Donating isn’t just about getting rid of what you no longer need. It’s an act of gratitude and solidarity, a simple way to redistribute goodness.
In autumn, as the city cools down and the long rains begin, the difference between comfort and need becomes more visible than ever. For some, a warm coat or a pair of boots can mean a bearable winter. For you, it might just mean a ten-minute walk and a box of clothes put aside.

Bucharest now has more and more centres, NGOs and collection points that turn forgotten clothes into real help. Here’s where you can safely donate autumn clothes and footwear — where your things truly reach those who need them.

Romanian Red Cross – Sector 6 Branch

One of the most well-known collection points in the capital is the Romanian Red Cross – Sector 6 Branch, which collaborates with several Inditex stores (Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Lefties, Oysho and Zara Home).

Collection boxes can be found directly inside partner stores, and the clothes are sorted and distributed to vulnerable people.
Please note: the Red Cross does not collect shoes, bags or accessories, only clean, wearable clothing.

DGASMB centres – direct donations for people in need

The General Directorate of Social Assistance of the Municipality of Bucharest (DGASMB) operates several centres where you can donate clothes for disadvantaged families, homeless people or children from vulnerable backgrounds.

Active locations include:

• Ominis Social Services Complex – 17A Turnu Măgurele Street, Sector 4
• DGASMB Central Office – 10 Constantin Mille Street, Sector 1
• Armeniș Social Laundry – 2 Armeniș Street, Sector 3
• Drumul Taberei Social Laundry – 24 Drumul Taberei Street, Sector 6

At this time of year, DGASMB also runs campaigns to collect warm clothes and autumn-winter footwear for those in need.

“Bebe de București are Hăinuțe” – for families with young children

A project dedicated to young families and small children, “Bebe de București are Hăinuțe” (“Baby Bucharest has Clothes”) is also coordinated by DGASMB.

The centre is located at 75 Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, near Kogălniceanu Square, and accepts donations of baby and children’s clothes, educational toys and hygiene items.
Public hours: Monday–Thursday, 08:00 to 18:00.

SocialXChange – the charity shop of Sector 6

SocialXChange is a charity shop based on the principles of the circular economy: you donate clothes, shoes, toys, food or household items, and beneficiaries can receive them in exchange for voluntary work.

Transparency is key — every donation is recorded, and all items are redistributed to people in need.

Textile containers and recycling points

If you prefer a quick option, you can use the textile collection containers located throughout the city. On Harta Reciclării (“Recycling Map”), you can find the nearest one.

Examples:

• 293A Giurgiului Road, Sector 4
• 252 Giulești Road, Sector 6 (opposite the Pasteur Institute)

What to know before donating

• Wash and prepare your clothes before donating — most centres only accept clean, wearable items.
• Check the schedule — some centres are closed on Fridays or weekends.
• Donate complete pairs — especially for shoes, only functional pairs are accepted.

A final thought

Donating is one of the simplest ways to do good without expecting anything in return.
 An old coat can bring warmth, a pair of boots can restore dignity, and one small gesture can set off an entire chain of kindness.
 If we start with one closet, we might just change a little bit of the world around it.