Donate to the Free Store
Donations of clothing and household goods ensure that area families can shop for essentials, free of charge.
We accept new and gently used clothing for men, women, and children, as well as household goods such as blankets, kitchenware, and personal care products at our donation drive-thru.
Please be mindful of providing clean, wearable clothing and please check the list of items we cannot accept below.
Please do not leave items outside the door after hours or when the donation door is closed.
Most needed donations include:
- Men’s clothing
- Children's clothing
- School uniforms (solid color golf/polo shirts; khaki, navy, black pants/skirts)
- Hygiene items: shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, hair care products
- Shoes and socks
- New underwear
- Comforters, sheets, blankets, towels, sleeping bags, bedding and linens
- Dishes, cups, glasses, flatware, serving ware
- Luggage, duffle bags and backpacks
- Small household goods (lightbulbs, batteries, umbrellas, coffeemakers, thermos)
Unfortunately, we do not take the following:
- Baby formula, high chairs, car seats, or strollers
- Furniture or mattresses
- Toys
- Books and magazines
- Computers or electronics
- Food and medicine
- Large appliances
- Gardening tools
- Medical supplies or equipment
- Exercise and sports equipment
Looking for a charity that will accept donations we cannot?
Call 2-1-1 (or 888-892-1162) or visit www.nc211.org, and you’ll be connected to a specialist with a database of local charities. They are open 24/7 and speak multiple languages.
School Uniforms
More than 40 public schools in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system require uniforms. Because children grow fast and clothing wears out, these items are among the most requested by families who shop here free-of-charge. New or gently-used items in all sizes, 3T to adult, are needed year-round.
- Solid color golf/polo shirts: white, navy, light blue, red, hunter green
- Solid color pants: khaki, navy, black
- Solid color skirts/scooters: khaki, navy, black
- Solid color sweaters: navy, white, red
- Solid color jumpers: khaki, navy, black
- Solid color socks: black, navy, khaki
- Brown or black belts in student sizes
How You Can Help
Download our handy illustrated shopping guide.
Take a moment to check your children’s closets. Gently used items can find a new home with families who shop at the Free Store for essential items like school clothes. All sizes, from 4T to adult, are welcome, especially larger sizes.
Consider picking up an extra solid colored golf shirt or pair of khakis for a child whose family might not have the means to do so, but is in a similar situation.
Drop off donations at our donation drive-thru during regularly scheduled hours, or
Shop from anywhere using our convenient Amazon Wish List to purchase needed items and have them delivered directly to Crisis Assistance Ministry. Your donations will be distributed, free of charge, to families in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.