The 8 Best Clothing Donation Centers in Toronto [2023]

  • Published: August 14, 2023

In a world driven by consumption and ever-changing fashion trends, it’s easy to accumulate a closet full of clothes that often go unworn. But what if those gently used garments could find new purpose and bring a ray of hope to someone else’s life? Clothing donation centers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between those who have a surplus and those who are in need. 

In the vibrant city of Toronto, a hub of diverse cultures and communities, numerous organizations are dedicated to accepting clothing donations and redistributing them to those less fortunate. And if you like this blog, consider checking out our other pieces on:

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Whether you’re looking to declutter your wardrobe or contribute to the well-being of your fellow citizens, this guide will steer you towards the 8 best clothing donation centers in Toronto!

Summary

What Clothes Should Not Be Donated?

While clothing donation centers are typically grateful for any contributions that can help those in need, there are certain types of items that might not be suitable for donation. These include:

  1. Heavily Damaged or Stained Clothing: Clothes that are torn, heavily stained, or in very poor condition might not be usable for other individuals. These items are better suited for recycling or proper disposal.
  2. Undergarments and Intimate Apparel: For hygiene reasons, most donation centers do not accept used underwear, bras, or intimate apparel.
  3. Socks and Hosiery: Socks and hosiery are often not accepted due to hygiene concerns, unless they are brand new and still in their original packaging.
  4. Shoes in Poor Condition: Shoes that are overly worn, broken, or in bad shape might not be suitable for donation.
  5. Single Shoes or Mismatched Pairs: Donation centers usually prefer pairs of shoes, so single shoes or mismatched pairs might not be accepted.
  6. Items with Offensive Imagery or Messages: Clothing items with offensive language, symbols, or imagery are generally not appropriate for donation.
  7. Swimwear: Used swimwear is often not accepted due to hygiene reasons.
  8. Children’s Items That Don’t Meet Safety Standards: Items like cribs, car seats, and strollers are usually not accepted unless they meet current safety standards.
  9. Items That are Subject to Recall: Clothing items that have been recalled due to safety concerns should not be donated.
  10. Personal Items: Items that are very personal or intimate in nature, such as personal hygiene products, should not be donated.
  11. Costume or Party Clothing: While some centers accept costume clothing, others might not. It’s best to check with the specific center.
  12. Very Worn Out T-shirts or Other Basic Clothing: While some well-worn clothes can still be used as rags or repurposed, extremely worn-out items might not be suitable for donation.
  13. Specialized or Niche Items: Items that are highly specialized and unlikely to be used by others might not be suitable for donation.
  14. Items That Have Been Stored Unwashed for a Long Time: If you’re donating clothes that have been in storage for a while, make sure they are clean and free of mold or odors.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact the donation center directly or check their website for specific guidelines on what they do and do not accept. It’s important to ensure that the items you donate are in good condition, clean, and suitable for reuse.

The Best Clothing Donation Centers in Toronto

In no particular order, here are the top clothing donation centers in Toronto, all with accessible entry and navigation:

1) Goodwill Donation Centre

When it comes to clothing donation centers in Toronto, the Goodwill Donation Centre is a household name. With a commitment to fostering independence and dignity through the power of work, Goodwill has been a driving force in the city’s charitable landscape. 

By donating your gently used clothing here, you’re contributing to a circle of empowerment. Your garments find new owners, while the revenue generated through the sale of donated items goes towards training and employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. 

As you declutter your closet, remember that every item you donate to Goodwill is a stitch in the fabric of positive change in Toronto.

Address: 2837 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6B 3S4
Phone: 416-546-9476
Website: goodwillindustries.ca

Reviews

“Awesome place to donate! They do contactless drop off with bins outside the door and then a worker inside pulls them in. Also, nice customer service!”
“The staff was curttious and appreciative of my donation.”

2) Value Village Community Donation Centre

The Value Village Community Donation Centre is synonymous with sustainable shopping and charitable giving. This center embraces the idea that fashion can be both affordable and environmentally friendly. 

By donating your clothes here, you’re extending the lifespan of your garments and diverting them from landfills. The Value Village team sorts through donations, curating a diverse size-ranged collection of pre-loved clothing that’s waiting to embark on its next fashion journey. 

