Donating clothes in Missouri is simple and impactful.

By giving to Red Racks Thrift Stores, you directly support local veterans and their families while reducing waste.

Here’s a quick guide to get started:

• What to Donate: Clean, gently used everyday clothing, outerwear, footwear, accessories, and athletic gear.
• What Not to Donate: Items with mold, strong odors, large tears, or safety hazards.
• How to Prepare: Wash, inspect for damage, and pack items in sturdy bags or boxes labeled by category.
• Where to Donate: Drop off at any Red Racks Thrift Store or donation bin in Missouri, daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Your donations fund essential services like medical care, job training, and housing for veterans. Plus, you can request a tax-deductible receipt when you donate. Follow these steps to make a difference today!

What Clothes Can You Donate

Red Racks accepts a variety of gently used clothing to support veteran services and provide affordable options in Missouri. Knowing what’s accepted ensures your donation has the most impact.

What You Can Donate

Red Racks welcomes gently used clothing and accessories in good condition. Here’s a quick list:

• Everyday clothing: shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, and sweaters
• Outerwear: coats, jackets, and winter accessories
• Footwear: shoes, boots, and athletic sneakers
• Accessories: belts, scarves, handbags, and jewelry
• Athletic gear: sportswear and workout clothing

Items with minor issues, like missing buttons or small holes, are accepted and may be sent to international markets.

What You Shouldn’t Donate

Some items can’t be accepted due to safety, condition, or legal concerns:

• Items with mold, mildew, or chemical stains
• Clothing with large tears or strong odors
• Hazardous materials or unsafe items
• Products that have been recalled

Donation Guidelines

• Wash all clothing before donating.
• Inspect for stains, tears, or odors.
• Check with your local store for specific seasonal or size needs.

Donating unsuitable items can lead to extra disposal costs, so if you’re unsure, reach out to your local Red Racks for advice.

Up next: tips on sorting, cleaning, and packing your donations for drop-off.

Getting Clothes Ready for Donation

Preparing your clothes the right way before donating helps ensure they can effectively support Missouri veterans and families in need. Follow these steps to make your donations as helpful as possible.

Sort Your Clothes

Organize your clothes into categories to make things easier for donation centers. For example:

• Seasonal: Separate summer clothes from winter items.
• Age groups: Adults’ clothing vs. kids’ clothing.
• Types: Workwear, casual outfits, etc.

Once sorted, wash and check each group before packing.

Clean and Inspect Items

Take the time to clean and examine each piece:

• Wash everything thoroughly, even if it looks clean.
• Make sure zippers work and buttons are secure.
• Look for holes, stains, or heavy wear and tear.
• Remove pet hair and lint.
• Ensure everything smells fresh after washing – no lingering odors.

Pack and Label

Pack your clothes in sturdy boxes or durable bags. Clearly label each container with its contents, such as “Men’s Shirts” or “Children’s Jackets.” This small step saves time for donation centers and ensures your items are distributed effectively.

Missouri Donation Locations

Red Racks Thrift Stores, operated by Disabled American Veterans, uses all proceeds to support programs for veterans while helping reduce waste in the community. Donating here is straightforward and makes a real difference.

How to Donate at Red Racks

• Drop Off: Donations are accepted daily from 9 AM to 9 PM at any store or clothing bin in the Kansas City metro area.
• Get a Receipt: Ask a store associate for a tax-deductible receipt when you donate.
• Call for Special Items: If you’re donating large or unique items, it’s a good idea to call ahead.

Supporting the Local Community

Your donations help fund essential services for veterans, including over 700,000 annual transports, 300,000 benefit claims, and assistance for more than one million veterans each year. Contributions also go toward:

• Job training and workforce programs
• Educational scholarships
• Outreach to help the homeless
• Collaborations with local food banks

Making Your Donations Count

Once you’ve prepared and delivered your items, use these three tips to make the biggest difference.

Align with the Seasons

Donate winter essentials like coats, sweaters, and warm accessories in early fall. For summer clothing – lightweight shirts and rain jackets – plan to give in late winter. Missouri’s unpredictable weather makes transitional items like light jackets, layering shirts, and cardigans useful all year long. These pieces help veterans and their families stay prepared for changing conditions.

Address Community Needs

Check out redracksthriftstores.com or call your local store to find out what items are most needed. By focusing your donations on specific requests, you can better support Missouri veterans and their families throughout the year.

Make Giving a Habit

Keep support flowing by setting up a routine. Plan a monthly and seasonal wardrobe review, and add reminders to your calendar. Before heading out, double-check store hours online to ensure a smooth drop-off.

Conclusion

Red Racks Thrift Stores, run by Disabled American Veterans since 1958, depend on donations of clean, gently used clothing to support services for local veterans and, through partnerships, assist global communities. Donating at the right time, based on local needs and seasons, ensures your items are put to the best use. Simply follow the steps outlined – sort, clean, and pack – and drop off your donations at any Red Racks location.

Taking the time to sort, clean, and package your items properly increases the impact of your donation. You can leave your labeled bags at any Kansas City–area store or donation bin and receive a tax receipt. Your support helps Missouri veterans and reduces waste – thank you!