Happy New Year! If you're anything like me, January brings that urge to declutter and start fresh. And if you're planning to donate some of those clothes you didn't wear last year (we've all got them), you might be wondering: what do charities actually need right now?

I spent the last few weeks talking to donation center managers and volunteers to find out what's flying off their shelves and what's sitting untouched. Here's what I learned about donation trends for 2026.

The Big Picture: What's Changed

The secondhand market keeps growing. More people are shopping at thrift stores than ever before, which is great news for sustainability. But it also means donation centers are getting pickier about what they accept. The days of dropping off anything and everything are over.

The good news? When you donate items that are actually needed, they move quickly. Your coat could be keeping someone warm within days of dropping it off.

The Most Needed Items in 2026

Based on conversations with donation centers across the country, here's what's in highest demand right now:

1. Winter Gear (Always #1 in January)

We're in the middle of winter, and warm clothing is desperately needed. If you have any of these sitting unused, now's the time:

🧥Coats and jackets: Especially in larger adult sizes (L, XL, XXL)
🧤Accessories: Hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks
👢Winter boots: Waterproof footwear in good condition

2. Professional Attire

January is prime job-hunting season. People are making fresh starts, and many need interview-appropriate clothing:

👔Business casual basics: Blazers, dress pants, button-downs
👠Professional shoes: Clean, polished, minimal wear
👜Work-appropriate bags: Briefcases, professional totes

Pro Tip

Dress for Success specifically focuses on professional attire for women entering the workforce. If you have suits, blazers, or interview-ready pieces, they're a perfect match.

3. Plus-Size Clothing

This continues to be the biggest gap in donations. Every single donation center I talked to mentioned this:

📏Sizes XL and above are chronically undersupplied
👗All categories needed: casual, professional, outerwear
❤️Your donations in these sizes make an outsized impact

4. Children's Clothing

Kids outgrow clothes constantly, making this a perpetual need:

👶Baby and toddler sizes: Always in demand
🎒School-age clothing: Especially uniform-appropriate pieces
👟Kids' shoes: They go through these fast

New Items: Small Purchases, Big Impact

Some items can only be donated new (for hygiene reasons), but they're desperately needed:

🧦New socks: The most requested item at homeless shelters
📦New underwear: Critical and chronically under-donated
👙New bras: Especially needed in common sizes

Did You Know?

Organizations like The Undies Project focus specifically on getting new underwear to people in need. A six-pack of socks or underwear costs a few dollars but means the world to someone without.

What's Sitting on Shelves

Not everything is in demand. Here's what donation centers say they have plenty of:

• Fast fashion pieces in poor condition
• Outdated formal wear (think prom dresses from 2010)
• Novelty t-shirts and promotional items
• Heavily worn athletic wear

This doesn't mean you can't donate these items. Just know they might take longer to find a home, or may be recycled rather than resold.

Make Your New Year Donations Count

If you're doing a January closet cleanout, take a few extra minutes to check your items against this list. That winter coat you forgot about? Someone needs it right now. Those work clothes from your last job? They could help someone land their next opportunity.

Start Fresh, Give Back

New year, fresh start. What better way to begin 2026 than by passing on items you no longer need to people who'll actually use them?

Ready to donate? Find a donation center near you and drop off your items. Most places like Goodwill and Salvation Army accept donations during regular business hours.

Need help deciding what to keep versus donate? Check out our closet cleanse guide. And for tips on preparing your items, our donation etiquette article walks you through everything.

Here's to a generous 2026!

Kelly Ferrell

Kelly is a Senior Program Manager at the American Red Cross with nearly 7 years of experience in disaster response and community outreach. A graduate of Appalachian State University, she's passionate about connecting people with resources that make a real difference. When she's not coordinating relief efforts, Kelly loves sharing practical tips on sustainable giving and helping others find meaningful ways to support their communities.

Donation Tips

Closet Cleanse: How to Decide What Clothes to Donate

If your wardrobe is overflowing, it's time for a refresh! Learn how to decide what clothes to donate with our fun and guilt-free closet cleanse guide.