Whether it’s the holidays, a change of seasons, or you’re simply ready to clear some space, donating your gently used clothing is a meaningful way to give back right here in the La Crosse area. By passing along the items you no longer need, you’re helping support local families, community programs, and organizations that rely on these contributions. From shelters to community closets, there are plenty of places where your donations can make a real impact. Read on to explore the local spots where your clothing can find a new home and make a difference!
New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers | La Crosse
Location: 1223 Main Street, La Crosse
Contributions to New Horizons help them to meet the imminent needs of community members seeking support, and also help to continue the shelter’s daily operations. New Horizons publishes a full list of the shelter’s current needs and updates as needed, so be sure to check the list when going through your donation items! For questions or to arrange a donation drop-off time, please contact the Director of Community Engagement at 608-791-2610, ext. 1301.
Amy’s Closet | Located in the Barge Berkley Chiropractic Clinic
Location: 3812 Creekside Lane, Holmen
Amy’s Closet was built to help create smooth transitions for foster children and families by offering clothing and personal items. Amy’s Closet has become an invaluable resource to support those in need, whether it’s helping a child transition to a new home, assisting schools, aiding families in emergencies, or providing for local shelters. Needs are posted to the Amy’s Closet Facebook Page, and community members can graciously step in to fill the need. Donations can be dropped off at either the Holmen or La Crosse clinics.
Trinity Lutheran Church Children’s Closet | La Crosse
Location: 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse
Trinity Lutheran has a clothes closet program dedicated to helping our community’s children and families. The Closet provides seasonal clothing, shoes, outerwear, and other essentials free of charge to families in need. Currently, the Closet is in need of children’s winter gear! Gently used clothing donations can be dropped off during church office hours. Open shopping for families in need is on Monday evenings, 4 PM – 6 PM (or by appointment). For more information or to donate clothing, please contact the church office at 608-782-6200 or email office@trinitylutheranlax.org.
First Teen Clothes Closet | La Crosse
Location: 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse
The youth members at First Lutheran Church organize the First Teen Clothes Closet – filled with clothes, shoes, coats, and other items for local teenage youth in need. The closet is located at Trinity Lutheran. It is open for drop-in shopping on Mondays from 4 – 6 PM or by appointment. Donate clothing (gently used) item by dropping off at Trinity Lutheran Church during their open hours (Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 2 PM). Be sure to check their website or Facebook Page ahead of time for the donation needs.
Local Schools | Multiple Locations in La Crosse and surrounding towns
Check with your local schools to see if they are open to donated clothing. Many schools run coat drives in the fall and winter or will accept clothing donations year-round to give to students in need!
YMCA Community Youth Center Community Closet | La Crosse
Location: 1105 King Street, La Crosse
The YMCA Community Youth Center houses a Community Closet, providing clothing free of charge to community members in need. Specific donation items that they are looking for can be found here. Community members can visit or donate clothing to the Community Closet by appointment only. Fill out the form to schedule a time to donate or shop.
UWL Campus Thread – Centennial Hall | UWL Campus
Location: 308 16th Street N, La Crosse
The Campus Thread is a free clothing closet at UWL. They are located in two spots and shopping can occur either location:
- The Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement (CDCE) at 1120 Centennial Hall, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4 PM
- Career Services (career clothing only) at 1209 Centennial Hall, Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM
Donations can be delivered to the Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement between 8:30 AM – 4 PM at 1120 Centennial Hall. Accepted donations include gently used casual clothing, UWL apparel, career/business attire, and winter wear. Please make sure that items are laundered before donating!
Catholic Charities Men’s Clothing Closet | La Crosse
Location: 508 South 5th Ave, La Crosse
Catholic Charities houses a Men’s Clothing Closet in their main office along with their local Food Pantry. Hours are Mondays from 9 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 3 PM. No appointment is necessary to shop or donate clothing. See their website for more information and a list of current needs!
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Women’s Clothes Closet | La Crosse
Location: 612 Division St, La Crosse
The mission of the Church’s Women’s Clothes Closet is to support and empower women in our community by providing gently used clothing and accessories. Donations can be made by appointment – please call 608-784-5745 to schedule a time. The Closet accepts gently used, in-season clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories that are fashionable, clean, and in good repair.
The Women’s Clothes Closet is open for clothing selection on Tuesdays 1 – 5 PM and Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM. No appointment necessary.
Local boutiques | Various Locations
Local business owners, like KEPS in Sparta, often times through the winter season will have free racks filled with donated coats and other winter items. Consider donating your gently used winter items, and keep our communities warm this season! For more information, reach out to your local boutiques or check their Facebook pages to see if they have similar programs.
Fresh Out of the Closet | La Crosse
Location: 230 Sixth Street South, La Crosse
Fresh Out of the Closet is a free, Gender Affirming Clothes Closet available to community members. The closet is located inside the Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection and is open by appointment only. Seasonal, gently used or new clothing donations are appreciated! See their website for a list of most needed items!
If you’re looking for more options, consider donating to these local thrift stores as well! All of these locally owned thrift stores pour back into our community by supporting local nonprofits, charities, schools, veterans, and community members in need.
Wee Repeat | 1732 Market Street, La Crosse
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 3 PM
The Second Hand Shack | 2612 South Ave, La Crosse
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Salvation Army Thrift Store | 728 Copeland Ave, La Crosse
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
Good Steward Resale Shop | 1930 Rose St, La Crosse
Hours: Tuesday 10 AM – 6 PM, Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Thrifty Pickins’ & Buckies | 980 WI-Hwy 16, West Salem
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
