If you have clothes you no longer wear, there are several places in and around Nottingham that may be able to use them. The best option depends on the condition of the clothes and whether you want them to support a particular local charity.
Sharewear Clothing Scheme
Sharewear Clothing Scheme is a Nottinghamshire charity that gives suitable clothing to people who need it. It accepts new and pre-loved clothes for all ages and sizes, as well as shoes, bedding sets and towels.
Sharewear has 24-hour donation containers at Southglade Business Park, NG5 9RA; St Jude’s Church, 405 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, NG3 5HE; and St Paul’s Church, Boundary Road, West Bridgford, NG2 7DB.
Put clothes in bags to protect them from damage. Sharewear does not accept duvets or pillows in these containers because of limited space. It also asks that donated clothing is good enough to wear or give to someone else. Underwear, socks and tights must be new.
Nottinghamshire Hospice
Nottinghamshire Hospice accepts good-quality women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, along with shoes, bags, belts, scarves and jewellery. You can take donations to one of its shops across Nottinghamshire, including shops in Beeston, Mapperley, Sherwood, West Bridgford and Wollaton.
The hospice does not accept soiled clothing, bedding, curtains, towels or duvets. Check the current shop list and contact details before travelling, as opening times can change.
Emmanuel House
Emmanuel House accepts clothing and other items to support people who are homeless or vulnerable in Nottingham. It currently lists fashionable clothing, shoes, accessories, blankets, sleeping bags and socks among its accepted donations. Underwear must be new.
Take donations to the Emmanuel House Support Centre at 53–61 Goose Gate, Hockley, Nottingham, NG1 1FE. Donations are accepted Monday to Friday, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Emmanuel House does not offer a collection service and cannot accept large quantities such as a house clearance.
BHF and Oxfam
The British Heart Foundation shop on Clumber Street accepts bags of clothing through its in-store donation point. It is at 12–14 Clumber Street, Nottingham, NG1 3GA. BHF’s free home collection service is for furniture and electrical items, not ordinary bags of clothes.
Oxfam Mapperley at 25 Plains Road, Mapperley, NG3 5LG, accepts quality, undamaged clothing and accessories. Check with the shop for its current opening times.
What condition should clothes be in?
Wash and dry clothes before donating them. Check that they are clean, wearable and free from damage. Pair shoes together and place everything in a clean bag.
If clothes are heavily soiled, torn or unsuitable for another person to wear, do not put them in a charity donation bag. Nottingham City Council says local recycling sites accept mixed textiles and clothes. The Redfield Road recycling centre in Lenton, NG7 2UJ, is available to Nottingham City residents and lists mixed textiles and clothes among the items it accepts. Check the council’s current guidance before you go.