How to Donate Sewing Supplies

You have mounds of fabric, tons of spools of thread, hundreds of sewing patterns, baskets of assorted notions, old sewing machines and more sewing books than you'll ever read. They're all items you tell yourself you just can't part with or will eventually use, but they've outgrown your sewing room and are slowly moving you out of your home. Why not free up some room by letting someone else make good use of your treasures?

Sort through and organize the sewing supplies you're donating. You may want to organize based on general categories, such as notions, tools, patterns, books, equipment and supplies. This makes it easier to convey to potential recipients what you actually have to give.

Select a recipient in your community who has a need for sewing supplies. Good places to start include schools with home economic, fashion and design or theatrical courses; local community organizations with arts and crafts programs; thrift stores that support local charities; preschools and elementary schools; and friends, relatives and acquaintances who demonstrate the need or desire for sewing supplies.

Contact the recipient directly to ask questions about donating and to address any concerns you may have about him, his cause or his organization.

Arrange delivery or pickup of your sewing supplies if you and your recipient decide to move forward with the exchange.

Ask for a tax receipt for your tax and personal records. Generally, if an organization or charity has 501c3 status with the Internal Revenue Service, you may claim your gift as a tax deduction. Decide on a fair value for your sewing supplies and put that on your receipt.