Donate Your Old Bras

I remember staring blankly into my lingerie drawer and wondering...what am I supposed to do with all these bras now? Are you doing the same?

They stood untouched for 2 years, as I went through:

• Double mastectomy
• Expanders
• Reconstruction
• Fat grafting
• Capsular contracture
• Explant to remove implants and go flat

And then I finally felt ready...

I knew as soon as I got my double mastectomy that I wouldn't be going back to wearing my beautiful lacy, underwire lingerie. If nothing else I knew they wouldn't fit.

But, I wasn't ready yet...

I almost feel like I was grieving my old bras...or what makes more sense, the old me. Maybe you can relate?

I didn't force anything, the bras moved from my lingerie drawer into a pretty bag, tucked away in the bottom of my closet...sitting there patiently, until I felt ready.

So often we feel like we HAVE to do something and we act in haste and even anger...I'm not here to judge, just share what worked for me. And that was offering myself the grace and compassion to hold onto these garments until I was ready to let go.

I've heard of bra burning parties and all sorts of ceremonies...this is without a doubt a momentous occasion and for me, I wanted to see if I could help some else, with my beautiful gently used bras.

That's when I discovered that we can pay it forward...who knew?

These are just a few places that I've discovered, thanks to ThirdLove...I'd love to hear of others if you know any so please share in the comments below:

1. Donate Your Bra

Donate Your Bra is a group that collects used bras and distributes them to breast cancer support groups, shelters and other charities that support women. The group is small but mighty: it’s run entirely by unpaid volunteers, so you know that you’re supporting women who are dedicated to doing good.

Because they’re small, Donate Your Bra only accepts donation by mail.

2. I Support the Girls

I Support the Girls collects and distributes new and gently worn bras and menstrual hygiene products around the world. The non-profit sends its donations to women and girls in homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, refugee settlement homes, foster care agencies, LGBTQ agencies, homes for pregnant teens, and more.

With 48 North American affiliates and four worldwide (Australia, Canada, Philippines, and Pakistan), I Support the Girls has helped over 180,000 women in the last three years. All new and used bras in good condition are accepted either at one of their donation sites or via mail.

3. Free the Girls

Free the Girls has a slogan: When you donate a bra, you give someone a job. The organization works with services all around the world that rescue women and girls from sex trafficking, who can then start their own businesses selling donated bras. It’s a job that they can do while caring for their families and attending school, and one that allows them to be surrounded by other women.

Free the Girls accepts new and gently used bras of all sizes, styles, and types. They have relationships with dozens of businesses and churches around the U.S. that serve as drop-off points. If there isn’t one near you, you can also mail your bras directly to the organization. You can even send a note to the girls who receive the bras along with your donation.

4. The Bra Recyclers

If you’re interested in going green, don’t overlook your underwear drawer. A mere 15 percent of textiles are recycled, while 85 percent of textiles end up in landfills. The Bra Recyclers are dedicated to changing those stats, one bra at a time.

This organization sends usable bras to its charity partners, who then distribute them to women in need. When you donate old bras that are no longer usable, the organization recycles them, keeping them out of landfills and benefiting the environment. According to the Bureau of International Recycling, recycling just over two pounds of textiles can save 1,600 gallons of water and eliminate eight pounds of CO2 emissions.

Use the drop-off location finder on the Bra Recyclers site to find the closest store that accepts their donations. And if your closest location isn’t close enough, you can send your donation through the mail.

5. Local Shelters

Want to be sure your used bras go to women in your community? Cut out the middle woman and bring them directly to women in need. Just one person can make a huge impact. One Maryland woman asked her friends and families to give her their used bras; within one year, she had distributed 20,000 bras to homeless women.

Contact local domestic violence shelters and homeless shelters to ask whether bra donations would be welcomed. You’ll likely hear a resounding “yes” from everyone. Women in these shelters often receive clothing donations, but few people think to donate bras.

My hope is that being able to pay it forward and help other women helps you to come to terms with parting with your bras and the woman that was...I know it's not easy...but please know that you are not alone on this journey, I am here by your side every step of the way. xoxo Karin