Will you be supporting charities through textiles donations in 2026?

Will you be supporting charities through textiles donations in 2026?

Did you know that donating to charity is one of the most powerful natural mood-boosters?

Simply knowing that your actions are improving someone else’s life can be incredibly rewarding. In fact, research shows a clear link between giving to charity and increased activity in the pleasure centres of the brain. Put simply, helping others doesn’t just benefit them, it makes you feel happier, more fulfilled, and more connected to your community. It truly is better to give than to receive.

According to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) UK Giving Report 2025, 50% of people in the UK donated to charity in the past year, which is a new low. This is down from 58% in 2019, a decrease of approximately four million donors. Additionally, the report notes that when combined with sponsorship, 55% of people gave to charity in some form. 

It’s so important to keep donating to charities where possible to keep vital services and support available.

• Overall Giving: In the last 12 months, only 50% of people in the UK donated to charity, marking a new low.
• Combined Giving: When combining donations and sponsorships, 55% of people in the UK gave to charity.
• Comparison: The percentage of donors has dropped from 58% in 2019, which represents approximately four million fewer donors.
• Regional Differences: The decline is evident across all regions, with the largest decreases seen in the North West, North East, and London. London is now the only region where fewer than half of people report donating or sponsoring a charity.

How Recycled Clothing Banks make supporting a charity easy

At Recycled Clothing Banks, we partner with hundreds of organisations across the UK to install FREE personalised, branded clothing recycling bins. These bins give your community a simple, accessible way to donate reusable clothing and household textiles and help you raise funds at the same time. We pay up to £400 per tonne (40p per kilo) for your pre-loved, reusable textiles. That means you can support a charity or community project while also generating valuable income with zero cost and zero effort.

Depending on the organisation you choose to support, your donations could be funding life-saving medical research, creating safe spaces for vulnerable individuals, feeding families in crisis, providing shelter for the homeless, protecting children from harm the list of positive impact is endless.

When you support charities through textile donations, you’re not only helping people in need you’re also giving clothing and household fabrics a second life. And that simple act of decluttering in a purposeful way can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. Less clutter, more space and more good in the world.

So, when sorting through your items, simply ask yourself: Would someone else happily buy and wear this? If the answer is yes, we want it. If an item is a little worn, don’t worry as many pieces can still be reused or repurposed.