So in the last post, we shared the different charities that you could send your clothing donations. Now we’re going to look at what clothes you should be giving away and which specific items should be directed at certain charities.

Before we even go into that, we need to figure out what exactly should be taken out of the closet.

Deciding What to Keep and What to Give Away

This should be simple, right? Just get rid of the pieces you don’t like anymore, or are no longer your style. But what if you like everything that you own?

Letting your clothes go is more difficult for some, so let’s just start with the basics: what stays and what goes.

Loads of people across the web have shared their hacks on wardrobe cleaning. Some have done the hanger trick, having their hangers facing one way at the beginning of the year and turning them as they wear the items throughout the months. Any clothes on hangers that haven’t been flipped are the items you send to goodwill. Being December and all, this hack’s a little late for us. Plus, items like formalwear or winterwear might not be used within the year but will be needed in the future.

Clothes you haven’t worn in the last six months

Let’s put winter clothes and formal items aside for a moment and focus on daily clothes. Take a good look at each piece and ask yourself, “Have I worn this in the last six months?” If it’s a yes, keep it. If it’s a no, let it go. The likelihood you will wear those pieces anytime soon are slim to none.

Clothes that are too small

Other clothes that some of us are guilty of hoarding are clothes that don’t fit anymore. People hold on to those tiny jeans in hopes that one day, they’ll fit into them again.

There are a couple problems with this seemingly harmless habit. One, you’re creating clutter, filling up unnecessary space in your closet and life. Two, it adds onto body image issues. The best thing you can do for yourself is buy clothes that fit, and get rid of those that don’t fit. And by donating those clothes that don’t fit, you’re changing the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.

Clothes that need fixing

For clothes that need repairs, either get them to a tailor, or donate them. If they’re missing a button or have a little hole at the seam, they’re still eligible for donation. However, clothes that are in bad condition should be directed to recycling centers.

The Goodwill Pile

Now that you’ve figured out what you’re giving away, it’s time to divide this pile into subcategories. You might assume that all old clothes can be donated all in one place, but you really should be diving the pile into three smaller ones.

What to Recycle/Upcycle

These are clothes that have been completely worn out, have holes, or are beyond repair. If you’re crafty, you can turn these into an upcycling project. If not, these items should be donated to recycling centers since they’re deemed unusable. H&M accepts clothes of all conditions, even damaged ones as they are recycled. Additionally, the Tzu Chi Foundation has a recycling center in QC that accepts all recyclables, from clothes to cardboard boxes and glass bottles.

Other than those nonwearable clothes, old items that should be recycled and NOT donated include swimsuits and underwear. Socks also don’t get a second life, so leave old socks in this pile.

What to Donate to Charity

The wearable factor is not the only thing to consider for clothes in this pile. It’s also a matter of how functional the items are, especially when you’re donating clothes to a youth center or emergency response center. Gently used wardrobe basics, outerwear, sneakers, rainboots and hats are great donations. Anything else, like heels and clubwear are better off as hand-me-downs for family members or thrift store donations.

What if there’s a tiny hole in a couple of your shirts? Little rips at the seam can still be reused. But remember damaged goods should be recycled.

What to Donate to a Thrift Store

Got clubbing outfits or occasion wear that you want to give away? Disaster relief centers and religious charities don’t have much use for that sexy bodycon you’ve retired. Anything not functional are best redistributed to thrift stores, like the one operated by Goodwill Industries of the Philippines which directs profits into training and work placement for PWDs.

Other options you have are a garage sale in your village or a clothing swap with your friends. When in doubt, you can also donate these items to H&M, who will divide the clothes up among nonprofits and thrift stores as they see fit.

That’s all there is to it. So start cleaning out that wardrobe!

Overcrowded malls, ridiculously long MRT lines, daily traffic jams. It’s the story of our lives here in Metro Manila. So when statistics reveal that our capital is the most densely populated city in the globe, with 42,857 people per square kilometer to be exact, the numbers aren’t too shocking. Based on 2015 data, there are about 12.8 million dwelling in the Metro, which increases to about 15 million during the daytime.

