In a big, modern city like Beijing, poverty is not always very visible. Beggars are quickly moved on by police, and most of the underprivileged live on the outskirts of the city, away from our view. Yet there are still a huge number of people living in very difficult conditions in China, for whom even a simple warm coat is a luxury item.
Winter chills are already arriving, and many places in Beijing and China are still not afforded central heating. Right now, before temperatures really begin to plummet, is the best time to make a donation. So if you’ve got gloves, scarves, or a winter coat that you haven’t worn in ages, and that are just taking up extra space, it’s time to pass them on to somebody in need.
There are several private, and government-run offices in Beijing that accept clothing donations. To make a donation, ensure that the items are clean, in good, wearable condition and check any pockets for personal items. Undergarments cannot be donated. You will also need to drop off the clothing yourself at each of the following locations, as they do not arrange pick-up.
We recommend calling ahead to check opening times, and any other conditions regarding donation.
Beijing government offices that accept clothing donations
- Chaoyang district: Fulou, No.6 Building, Daojiayuan, Chaoyang district (6502 4588) 朝阳区道家园6号楼副楼
- Haidian district: No.15 Xiyuan Caochang (62625347) 海淀区西苑操场15号
- Dongcheng district: No.32, Dongsi Shisantiao (6400 1306) 东城区东四13条32号
- Xicheng district: No. 16 Gaojing Hutong (6227 4355) 西城区高井胡同16号
- Fengtai district: No.9 Beidajie (6831 2023) 丰台区北大街9号
- Shijingshan district: Third Building, Bajiao Beili (8891 3057) 石景山区八角北里三栋
Privately-run organizations
随手街头救助 – Suíshǒu Jiētóu Jiùzhù
Suishou Jietou Jiuzhu (which roughly translates as ‘timely help for the homeless’) is a privately run organization in Tongzhou that collects and distributes used clothes. They originally distributed the clothes to the homeless community living rough on Beijing’s streets, and have now expanded to other poverty-stricken places in China like rural areas in Gansu and Guizhou provinces as they grow bigger and more volunteers are involved. Follow them on Weibo (suishoujiuzhu) to stay updated on their activities and specific donation requests.
Send parcels to: 通州区宋庄镇小堡西街181号 (150 1061 7876). A package of 10kg should cost around RMB 40 to send.
四川凉山彝族自治州 – Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture Donations
Every year, volunteers in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan organize a clothing drive for primary school-age children. Liangshan Yi is one of the least developed areas in China, and during the freezing winter, many local children walk for more than an hour through the mountains to get to school every day. Winter clothes for kids aged 5 to 14 are especially appreciated.
Send parcels to: 四川省成都市郫都区天欣路13号 一校一带培训基地 5栋1310 (189 8000 6551)
Photos: Cats China, Reader’s Digest
