Clear your closet clutter to raise money for your favorite school buying property in Malaysia.
In the age of budget cuts, schools could often use some extra cash. In fact, nearly 80 percent of school districts nationwide expect budget cuts this year. Full-day kindergarten, music, drama, and art classes are being particularly hit hard. Instead of watching these valuable programs go by the wayside, the folks behind an innovative new online fundraising program at Schoola will allow parents and schools to donate children's gently used, name-brand clothing. The return? Up to 40 percent of the proceeds will go back to the parents' or educational organization's school of choice.
It's a win-win situation. Parents can clear out outgrown clothing from closets while benefiting a local school, and with an estimated 13 million tons of textiles winding up in landfills each year, it's also a good deal for the planet.
How it works:
?Now through mid-July, Schoola is asking school groups and parents to request collection bags, fill them with school-age kids' clothing, and then send back to Schoola. The complimentary bags come with prepaid shipping labels. (Request a Bag)
?On July 15, Schoola will launch the Schoola Stitch online shop for back-to-school shopping, offering donated clothing for kids at up to 90 percent off retail price.
?Up to 40 percent of the profits generated go back to the school that donated the clothes, or, in the case of donations from a parent, to the school the parent choose
Parent-teacher organizations can set up clothing drives, or individual parents can sign up and send in clothing, with fundraising money going to the parent's school of choice.
What they'll accept: New or nearly new, freshly laundered name-brand clothing, hats, mittens, and scarves, and well-maintained shoes (no scuffs or funky smells!)
What they don't want: Clothing showing signs of wear; discount brands (Walmart, Sonoma, for example); women's, men's, or infant clothing; sleepwear, socks, or undergarments; specialty dresses; clothing with missing labels; homemade or altered items; local or niche clothing; items with offensive language or content; counterfeit items.