Looking for School Fundraisers without selling?

I’m a mom of two, and for us, that means a near-constant parade of fundraisers once the first month of school has passed. I usually donate money to the school after I get my first paycheck after school starts.

There is only so much candy, plastic junk, wrapping paper, and spirit wear one family needs. I’ve been conducting research on other fundraisers and have found two possibilities that do not involve selling anything.

Fiber/clothing/rag recycling: There are a few companies that recycle fiber (like yarn or fabric), clothing, and rags (old towels and sheets), and they have fundraising programs.  Here are just a few companies that I have found:

If you are interested in doing a shoe recycling fundraiser:

 

If your school or other non-profit has done either of these, I’d love to hear about how they have worked in the past- Please leave a comment!

Upcoming 2025 Upcoming Clothing Swaps

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

AUGUST 2025

 Thread Bumpin’ Clothing Swap

Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas St · La Mesa, CA

Only the following will be accepted:

  • Clean adult clothes
  • Jewelry
  • Makeup/perfume/beauty goods, accessories
  • Small personal items/decor

All leftover items are distributed to people in need through an NPO.

Crave Community is hosting a clothing swap on August 3rd, from 11am-1pm at San Diego Made Factory 2031 Commercial Street, San Diego, California 92213.

Bring your gently-loved clothes, swap for something new-to-you, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with good vibes and even better company.

More information can be found on their Instagram page here.

Chingona Cambio is hosting their first-ever clothing swap at Chula Vista Bayside Park

999 Bayside Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91910

on August 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

More information can be found here.

Tickets may not be available, but according to social media posts by the coordinator of this event, everyone is welcome, regardless of ticketing status.

On 8/16/2025, The Flower Pot is hosting a clothing swap, entry fee is $10. More information here.

 

SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND

In partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego, the San Diego County library branch in La Mesa is hosting a Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap on the following dates:

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942
  • Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942

Bring one bag of unwanted clothes and accessories (for all ages!) to the library and leave with a fresh, new-to-you wardrobe! Items must be in good condition; no rips, tears, or stains.

I find clothing swaps by joining local area clothing swap groups, both through Facebook and Meetup.

Tea Collection- Summer Favorites!

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I love Tea Collection– They have such cute patterns and designs for kids’ clothes, and they are so well made- perfect for hand-me-downs!

Their new summer line is inspired by the colors and motifs of Brazil, and currently, there are a few coupon codes available that will get you these colorful styles for less.

And if you are looking to save a little more, check out the sale section of their website! With deals starting at $6, there are tons of clothes for every kid in your family, from babies to big kids!

Tea Collection: Summer Fun Sale $15+!

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I love Tea Collection– They have such cute patterns and designs for kids’ clothes, and they are so well made- perfect for hand-me-downs!

Now through 6/23/24, Tea Collection is having its Summer Fun Sale, with styles starting at just $15.00. Dresses, shorts, tops, and even bathing suits, are all on sale! With sizes newborn through 16 kids, there is something for every kiddo in your life.

 

Tea Collection: 20% Off Sitewide!

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It’s that time of year! Tea Collection is back with their 20% off Friends and Family event.

I love Tea Collection’s cute kid’s clothes, especially their dresses. Now through Sunday, April 21, 2024, save 20% sitewide.

Find everything you need for summer at vacation-friendly prices.  I’m picking up a couple of their SPF 50+ bathing suits for my little lady.

If you’ve got a kiddo from newborn-size 12, there are tons of cute pieces of clothing waiting for your kiddos!

 

$5 Black Friday Sale from Cents of Style!

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Black Friday $5 CollectionI’m not usually a Black Friday shopping person, but this $5 sale at Cents of Style is pretty good. I love their shirts, so I checked out their sale offerings, and they got some cute shirts!

In addition to the cute graphic t-shirts, they have hoodies, accessories, tote bags, and baseball caps all for $5.00 each.

I’ve already loaded up my cart and checked out, checking off two people on my gift-giving list, and I picked up a shirt just for me!

My absolute favorite item that’s on sale for $5.00 is this super cute tote bag.

With a 13″ x 14.5″ body and  9″ Handle Drop, it’s great for all of my stuff for work- My Planner, lunch box (yes, I have one), bottle of water.

Cents of Style has limited supplies of these sale items, so get shopping! Don’t forget FREE shipping over $40! The collection is active NOW and expires on 11/30/23 at midnight.

 

Cents of Style- My Favorite Shirt on Sale!

Favorite Tops ** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I am so excited. These are seriously my favorite shirts. I wore the one I tie-dyed yesterday.

There are three styles on sale through 4/9/2023: Jagger (in NEW colors), Danielle, and Wyatt, all  Starting Under $12 w/code: BEBOLD

These shirts come in sizes S-3X and tons of colors.  I already ordered a couple in my favorite colors.

Tea Collection MegaSale! Up to 65% off Sale & Clearance prices!

Now through Tuesday, January 31, 2023, you can save an extra 25% off sales and clearance styles at Tea Collection! That means savings of up to 65% off regular prices.

Tea Collection is one of my favorite brands for littles. The clothes are well made and the fabric is high quality. Tea Collection lasts and lasts- It’s one of the few brands our local kids’ resale shop buys year-round.

Remember to use coupon code: JAN25OFFSALE at checkout!

 

Cents of Style: ALL GRAPHICS on SALE Starting at ONLY $9.99!

Graphic Tee

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Cents of Style is starting the Black Friday shenanigans early. I love their shirts, so I thought I’d share this deal. It’s live right now.

Black Friday ALL GRAPHIC SALE starting at ONLY $9.99!
Use the coupon code DEALSWEEK at check out to get these graphics starting at $9.99! FREE shipping over $40!
The code is active NOW and expires on 11/29/22 at midnight.

Tea Collection Black Friday Deals: $10, $12, $15 & $18

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

So many styles at $10, $12, $15 & $18!

It’s here—time to shop Black Friday deals. From tees to tops, rompers to dresses, pants, shorts, and so much more. Tea Collection has tons of styles at amazing prices.

I’ll be shopping for my youngest Niece and Nephew.