I have two tubs of maternity clothes that I would like to donate. The clothes are both professional/office wear and casual. I know I can always take them to Salvation Army or Goodwill but was hoping to find a place specifically that helps expectant mothers. I live on the NW side of Chicago but would be willing to go downtown or to the suburbs to drop off. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!
Do you have a local women's shelter? We have donated a lot of things to them because these women leave their homes with their children and the clothes on their backs.
I know when I donate to the women's shelter, it is appreciated plus I get a tax deduction!
Check a local women's shelter to see if they would accept them.
The Women's Center
5116 N Cicero
They have a Family Room where expectant/new mothers can come in and get donated material items. They take maternity clothes, as well as:
Cribs, playpens, high chairs, bassinets, baby carriers, car seats, strollers, single beds, dressers, small appliances, baby and children's clothing, baby blankets, other clothing suitable for young women, toys, baby accessories (bottles, rattles, bibs, etc.)
It is conveniently located off the Edens Expressway (I-94). Northbound exit at Foster Avenue. Turn right at stop sign, cross over bridge and turn left at stoplight (Cicero Avenue). The three story building is located in about 50 yards on your right, just beyond the Edens Health Club. Parking is available in front. Southbound exit at Cicero Avenue. Merge onto southbound Cicero Avenue, and continue about three blocks, to just past the first stoplight (Foster Avenue). Building is on your right just past the Edens Health Club. If you are coming in on I-90 from the airport area or Northwest or Tri-State Tollways, exit at Lawrence Avenue. Turn left at the light, proceed about one half mile to Cicero Avenue (traffic light). Turn left and proceed three blocks to just past the first stoplight (Elston Avenue). Building is on your left.
I donated work clothes to Bottomless Closet. It's an organization that does job and interview training for low-income women transitioning back to the workforce. (I believe it might be primarily women from public aid returning to work.) They provide an outfit for interviews as well as a couple more outfits during the year. I think they also have a "store" from the donated items where woman can purchase clothes. I called and asked if there was a need for maternity clothes, and they gladly took the items. They have to be clean and on hangers. There is a donation drop-off day one Saturday per month. (Check the calendar on their website for drop-off dates: www.bottomlesscloset.org)They're located on LaSalle, and drop-off couldn't be easier. You just pull up your car on LaSalle, and they have people there ready to unload your car and give you a tax receipt. It takes about 5 minutes. I just pinned the clothes and marked them as maternity or nursing. A women's shelter is a good idea for the casual items.
Hi N.,
I know of the perfect place. The Women's Center in Chicago. It's at 5116 N. Cicero, near Foster. I took my 6th grade Girl Scout troop there to do some volunteer work last month and they helped sort maternity clothes and kids clothes in the "store" there. Jackie Keenan is the lady I worked with -###-###-####. She is the volunteer coordinator but I'm sure she will get you to the right person. She was great to work with. Good Luck!
There's a place called PhD Resale that works with expectant mothers through counseling and financial need. I'm sure they'd appreciate the donation! Here's their web site: http://sphd.org/.
Thanks for being so thoughtful!
A women's shelter is a great idea, but if for some reason you are not close to one, a regular thrift shop is great too! If a woman is shopping for maternity clothes at a thrift shop, she most likely cannot afford a whole new wardrobe. Whoever gets them will be blessed.
I sold my maternity clothes at my yard sale. I guess I am too thrifty to just donate them...
