Are there any charities in Brevard County that donate clothing to third world countries?

Hi,

I am sure this site will be able to resolve your questions.

http://www.countriesinformation.net/

Thanks,

Roy

1. Firstly, you have to be aware that there is some controversy about sending used clothes abroad. Many charities prefer to avoid the transportation costs involved, and rather resell the clothes locally to generate funds to be used, as appropriate, abroad. There are also some who fear the negative effect that the influx of used clothing has on the developing countries' own textile and clothing industries. Here is an article from the United Nations that takes a benign view of the used clothing trade.

http://un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2006/issue3/0306p33.h...

2. This article suggests how you might do it, and the possible charities involved. You will note that it also reiterates reservations about transporting used clothing.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4392668_donate-clothing-de...

3. I don't know what suitable charities there are in Brevard County, but here are some possible leads for you, and they have some interesting ideas too ...

○ Humana People to People

http://www.humana.org/TextPage.asp?MenuItemID=42&S...

○ Planet Aid

http://www.planetaid.org/TextPage.asp?MenuItemID=5...

○ Shoe4Africa

http://www.shoe4africa.org/donate.html

4. Whatever you decide, please make sure that you are aware of the overall purpose of the charity, and that you have no qualms with it. Personally, I would not engage with any charity which has evangelising as its mission. You, however, may have other matters that need to be taken into consideration.

Lutheran World Relief used to send used clothing to other countries, however, they did not accept any women's clothing. Now they do not accept any clothes for several reasons. One, if clothes are donated, then businesses in the local area lose business. Instead, they are trying to encourage women to have their own sewing business so they can support their families. Second, many of the clothes donated are inappropriate for the strictures of the local communities. Yes, Good Will and Salvation Army resell the clothes and other items in their stores. However, the proceeds from the sale of those items are used to support their projects and to pay salaries to the people who work in the stores, who usually are people who need a job. If there is a family in need, Salvation Army will help them out with the basics, but, in the "pay it forward" tradition, they ask for something in return, be it money or volunteer time. If you would prefer to donate your items someplace else, check into shelters, especially those for abused/neglected women and children. If the toys and books are in good shape, day care centers and pre-schools would love to have them. Most of our items are donated to a couple of organizations which hold rummage sales each year as fund raisers for their organizations. Many churches either have rummage sales or give-aways - where they give away used items to others who need them. Many places have resell shops where you can take your items and make back a little money. It will take a little research on your part, but you should be able to find local organizations that will take your items.