What’s more, the funds generated from the sale of these items support nonprofit organizations. Your old favorites can become someone else’s cherished finds, all while contributing to the betterment of the community.

Address: 924 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
Phone: 416778-4818
Website: valuevillage.com

Reviews

“Every time I've donated my belongings here, they've rewarded me with a coupon. It's heartwarming to know that by clearing out my unwanted items, I'm not only making a positive impact on the environment but also getting a little something in return.”
“Great place for video games and the occasional antique. You'll find everything from DJ equipment to guitars to old amplifiers. Don't forget to donate usable items for coupons!”

3) YSM's Double Take Thrift Store

Founded under the auspices of the Yonge Street Mission, Double Take Thrift Store is more than just a place to drop off clothing donations – it’s a legacy of philanthropy that dates back to the late 1800s. 

This store weaves together history and compassion, serving as a lifeline for those in need. When you contribute your gently used clothing, you’re directly supporting programs that provide essential services to individuals facing poverty and homelessness. The Double Take Thrift Store stands as a symbol of hope, transforming donations into opportunities for change. 

By donating here, you’re contributing to a rich tradition of giving that has helped countless individuals rise above adversity. Your act of kindness echoes through time, creating ripples of positive impact across Toronto.

Address: 310 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2G7
Phone: 416863-0011
Website: ysm.ca/double-take

Reviews

“What a great place to donate anything! The money from sales goes right back into the important caring projects all over the downtown core. YSM is assisting practically , the most vulnerable of our city in these tough covid times.”
“Clean well run and best of all supports the Yonge street mission. Great cause to donate to.”

4) Oasis Clothing Bank

Oasis Clothing Bank operates with the belief that every article of clothing has a story to tell. With nearly 100 donation boxes scattered across the Greater Toronto Area, this organization has made the act of giving as effortless as possible. 

By placing these boxes in strategic locations, Oasis Clothing Bank encourages residents to contribute their gently used garments with ease. The donated items then find their way to those who need them the most. 

The process is simple, yet the impact is profound – you’re helping to clothe individuals and families who may be struggling to make ends meet.

Address: Nearly 100 conveniently located donation box across the Greater Toronto Area
Phone: 416-751-0553
Website: clothingbank.ca/locations

Reviews

“I am very pleased that the Oasis Clothing Bank is continually on top of making sure that their bin locations are clean and free of any debris and that the donated clothing that accumulates is always picked up in a timely manner.”
“No hesitation in recommending these folks. They do home pick-ups, always on time and great drivers. It's nice to know that the clothing is going to support a good cause. Keep it up Oasis!”

5) Diabetes Canada

Diabetes Canada not only focuses on the health of individuals but also contributes to the well-being of the community through its clothing donation initiative. 

With a network of over 100 donation boxes scattered throughout the Greater Toronto Area, this organization has made it easy for you to give back. Your clothing donations here help fund vital research, education, and support programs for people living with diabetes. The act of donating takes on new significance as you contribute to not only the lives of those in need but also to the advancement of medical science. 

Additionally, Diabetes Canada goes the extra mile by offering curbside pickups for donors, ensuring that your contributions are as convenient as they are impactful.

Address: Over 100 conveniently located donation box across the Greater Toronto Area
Phone: 416363-3373
Website: declutter.diabetes.ca

Reviews

“Great experience donating household items and clothes. Awesome that they will come pick up. Saved me from having to drive to a donation center. They gave me a window from 8 AM to 6 PM. I was able to simply leave the items on my lawn. I did not have to wait at home for them. All of the items were picked up by 1 PM despite it being a snowy day.”
“A driver shows up always on days as scheduled. Love the cause.”

6) Dress for Success Toronto

Dress for Success Toronto is dedicated to empowering women on their journey to economic independence. This organization is a haven for those looking to donate women’s clothing that can inspire confidence and professional growth. 

With a focus on gently used, interview-appropriate attire, your contributions to Dress for Success Toronto play a pivotal role in helping women enter or re-enter the workforce. However, this center operates a bit differently – donors are required to schedule appointments for drop-offs to ensure the in-store experience for clients remains uninterrupted. 

Your contributions here symbolize more than just clothing; they represent a gesture of solidarity and support as women strive to achieve their career aspirations.