With demographics like these, it makes you wonder what percentage of the population have a roof over their heads. Or worse, how much of the homeless population has even been accounted for.

Despite our booming economy, our country is plagued with astounding rates of poverty and homelessness. In 2014, Manila had the world’s highest rate of homelessness at 3.1 million, of which 70,000 of them are children, and with population growing year after year, the number of homeless people has likely only to have risen.

At times, citizens can feel powerless as they’re conditioned to believe that only the government can solve the homelessness problem at a large scale. But change starts at the ground level and works its way up. It’s up to every one of us to improve the lives of the needy. We all can make a difference.

How, you might ask?

For starters, how about donating some of your old clothes?

Many of us have grown attached to material things like our clothing items, and while there’s nothing wrong with valuing our possessions, we do need to take a good look at our wardrobes and ask ourselves, “Do I really need that?” The Christmas season is all about love and giving, and if you ask me, more of us need to celebrate by helping the needy.

Unlike other cities around the world, we don’t have clothing donation bins readily available around the Metro. So if you aren’t entirely sure where to drop your donations at, here are a few places to get you started:

All of Metro Manila

H&M Foundation

Heading to the mall? Don’t forget to bring a bag of old clothes with you! Part of H&M Foundation’s plan for sustainability is recycling damaged clothes and redistribute used clothes is good condition. The foundation also sends money donations to UNICEF Philippines for every kilogram of garment collected.

Another plus for dropping clothes off at your nearest H&M store is the discounts for your next visit. You can receive up to two vouchers (each worth 15%) in exchange for your donations.

Philippine Red Cross

Along with blood donations, the Philippine Philippine Red Cross accepts other forms of donations for disaster relief. They prefer in-kind donations at their headquarters in Manila, which alternatively you could have them sent via LBC. You may also contact them to arrange a donation pick-up if you don’t have time for the first two options.

Manila

Precious Heritage Ministries Foundation, Inc.

This organization began as a small non-profit that focused on the welfare of children, which then led to the opening of their orphanage and the launch of community-based programs for street kids. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the Precious Heritage Children’s House, though it might be worth it to spend some time there with the kids.

Segunda Mana

Literally meaning ‘secondhand,’ this organization under Caritas Manila aids various poor populations in the region. Segunda Mana accepts donations in-kind at their main office in Malate. However, you can also schedule a donation pick-up.

Pasig

Christian Mission Service Philippines

If you’ve outgrown your clothes or have siblings’ clothes to donate, send them here. Clothes and footwear will be accepted at their Community Childcare Centers in Pasig. Additionally, you can donate educational supplies, sports equipment, supplements and food.

Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines

Operation Blessing Foundation focuses on five areas of vulnerable populations: children, disaster response, healthcare, livelihood and infrastructure. Drop off your old clothes and shoes at their office in Pasig, or set up an appointment to learn more about the organization.

Quezon City

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation

The Tzu Chi Foundation doesn’t only focus on the welfare of vulnerable populations. It also has a recycling program that accepts more than just clothing donations. Think cardboard boxes, plastic and glass bottles, newspaper, old appliances, etc. So if you’ve got any of those lying around, bring them along with your clothing donation.

Citizens’ Disaster Response Center

Another nonprofit that targets disaster relief, Citizens’ Disaster Response Center repackages all donations (food and non-food items) to create boxes for victims of natural disasters and other emergencies. You can drop off your clothing donations in person.

Taguig

Goodwill Industries of the Philippines

Goodwill Industries operates a thrift shop that resells your goods, with proceeds going towards training and work placement for persons with disabilities. Smaller donations can be given in-store in Taguig. You can also arrange for a pick-up if you’ve got bigger packages.

Cebu

Most charities in and around the city prefer cash, books, toys and medical supplies over clothing donations. You can always visit your nearest H&M store and drop off your used clothes. Also, LBC branches nationwide accepts donations on behalf of Red Cross Philippines, so that’s another option. And lastly, for clothes you want to recycle, the Tzu Chi Foundation has a Cebu Liaison Office in Mandaue City.