With the change of seasons, now is a perfect time to clear out the closets and give your gently used clothing a new life by donating to organizations right here in the La Crosse area! By passing along items you no longer need, you’re not only creating space but also making a meaningful impact in our community. From shelters to community closets, there are plenty of spots nearby that could use your contributions to help support families and individuals in need. Read on to discover the local places where your donations can make a real difference!
New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers | 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.
Amy’s Closet | Located in the Barge Berkley Chiropractic Clinic
Location: 3812 Creekside Ln, 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, between 9 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Thursday. Open shopping for families in need is on Monday evenings, 4 PM – 6 PM (or by appointment). This holiday season, children who are picking out clothes also have the option of selecting a toy as well! For more information or to donate clothing, please contact the church office at 608-782-6200.
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).
Local Schools | Multiple Locations in La Crosse and surrounding towns
Check with your local schools to see if they are open to donate 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 | 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. Currently, the clothes closet is in need of men’s and boys’ clothing but welcomes gently used clothing items for people of all ages and sizes. Community members can visit or donate clothing to the Community Closet by appointment only. Fill out the form here to schedule a time, or contact the Community Center with questions (608-519-9982).
UWL Campus Thread — Centennial Hall on UWL Campus | La Crosse
Location: 308 16th Street N, La Crosse
The Campus Thread is a free clothing closet at UWL. Accepted donations include gently used casual clothing, UWL apparel, career/business attire, and winter wear. Please make sure that items are laundered before donating! Donations can be delivered to the Center for Transformative Justice (1120 Centennial Hall), Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4 PM.
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. Last year, the Closet supported over 1700 women! 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.
Local boutiques | Various Locations
Local business owners, like KEPS in Sparta, 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!
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 9:30 AM – 5:30 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
