Every year, people in the United States purchase almost 20 billion garments. This amounts to 68 items of clothing and seven pairs of shoes for each person. While their reasons for doing so will vary, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that on average, each person throws away ten pounds of clothing every year.
Rather than throwing away these items, they could be donated to the American Red Cross. This charitable organization assists individuals, families, and communities in need when disaster strikes. Each and every day of the year, and on a 24-hour basis, the American Red Cross provides food, blankets, shelter, blood, and other types of support.
When Americans schedule a Red Cross clothing pickup, they are assisting the country’s homeless population as well as those in need throughout the world. In January of 2015, for instance, there were 564,708 people that had lost their homes on any given night. On an international basis, American textiles assist with clothing individuals and families. Over 14.3 million tons of American textiles have assisted these individuals on a worldwide basis.
It’s important to note that the American National Red Cross is the 13th largest charity in the country. It received this ranking due to the level of private donations it has received. In 2014, for example, the American National Red Cross received $687 million in private donations.
Approximately 63% of high-net-worth donors state that their primary motivation for donating is to give back to their communities. Clothing donations are a valuable contribution in this regard. Furthermore, clothes donations and other household items care also tax-deductible.
Non-profit organizations contribute $666.1 billion to the United States economy every year. As a result, when someone volunteers their time or donates clothes to Red Cross charities, they are assisting the country and charitable organizations with helping victims of disasters. They are also making a valuable contribution to the environment, as used clothing and other items aren’t ending up in landfills.
Since many Americans purchase such a large amount of clothing, shoes, and household textiles every year, it makes sense to donate these items rather than throw them away. Used clothing donations can be easily made at a Red Cross donation center. American Red Cross clothing pickups can be conveniently scheduled through GreenDrop.
