Where to Donate Clothes in Atlanta: Best Local Options and How to Do It Right

If you’re searching for where to donate clothes in Atlanta, you have a lot of good options. From large, citywide nonprofits to neighborhood closets and church drives, there are many ways to make sure your gently used clothing actually reaches people who need it.

This guide walks through major Atlanta clothing donation sites, specialty options (kids, workwear, coats), what items are accepted, and how to prepare your donations so your effort has the most impact.

Key Places to Donate Clothes in Atlanta

1. Citywide Thrift & Donation Centers

These organizations typically accept a wide range of clothing and household items and often have multiple locations across metro Atlanta.

Goodwill of North Georgia

Goodwill locations are common across Atlanta and are an easy, familiar option if you’re doing a big closet cleanout.

Typical donation centers are found in areas such as:

• Midtown / Piedmont
• Buckhead
• Decatur
• Chamblee / Doraville
• South Atlanta neighborhoods

You can usually donate:

• Adult and children’s clothing
• Shoes and accessories
• Coats and outerwear
• Linens and small household items

Goodwill usually has drive-up donation lanes where staff help unload. It’s wise to:

• Sort clothes by type (men’s, women’s, kids)
• Pack in bags or boxes that are easy to lift
• Avoid torn, stained, or heavily worn items

📌 Tip: Donation hours often differ from store hours. Check posted signs or call the local store before you go.

Salvation Army Family Stores & Donation Centers

The Salvation Army operates Family Stores and drop-off locations in and around Atlanta, including areas such as:

• Atlanta (City of Atlanta)
• East Point
• Marietta
• Jonesboro

They typically accept:

• Everyday clothing and shoes
• Business attire
• Coats, jackets, and accessories

Many Salvation Army sites use the resale model: donated items are sold in thrift stores to support local programs such as shelters, recovery centers, and family services.

📌 Tip: If you’re donating a large quantity (several large bags or more), call the local Family Store or the Salvation Army Metro Atlanta office to ask if they offer pickup in your area.

2. Local Shelters and Community Organizations

If your priority is to help people in crisis in Atlanta—including those experiencing homelessness or fleeing violence—consider donating directly to shelters and outreach centers.

Atlanta Mission

Atlanta Mission serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with facilities such as:

• The Shepherd’s Inn (men)
• My Sister’s House (women and children)

Typical needs:

• Casual clothing for men, women, and children
• Underwear and socks (usually new only)
• Coats, hats, and gloves in colder months
• Sturdy shoes and work-appropriate clothing

Because space is limited and needs change, it’s smart to:

• Call the main office or the specific shelter first
• Ask what clothing types and sizes are most needed now
• Confirm drop-off times and address details

Homeless and Outreach Ministries (Citywide)

Many churches and faith-based groups in Atlanta run clothing closets or distribute clothes directly on the street and in encampments. Common areas include:

• Downtown and Midtown outreach ministries
• Westside neighborhood churches
• East Atlanta community organizations

These groups often focus on:

• Men’s clothing (especially pants, shirts, outerwear)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate items like rain jackets and sweatshirts

📌 Tip: If you live near a church or community center that visibly serves people in need, call their office and ask if they have a clothing closet or partner with one.

3. Workwear & Professional Clothing Donations

If you have office wear, suits, or business-casual clothing, Atlanta has options geared toward helping residents prepare for job interviews and employment.

Dress for Success Atlanta

Dress for Success focuses on professional attire for women entering or reentering the workforce.

Commonly accepted items:

• Suits, blazers, and dress slacks
• Professional dresses and skirts
• Dress shoes, handbags, and accessories
• Plus-size business attire (often in high demand)

Donations are typically accepted by appointment or during specific hours. It’s especially helpful to:

• Donate items that are current in style, clean, and on hangers if possible
• Avoid overly casual clothes that wouldn’t fit an office or interview setting

Job Readiness & Workforce Programs

Several Atlanta workforce development and reentry programs accept or coordinate clothing donations, especially:

• Men’s and women’s interview outfits
• Non-slip shoes for restaurant or hospital jobs
• Khakis, polos, and simple button-down shirts

To donate:

1. Look up workforce programs in your part of metro Atlanta (such as those run through city agencies, county programs, or large nonprofits).
2. Call and ask if they accept clothing donations or partner with a clothing closet.
3. Follow their specific guidelines, which may be narrower than a general thrift store.

4. Children’s Clothing, Baby Items & Family Support

Families in Atlanta often look for help with kids’ clothes as children quickly outgrow them. Some organizations focus specifically on children and parents.

Pregnancy and Family Resource Centers

In the Atlanta area, pregnancy resource centers and family support programs often accept:

• Baby clothes (newborn to toddler)
• Maternity clothing
• Blankets, onesies, and sleepwear
• Sometimes diapers and baby supplies (check first)

These organizations frequently serve:

• Expectant parents
• Parents with infants and toddlers
• Low-income families in need of essentials

Because space and needs vary by site, always call ahead. Ask if they:

• Take used children’s clothing
• Have any seasonal restrictions (for example, no winter coats during summer due to storage limits)

School- and Neighborhood-Based Clothing Closets

Some Atlanta schools and community centers host clothing closets for students and local families, particularly in:

• Atlanta Public Schools system
• Community centers in Southwest Atlanta, East Atlanta, and the Westside

These closets usually want:

• School-appropriate clothing
• Children’s shoes and jackets
• Sometimes uniforms, if that school uses them

Contact:

• The school’s main office or social worker
• The neighborhood recreation center or community development nonprofit

📌 Tip: Clothing closets often want wash-and-wear, everyday items versus dressy clothes.

