Clothe the Naked

We can clean out closets and donate the extras. But isn’t there something more?  Can we simplify our lives and our wardrobes?  How many pairs of shoes do I own?  Can I donate more than my excess?  I can decide to winnow down my wardrobe to basics and donate more just than out-of-date and outgrown clothing?

We might decide to skip a purchase from a website or catalog and make a donation instead to a women’s shelter or a social service agency.  It’s not just about giving unwanted things away but about owning less and offering support to those who don’t have enough.

Reaching Out to Help

One resource in the US is the St. Vincent de Paul Society, with services and stores in all 50 of the United States, and home pick up of donations often available.  The Salvation Army serves many parts of the world through stores and services to the needy, and each city and town usually has organizations or donation bins located for drop-off of clothing.

I could visit a clothing store like St. Vincent de Paul in my community or even volunteer there once a month.  Jane Knuth, an American writer, shared her experience of volunteering at a St. Vincent de Paul store and the transformation it had on her life in her book Thrift Store Saints.

Have More Ideas to Add?

If you have more ideas for ways to Clothe the Naked, let us hear from you.