How to Donate During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of giving, celebration, and spreading joy to those around us. At ATRS, we love seeing the generosity of our communities as the weather cools and families begin preparing for the holidays. From Halloween costumes to holiday sweaters, it’s tempting to donate everything you no longer want—but when it comes to our donation bins, we want to make sure your contributions have the most impact.

Focus on Clothing, Shoes, and Textiles

While Halloween is just the beginning of the holiday season, it’s important to remember that ATRS donation bins are specifically for gently used clothing, shoes, and household textiles. We do not accept decorations, holiday props, elaborate costumes, or boxes. These items can create safety hazards, damage other donations, or simply cannot be reused in a practical way.

By donating only clothing and textiles, you help ensure that every item in our bins can either be reused, recycled, or redistributed to support local charities and families in need.

Tips for Holiday Donations

1. Gently Used Clothing – Only items that are in good, wearable condition should be donated. This includes everyday clothing, shoes, and seasonal items like sweaters and coats.
2. Bag Your Donations – Place all clothing and textiles in securely tied bags. Kitchen-sized bags are preferred for easy handling and collection.
3. Leave Out Non-Textile Items – Decorations, boxes, or any non-clothing items should not be placed in the donation bin. These can damage other donations or create unnecessary disposal work for our team.
4. Check Bin Availability – If a bin is full, call 800-900-9308. Someone from ATRS will assist you within an hour to locate the nearest alternate bin or handle the full collection.

Why Your Donations Matter More During the Holidays

During the holiday season, families often face added financial pressure. Donations collected through ATRS bins support local charities, helping provide essentials to those who may not have the resources to purchase new clothing or shoes. Your gently used donations can provide warmth, comfort, and confidence to children, adults, and families in your community—especially during the colder months when clothing needs are higher.

Make Your Donations Count

To make the most of your holiday donation:

• Keep your contributions textile-focused.
• Bag items properly and avoid boxes or decorations.
• Encourage friends and family to donate gently used clothing this season.

By following these simple steps, you’ll help maximize the impact of every donation and ensure a smooth, safe, and organized process for our team, our partners, and the families we serve.

Spread Holiday Cheer Without the Clutter

As the holidays approach—from Halloween to Christmas—remember that your donations do more than clear out your closet. They reduce waste, support local charities, and bring joy to those in need. ATRS makes it easy to give back to your community while keeping the environment in mind.

So this holiday season, skip the decorations and focus on clothing, shoes, and textiles that can truly make a difference. Every bag you donate helps families, supports charities, and keeps our planet greener.

Find a bin near you today and start spreading the holiday cheer!