5. Seasonal Coat Drives & Winter Gear

Atlanta winters may be milder than in some regions, but cold nights still pose serious risks for people living outdoors or in unstable housing.

Common places to donate coats and warm clothing:

• Citywide coat drives organized in the fall or early winter
• Faith-based groups collecting coats for local distribution
• Shelters and outreach programs that increase their winter clothing intake around October–February

Most sought-after items:

• Heavy coats and jackets
• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Gloves, hats, and scarves
• Warm socks and thermal layers

If you’re in Atlanta during colder months, check with:

• Local shelters
• City or county announcements
• Community bulletin boards at libraries or recreation centers

These frequently advertise ongoing coat drives and where to drop items.

6. Neighborhood Thrift Stores & Charity Shops

Small, locally operated thrift stores and charity shops are scattered throughout Atlanta neighborhoods, including:

• Little Five Points
• Virginia-Highland
• Grant Park
• West End
• Decatur and East Atlanta Village

Some stores are run by:

• Local churches
• Animal rescues
• Community nonprofits

They often accept:

• Everyday adult and children’s clothing
• Shoes and accessories
• Sometimes vintage or specialty pieces

These shops typically display donation instructions near the entrance or on their door. When in doubt, call the store and ask:

• What items they currently accept
• When donations can be dropped off
• If there are any limits (for example, no large furniture)

Quick Comparison: Where to Donate Clothes in Atlanta

How to Prepare Your Clothing Donations in Atlanta

To make your donation as useful as possible for Atlanta organizations and the people they serve, follow a few simple steps.

1. Check Condition and Quality

Most Atlanta donation centers ask that clothing be:

• Clean and freshly washed
• Gently used (no big stains, tears, or strong odors)
• Functional (working zippers, intact buttons)

If something is too worn out for someone else to wear respectfully, it’s often better placed in a textile recycling program rather than donated as clothing.

2. Sort and Label Items

Sorting helps volunteers and staff process donations more quickly.

• Separate clothing into categories:
  • Men’s
  • Women’s
  • Children’s
  • Baby
• Bundle by size or type if you can (for example, “Girls 4T winter” on a bag).
• Use sturdy bags or boxes that won’t rip easily in transit.

📌 Tip: For professional workwear, consider hanging items on hangers or folding them neatly in a box to minimize wrinkling.

3. Confirm What Each Organization Accepts

Not every Atlanta donation site takes every type of clothing. Before you drive across town, it helps to:

1. Call or check posted guidelines at the location.
2. Ask specifically:
   • Do you accept used clothing right now?
   • Any restrictions on season, style, or quantity?
   • Are you currently accepting shoes, accessories, or underwear (often new only)?

Many shelters and specialized programs have limited storage space, so they may temporarily pause some types of donations.

4. Consider Timing and Transportation

Traffic in Atlanta can be heavy, and some donation centers have limited hours.

• Aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons when sites are less busy.
• Avoid arriving right at closing time; staff may not be able to accept late donations.
• If you are donating many large bags and don’t drive, ask:
  • Whether the organization offers pickup services in your ZIP code.
  • If there is a closer neighborhood site you can reach by MARTA or rideshare.

5. Request a Donation Receipt (If Needed)

Most established Atlanta nonprofits and thrift organizations can provide a donation receipt for tax purposes.

• Ask at the donation counter when you drop items off.
• Note that you’re usually responsible for estimating the value of your clothing.

Extra Ways to Give Clothes Locally in Atlanta

Beyond formal organizations, Atlantans often use informal or community-based systems to pass along clothing.

1. Buy-Nothing Groups and Neighborhood Swaps

Many neighborhoods in Atlanta—such as Kirkwood, Inman Park, West Midtown, and others—organize:

• Clothing swaps
• “Free porch” pickups
• Online buy-nothing or giveaway groups

These can be especially good if you:

• Have small batches of clothes
• Want to see them go to neighbors directly
• Are okay with a more informal process

2. College and University Donation Drives

Colleges around Atlanta (including campuses in Midtown, Downtown, and Decatur) sometimes host:

• End-of-semester clothing and dorm clean-out drives
• Special events to collect professional attire for students

If you live near a campus, watch for posted signs or contact the student affairs or community engagement office.

How to Decide Where to Donate in Atlanta

When choosing where to donate clothes in Atlanta, ask yourself:

• Who do I most want to support?
  • People experiencing homelessness?
  • Families with young children?
  • Job seekers needing work clothes?
• What type of clothing do I have?
  • Everyday casual wear works well for thrift stores and shelters.
  • Suits and office wear are better for workforce programs.
  • Baby and kids’ clothes are ideal for family and school-based programs.
• How much time do I have?
  • If you’re short on time, a nearby Goodwill or major donation center is the simplest.
  • If you can make a call and plan ahead, specialized organizations can make particularly targeted use of your items.

By matching what you have with the right Atlanta organization—whether that’s a large thrift chain, a Downtown shelter, a neighborhood clothing closet, or a workforce program—you help ensure your clothing donations are truly useful to people living in and around Atlanta.