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When you can no longer use your branded merchandise, donating can be a thoughtful way to give back to the community, support various causes, and promote sustainability. Consider donating to local charities and nonprofits, schools and educational programs, community centers, and healthcare facilities. Some companies do the work for you. Here at EcoBranders, we’ve partnered with Swag Cycle, a startup founded to keep branded merch out of landfills. They take your excess, outdated, or slightly used merchandise and connect companies with charitable partners.
If you would like to donate to organizations directly, here are some ideas of where to donate your merch:
Local Charities and Non-profits:
- Support environmental and earth-friendly groups focused on sustainability by donating items they can use in their initiatives or resell to fund their activities.
- Emergency relief organizations like the Red Cross or local disaster relief groups often need donations for people affected by natural disasters.
- Consider donating to animal shelters if your merchandise includes pet supplies.
- Additionally, youth organizations appreciate items like apparel, bags, and sports equipment.
- While homeless shelters often accept clothing, blankets, and many other useful items.
Schools and Educational Programs:
- Public schools as well as their after-school programs often accept donated apparel, water bottles, and office supplies.
- Local community centers often have a variety of programs that can benefit from donated merchandise such as fitness classes, youth programs, or community events.
- You can also participate in or organize community or corporate donation drives, especially around holidays or back-to-school seasons.
- Lastly, consider healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
Tips for Donating:
- ensure items are in good condition and clean
- consider if the merchandise is appropriate for the recipient organization
- always contact the organization before donating to ensure they can accept and use your items
- keep receipts and documentation if you plan to claim the donation as a tax deduction
By donating your unused branded merchandise, you can help various organizations and individuals, reduce waste, and support community initiatives.
