Donating keeps good clothes in use and supports local causes. A quick check before you drop things off makes sure your donation actually gets used.
Get it ready first
A few minutes of prep means more of your donation gets reused.
- Wash everything and make sure it’s dry before you bag it up.
- Only donate wearable items. Torn or worn-out clothes belong in textile recycling, not the donation bin.
- Pair shoes together and tie or band them so they don’t get separated.
- Bag it up in something you don’t need back.
Charity shops
Southport and the wider Sefton high streets have plenty of charity shops that welcome good-quality clothes — your donation raises money and finds someone a bargain.
- Queenscourt Hospice — our local hospice runs six shops across Sefton and West Lancashire. Southport locations at 28 Chapel Street, 88–90 Bispham Road (discount shop), 150 Cambridge Road (Churchtown), 84 Station Road (Ainsdale), plus 48 Brows Lane (Formby).
- Sefton Women’s & Children’s Aid, Bootle — their charity shop directly funds their frontline services supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
- Salvation Army clothing banks across Sefton — find your nearest at salvationarmytrading.org.uk/find-us
- Gift Aid it if you’re a UK taxpayer — the charity earns 25% more at no cost to you.
- Check donation times — some shops prefer morning drop-offs when they have space to sort.
School uniform
Outgrown uniform is one of the most needed donations locally. Two great Sefton options:
Uniform Hub (Compassion Acts)
Sefton Council “Swops” uniform bank
Community groups
Some clothes are needed urgently by people starting over, or people supported by local services. Local groups often ask for specific items — always check what they need before dropping off.
- Lakeside Church Free Clothes Store, Southport — genuinely free clothing for anyone who needs it, no questions asked. A warm and welcoming Sefton resource.
- Swan Women’s Centre, Litherland — supports and empowers women and teenage girls across Sefton and Liverpool through counselling, befriending and courses. Contact them first to find out what donations are currently helpful. swanwomenscentre.org
- Emmaus Merseyside, Bootle — supports people who’ve experienced homelessness through community living and their charity superstore. Both furniture and clothing welcome.
- Ask what’s needed first — most groups need particular sizes, seasons or types (e.g. warm winter coats, work-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes for interviews).
- Contact refuges before dropping off — for safety reasons, some don’t publish addresses.
Or bring it to a swap
At a Swish & Stitch clothes swap you can bring what you no longer wear and pick up something new-to-you, free. It’s the most direct way to pass clothes straight to someone who’ll love them.