SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) — The post-Christmas period traditionally marks a time of abundance for local donation centers, as families engage in their annual ritual of decluttering. With closets being emptied and duplicate gifts sorted, many look to contribute to charitable causes before the year concludes.

At Palmetto Goodwill, this timeframe between Christmas and New Year’s Day is notably one of the most vibrant and bustling periods for receiving physical donations. The center buzzes with activity as community members pour in with contributions.

“We’re right in the middle of the post-Christmas rush, a time that extends until the end of the year and represents our peak donation period,” explained Brian Schroeder, the director of donated goods at Palmetto Goodwill.

During this busy season, donation centers witness a wide array of items being handed over. Families, eager to make space for the new, often donate clothing, home goods, and particularly, toys.

“Right now, toys are the most common items coming in,” Schroeder noted. “Santa brings joy to many children, but sometimes there isn’t enough space for all the new toys at home. Beyond toys, we also see home decor items that no longer fit with the homeowner’s style.”

Schroeder said donations made during this end-of-year period play a critical role in supporting Goodwill’s programs across South Carolina.

“The donations that we are receiving right now is what’s going to go into directly fund the education and training and employment services that we offer right in the very communities that these items are donated,” he said.

Local pantries say they often feel the impact of that post-Christmas giving as well.

At St. Paul’s Clothing and Food Pantry in Summerville, staff say the holidays themselves are not always the biggest driver of need or donations.

“Surprisingly, the holidays themselves don’t necessarily drive the need we see,” said April McLean, executive food and clothing ministries coordinator at St. Paul’s. “What really affects our traffic is the weather and what other community resources are available at the time.”

McLean said colder temperatures or seasonal pauses in other assistance programs can lead to more families seeking help, even after Christmas has passed.

“We might assume the rush ends after Christmas, but for us the need stays steady and sometimes even increases, depending on what’s happening around us,” she said.

McLean said the days after Christmas can also bring an increase in clothing donations, as people take advantage of time off to clean out closets after receiving new items as gifts.

“A lot of people take advantage of the time after Christmas to clean out their closets,” McLean said. “And when the temperatures drop, folks are reminded of how important warm coats and winter clothing can be for families who don’t have them.”

She said donations made after Christmas are especially important as families head into the new year.

“The need doesn’t disappear once the holidays are over,” McLean said. “We’re seeing more families who can’t make ends meet because of job loss, unexpected emergencies or even losing their homes due to fires or other crises.”

McLean said the week between Christmas and New Year’s can be particularly difficult for families, especially with children home from school and parents still working to cover household expenses.

“During the school year, children receive free or reduced-price lunches,” she said. “But when school is out, suddenly those meals have to come from home.”

Both organizations said while donations often increase this time of year, the need continues well beyond the holidays, making ongoing support critical throughout the year.