Charities that support programs for the environment, veterans and the blind rely on donations from the public. Many people who would like to help them feel hampered by the lack of extra cash. However, charitable donations of used clothing can be equally useful for charities, which will sell the used clothing to raise funds for programs. Charities like GreenDrop raise millions of dollars for groups like the Military Order of the Purple Heart or MOPH. For those who are unfamiliar with MOPH and what is a Purple Heart in the military, here is a brief account.
What is a Purple Heart in the military?
A Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed in service. Around 1.7 million individuals have been awarded a Purple Heart since the award was instituted in 1917.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is a war veterans organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. The headquarters of the organization are located just outside Washington, D.C. Its membership exclusively consists of men and women who have received the Purple Heart. MOPH has many different programs to help veterans and their families.
How do MOPH and GreenDrop help veterans?
For over 55 years, MOPH and GreenDrop have been working together to support programs for veteran and their families. These programs address a range of health, education and family support issues. GreenDrop works to collect donations of used clothing and household goods, which are sold through thrift stores.
The funds raised through these sales are used for military charities and veterans programs. Each year, GreenDrop raises millions of dollars for MOPH programs that support veteran and their families.
How you can help
You may not have any spare cash lying around, but like most Americans you probably have a closet full of clothes that you never wear. You can put these to good use by donating your used clothing to charities that will sell them to raise funds for their programs. As of 2007, an estimated $5.8 billion worth of used clothing was donated in the U.S.
Thrift store shopping is a popular pastime and on average, Americans buy 10 pounds of used clothing every year. That’s because it’s possible to find real bargains, and good quality clothing, shoes and accessories at very low prices. It’s easy to make a donation, because GreenDrop has drop off points for charitable donations. They will also schedule pick ups for large quantities of clothing donations.
Even for those who are unaware of what is a Purple Heart in the military, donating clothing to charity is a simple way to support programs for veterans and helping families in need.