I have infant clothing through 12 months in good condition (polo, gap) as well as shoes, infant car seat, convertible car seats and strollers. Where can I donate where it won't go to a thrift shop where people have to pay but to someone who really needs it and will not have to pay for it? I live close to downtown Chicago.
Thanks for all the great ideas! I ended up donating the gear (4 car seats, 1 infant seat, jogging stroller) to Sarahs Inn since theyre close and came to pick it up. I donated the clothes to Famiily Focus. Cornerstone never called me back. Sarahs Inn gave me a receipt, Family Focus did not which was fine. I'll call the other suggestions with my next batch of gear and clothing. Its funny though, when you call these places....they are so suspicious. Then I go into the whole schpiel about how I have an infant who was a preemie and this stuff is all a season behind in size so it will never fit, and how I want to donate not to salvation army but to somewhere where the people who need it wont have to pay- only then will they talk to me. Even when I met the donation co-ordinators they seemed a little off. I dont know if its because they prefer cash donations, are suspicious of used goods quality or if people who work in this field are just generally suspicious because of all the bad theyve seen.
Either way, glad to have hopefully helped someone out.
Thanks Mommies!
I've been donating to the Ethiopian Association of Chicago. They help newly arrived refugee families. They are at 1730 W. Greenleaf in Chicago and their telephone number is ###-###-####. I hope this helps!
I asked this same question about a year ago...I found this response very helpful. I know this might be a little far for you though...good luck.
J.
Family Focus on Dewey in Evasnton has a clothes pantry for teen Moms. Family Focus-Our Place - www.family-focus.org
2010 Dewey Ave, Evanston - ###-###-####
Directions and more » It is a wonderful place and provides all kinds of support for the girls,exercise, nutrition and counseling.
Crisis Nursery on Irving and Oak Park Ave. in Chicago - It is also under Mariville Academy. They are a great organization. Give them a call. They can definately use the clothing! This is the link to the website - just paste it in your browser.
http://www.maryvilleacademy.org/subpages.asp?id=33&pa...
Sarah's Inn might take it or be able to direct you to a place that can...
I donate to CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY OUTREACH
www.ccolife.org/.
Its right off the Montrose exit of LSD. I go a little out of my way for this (I live downtown) but its worth it to me that these families actually use my good stuff. I've handed children books I was going to donate as I walked in and they were so excited. Makes me feel good that my things are going to good use!
Also, I saw a new children's consignment shop in Lincoln Park on Clybourn called Kangaroo Kids. If you have nice things (Ralph Lauren, nice Gap, etc.), I would drop off there and see what you get back!
You can also try freecycle.org in Chicago. You can pick the family that you want the stuff to go to.
