Don’t know what to do with your old winter clothing? Donate them to these worthy organizations helping those experiencing homelessness in Pennsylvania.
With the holidays right around the corner, many of you may be cleaning out your closets to make room for new winter clothing. Coats, hats, gloves, and other cold weather clothing from years gone by may not be of use to you and your family anymore, but it could benefit others in Pennsylvania facing hardships.
Every winter, shelters and organizations are in need of winter clothing for those experiencing homelessness. Instead of throwing away your old winter clothes, or storing them in the attic, now is a good time to donate them to those in need.
Here are some shelters and organizations throughout the state who would welcome your cold weather clothing donations.
Bethany Outreach Center – Erie
Bethany Outreach Center’s Clothes Closet provides clothing free of charge all year round to those in need in the Erie area.
The Clothes Closet is in need of coats, scarves, gloves, and everyday wear for men, women, children, and infants. Men’s wear is especially needed this winter. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the center on 10th Street Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Bethesda Mission – Harrisburg
Bethesda Mission is a rescue mission that provides shelter, food, and counseling to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in the Harrisburg area.
The mission is in need of all types of winter clothing. Items can be dropped off at 611 Reily St.
City Mission – Washington
City Mission is a Christ-centered rehabilitative shelter that provides food, shelter, case management, biblical-based counseling, and programming to those in need in the Washington area.
Winter clothing items can be donated at any of the mission’s thrift stores between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the week, and at any of their area donation bins.
Emmanuel’s Clothing Closet – Pottstown
Emmanuel’s Clothing Closet provides clothing to children, single parents, families, seniors, and men and women experiencing homelessness in the Pottstown area.
The closet is in need of jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, sneakers, and snow boots. Items can be dropped off Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every other Tuesday and Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Hope Rescue Mission – Reading
Hope Rescue Mission is a year-round emergency shelter program that provides food, clothing, and shelter to men experiencing homelessness in the Reading area.
The mission is in need of coats, pants, tops, hats, scarves, and other warm clothing. Items can be dropped off at any of the many bins located throughout Berks County.
Keystone Mission – Scranton
Keystone Mission is a faith-based non-profit organization in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre that provides help to those experiencing homelessness in Northeast Pennsylvania.
The mission is in need of coats, sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, boots, and other winter clothes. Items can be donated at either the Scranton or Wilkes-Barre locations anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Little Daisy’s Closet – Chambersburg
Little Daisy’s Closet is a no cost Christian-based community outreach program that provides clothing and food to families in need.
Winter clothing can be dropped off Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the location on Orchard Drive.
Water Street Mission – Lancaster
Water Street Mission offers an emergency shelter and residential programs for those from Lancaster County who are experiencing homelessness.
The mission is in need of winter wear, including coats, gloves, and hats. Limited items are accepted at the mission’s location on Prince Street. Other items can be donated to Community Aid on behalf of Water Street Mission at their location on Rohrerstown Road.
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