5 places to donate winter clothes and essentials in the Boston area

Winter in Boston this year has been so far Benign, with residents seeing highs of 60 degrees through December. Despite the few degrees of heat, however, winter remains a brutal season on the east coast.

Associated with the rise of the omicron and rapid increase in cases of COVID-19 just before the holidays, many turn to shelters and organizations for support, from rental assistance to food and clothing, according to Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD).

“During the second year [of the pandemic], we still see a great need, ”said Sharon Scott-Chandler, executive vice president of ABCD. “These people who haven’t returned to their jobs and whose pandemic unemployment has run out, because a lot of people were relying on that extra money, they find themselves in even more need now because they haven’t that extra paycheck. “

In an effort to combat the winter season, organizations like ABCD organize winter clothing drives, collecting new or lightly used warm clothing from Boston residents, which can then be distributed to communities across the city in need.

Below are a few organizations in the Boston area that accept winter clothing donations:

ABCD is organizing a coat drive for the winter months in Boston. Items accepted include winter coats, scarves, boots, gloves, mittens, hats, and other clothing that can help a person in cold weather. Clothing intended for adults and plus sizes are popular, according to Scott-Chandler.

Items can be delivered to ABCD locations in Boston, including Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, and Downtown.

Saint-François House

Maison Saint-François has resumed accepting clothing donations after an interruption due to COVID-19. Accepted items include shoes, jackets (water resistant / waterproof), hoodies, long sleeve tops, sweaters, jeans and leggings, belts, backpacks, thermal clothing, knit hats and casual work clothes.

Located at 39 Boylston St., Boston, MA

Rosie’s place

Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter, is collecting holiday items to give gifts to approximately 1,000 guests. The items they accept include warm hats, scarf and glove sets, slippers and bathrobes, pajama sets, throws and blankets.

Located at 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA

Catie’s closet

Clothing donations made to Catie’s Closet are offered to children and adolescents. Items accepted include new and lightly used clothing for most sizes of children, tops, bottoms, new plus size toiletries, new socks, underwear and shoes.

Located at 63 Sprague St., Boston, MA

From cradles to pencils

This organization that helps children in need is also looking for donations of new or like-new clothing in the size range from newborn to 12 years old. Items accepted include winter coats and vests, new and reusable face masks, new pajamas, new socks and underwear, shoes, boots and sneakers, books, new art supplies and craft and unopened diapers.

Donations can be deposited in the outdoor bins at various places.