Address: 188 Lowther Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1E8
Phone: 416901-6022
Website: toronto.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate

Reviews

“I loved the idea of Dress for Success helping women prepare for interviews and careers, so I saved up my office-appropriate clothing donations for one of the two brief donation windows they have each month.”
“Excellent support to new comers and those who need. Take advantage of this lovely initiative and donate in return”

7) New Circles Community Services

New Circles Community Services stands as a beacon of community support in North York. 

This organization is committed to creating opportunities and promoting dignity through the provision of essential services, including clothing. By donating your gently used clothing here, you’re directly contributing to programs that offer clothing assistance to individuals and families in need. The impact of your donation reaches beyond garments – it touches lives and fosters a sense of belonging. 

New Circles Community Services encapsulates the idea that a simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change, one that resonates throughout the North York community.

Address: 161 Bartley Dr, North York, ON M4A 1E6
Phone: 416-422-2591
Website: newcircles.ca

Reviews

“If you know anyone on government assistance and/or is a new comer to Canada that needs assistance then you should recommend this place. They provide used clothing for free or close to it for those in need. If you have clothing or items to donate them…. They'll make sure it goes to a good home.”
“If you have winter coats, scarves or hats and you want to donate your items somewhere they'll be used and appreciated, this is a great place. The staff are warm and friendly.”

8) Fred Victor

Fred Victor operates a network of shelters across Toronto, serving individuals experiencing homelessness and various challenges. 

While they don’t have a phone number listed for donations, their website provides information on the most needed items in homeless shelters. If you’re looking to contribute clothing to those who are most vulnerable, this is a channel to consider. To donate, simply email donations@fredvictor.org with details about the items you’d like to contribute and the location in Toronto that’s convenient for you. 

By reaching out and offering your support, you’re not only providing clothing but also a glimmer of hope to those who are striving to rebuild their lives.

Address: 20 shelter locations across Toronto
Phone: 416-364-8228
Website: fredvictor.org

Reviews

“I am so encouraged with the job you are doing took some donations to you on queen street and your staff where amazing we are so pleased to help out and donate we will shortly be dropping off more donations thank you for the hard work.”
“They are always concerned and helpful.”

FAQs About Donation Centers

If your old clothes are not suitable for donation due to being heavily worn, torn, or stained, there are still environmentally responsible options available. In Canada, you can consider recycling textiles. Many municipalities have textile recycling programs or drop-off locations where you can dispose of old clothes, even if they can’t be worn anymore. Textiles can be recycled into materials like insulation, rags, and even new fabrics. Check with your local recycling center or municipality for guidance on proper disposal.
Yes, you can generally receive a tax deduction for donating clothes in Canada. Charitable donations, including clothing, can be claimed as a tax deduction on your income tax return. However, there are specific guidelines and rules that govern how these deductions work. The donation must be made to a registered charity, and the charity should provide you with a receipt that includes the value of the donated items. It’s important to keep accurate records of your donations and the corresponding receipts. The value of the tax deduction is determined by the fair market value of the items donated. It’s recommended to consult with a tax professional or review the guidelines provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more accurate information.
While practices can vary among different donation centers and thrift stores, many of them do wash or clean donated clothing items before putting them up for sale. This process helps ensure that the items are clean and in good condition for the next owner. It’s part of maintaining the quality and reputation of the store while providing customers with a positive shopping experience.
Whether charity shops accept handmade clothes can vary based on the specific policies of each shop. Some charity shops might accept handmade items if they meet the quality and condition standards set by the shop. It’s a good idea to contact the charity shop directly or check their website for information about their donation guidelines. Keep in mind that handmade clothes, like any other donated items, should be clean, in good condition, and suitable for resale. If your handmade items are unique and well-made, they might find a new home through a charity shop’s selection process.

Final Thoughts

In the heart of Toronto, where the bustling cityscape meets the heartbeat of humanity, clothing donation centers stand as beacons of generosity and compassion. The 8 centers we’ve delved into are just a snapshot of the multitude of initiatives woven into the fabric of this city. By contributing to these centers, whether through a simple donation or volunteering your time, you’re not merely giving away clothes – you’re offering warmth, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those in need.

Malaak Hamadeh

Malaak Hamadeh

Meet Malaak Hamadeh, a Middle Eastern resident of Toronto with a passion for writing! Learn More About Malaak Hamadeh

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