Posted by Mike Smith :: October 7, 2008 @ 9:25 am

Making clothing donations to a worthy charity like Goodwill has always yielded multiple benefits. In addition to the charitable work done by these organizations, donors have been able to take small tax deductions as well. Another advantage getting a lot of attention lately is that shopping at charity thrift stores can lead to some unbelievable deals for name brand clothing.

Some people may feel guilty shopping at such a store because they feel they are taking away opportunities for less fortunate shoppers. When you realize that there is an abundance of merchandise and that store proceeds also go towards the charitable mission, this excuse can quickly be dismissed. There may also be historical stigmas attached with second-hand clothing and thrift store shopping, but there really shouldn’t be. A recent Goodwill fundraiser turned quite a few heads and hopefully many opinions of thrift store shopping as well.

As part of its fundraising event at the French Embassy in Washington D.C., Goodwill held a fashion show featuring items from Goodwill donations. Many of the high-society attendees, who previously stated that they would never shop at a charity thrift store, were clamoring for items to buy from the racks after the show was complete.

Paying incredibly reduced prices for high quality, name brand clothing isn’t tacky, it’s financial genius. Many of the items for sale are barely worn and some are even brand new. I know that we’ve donated clothing that our children outgrew before they were able to wear and I’m sure others do the same. Following the logic that those with more also give more, a high percentage of clothing donations likely come from wealthy individuals who themselves wear high quality, expensive clothing. Reusing items is also environmentally friendly because it cuts down on the amount of resources that must be used to produce new items.

So continue donating clothing to charity and taking the appropriate tax deductions. But also remember to check there before buying new clothes. You can probably find superior items for significantly lower prices, and your purchase will further support a charitable cause.