sunday?), there are several non-profit organizations in NYC that are ready to take your old coat and give it to someone in need. There is also demand for items beyond coats, so if you’re looking to declutter, here’s how to give your old stuff a new life.
Bottomless Closet is a fantastic non-profit organization that specializes in making sure women have the necessary attire for their professional careers. While they accept a variety of donations from business suits and shoes, to shapewear and unused cosmetics, they are currently in need of ladies’ winter coats. Located at 16 East 52nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022, they do in-person drops off and accept donations by mail. They are open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on select evenings to 7:30 p.m.
Housing Works Thrift Stores, with locations throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, is another site to drop off used coats. They also accept men’s and women's clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, housewares, books, furniture and more. The funds acquired from their thrift stores, in turn, provide meals or housing for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Find your nearest Housing Works location here.
The New York Cares Coat Drive is now "in full swing." With 300 collection locations last year, it’s one of the biggest coat drives in New York. All NYPD precinct station houses and most car dealerships are public collection sites, and you can always drop off your coat at their warehouse at 157 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001. The warehouse is open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
New York Cares partners with a range of Community Partners across NYC to distribute donated coats to those in need (last year they distributed over 100,000 coats!). The Coat Drive has been running for 30 years and this year they plan to give their 2 millionth coat. Check out their map for a drop-off location near you.
The Bowery Mission, which first launched in 1870 to serve homeless New Yorkers, accepts goods such as clothes, food, and other items. Gently used clothes can be dropped off at their Bowery campus location at 227 Bowery New York, NY 10002. For this winter season; they accept coats, scarves, gloves, and hats.
Other donations such as food, linens, hygiene products, and household goods can be dropped off at the Bowery location or their Tribeca location at 90 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10013. Both are open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.