anyone know any way of giving clothes to third world charities?

[minkmama]

Unicef don't offer this service and I'd prefer to give my baby clothes etc. to third world children. someone posted a leaflet a while ago but i've lost it! any ideas?

Round our way there is occasional collection service from outside the house.

The number on their leaflet is 0870 872 5066. It's the number to ring if your bag is not collected but they might be able to give further info.

Also there are often collection bins near bottle banks.

Oops - sorry there is a better number for people interested 07745 962 127 10-6 mon-fri.

Look carefully at the leaflets. In big letters they say that clothes are given to 3rd world companies, then in smaller ones it says that it is a commercial business. They take the good stuff and sell it for a profit and only send the real dross to charities. Why not give it to a charity shop that will raise money to support third world projects - tbh your lovely baby outfits probably wouldn't be much good to a baby in Sudan.

Depends where you live? MY DD's babysitters collect clothes for the chernobyl childrens project... who really appreciate used clothes and the definately get sent out there. Im sure they have a web site but ive not looked yet!.tbc

Thanks v. much i would appreciate any contacts you can find. i live in surrey if that's any help?

Minkmama,

the best thing you can do with your second-hand clothing is take it to your local Oxfam shop. Trying to donate it directly to third world children can be inefficient and can undermine local industry. People in the third world are perfectly capable of making their own clothes but they may not be able to fend off unfair competition. There are some projects wherby clothes are sold, rather than donated, helping local businesses generate income. (i'm not sure, but I think Oxfam do this) But if they will sell in the UK for money for Oxfam that's the best way to go

Can never get links to work so have cut and pasted it: With the exception of emergencies stuff that goes to Oxfam that is unsuitable for sale here is sold abroad (not donated). Click on "what happens to the donations". If you give it to someone like Oxfam, with years of experience, then you can be assured they are putting it to the best possible use

www.oxfam.org.uk/what_you_can_do/shop/how_to_donate/index.htm

What the charity shops can't sell sometimes goes to the third world. Or put the lot on Ebay and donate the money instead, or sponsor a child.