When you put bags of textiles into a blue Helpsy bin in Newton or request a curbside pick up, items are taken to a processing facility where they are sorted and graded. The higher grades are resold to thrift stores in North America and other second hand markets around the world. The lower grades get turned into rags for industrial use or stuffing and insulation. This helps Newton comply with the new State policy banning textiles from the trash.
Unfortunately, charities that use donations of clothing to help those in need can get left out of the system. If you have the time, separate out clothing and shoes that are in excellent or new condition and donate them to these local charities where they will be used to help people in need. You can donate the items in less than excellent condition to Helpsy.
Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory (281 Newtonville Ave., Newton) takes new and gently-used children’s items such as clothing, shoes, coats, and books for children from birth through age 12. Items should not be ripped, stained, broken, or missing pieces. Accepted Items:
- Clothing and coats (youth sizes 0–20 and adult sizes small & medium)
- New socks and underwear
- New Pajamas
- Shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 5–13 and adult sizes 1–10)
- Books, especially baby board books
- New arts and crafts/school supplies
- Unopened diapers and training pants
- New hygiene items
Click here for a more detailed list of their donation guidelines. When dropping off donations at The Giving Factory, please place your items into the unlocked PACKRAT storage containers in the front parking lot.
Circle of Hope (1329 Highland Ave. Needham) accepts gently used items in excellent condition. They accept up to 3 paper grocery bags or white kitchen trash bags of used clothing per appointment. No black trash bags. Schedule a drop off HERE. Accepted Items:
- T-shirts (long and short sleeve)
- Sweaters
- Flannel shirts
- Sweatpants and sweatshirts
- Jackets/coats (fall/winter/spring)
- Winter boots (fall/winter)
- Sneakers
- Shorts (spring/summer)
- Leggings, jeans, khakis
- Athletic wear including sports bras
- Baby clothes (sleepers, onesies, pants, shirts)
- Maternity clothes
More Than Words maintains a bin at the Newton Resource Recycling Center (115 Rumford Ave.) This nonprofit organization empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. More Than Words accepts donations of books, gently used clothing and shoes, CD/DVDs, video games, and records to sell in their stores and on their website.
Locate other local organizations that accept donations for use by those in need (courtesy of Cradles to Crayons).
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