Coakley Warns Clothes Donation Bins May Not Be For Charity

So you thought you could trust a name like, “Save the Innocent Children”, “Buy a Puppy Save a Life”, etc…well according to Martha Coakley’s office some charity avenues may not be charity at all! Boston has experienced several companies that have been luring donation givers in with a false sense of charity.

The Attorney General’s office said, “They’ve become a familiar site in parking lots and on other public places. But what many people don’t know when they toss unwanted clothes or other household items into clothing donation bins, is that their “donation” is not always charitable and could be increasing the bottom line of a for-profit business, not furthering the mission of a charity.

So if you would like those unwanted items to further a charitable cause or mission, the Attorney General’s Office wants to remind the public to be aware that their donations may not contribute to charitable purposes and that a little homework on behalf of a prospective donor, can assure that your donation benefits a charity if that is your goal.

For consumers who want to ensure that their clothing donation is going to a charitable cause, the Attorney General’s Office advises the public to follow these few simple steps:

If a company seeking your donation states, explicitly or implicitly, that a portion of the proceeds will advance a charitable organization or cause, do your homework. Make sure the company has registered with the Division as a commercial co-venturer. Consumers can call the Public Charities Division to confirm if a for-profit is registered with our office at 617-727-2200 ext. 2101.

Do not hesitate to contact the company and ask how much of the value of your donation will be dedicated to charitable causes.

In most cases where the recipient is not a charity, the percentage contributed to charitable purposes is small. Consider whether that contribution level is acceptable to you.

For more information on clothing donation bins, members of the public can view the Clothing Donation Consumer Advisory on the Attorney General’s website. “

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