Another Purposeful Year for Planet Aid: 2025 Year in Review

As we step into a new year, it's essential to pause and reflect on the accomplishments and changes that 2025 brought to Planet Aid. The past year has been one of growth, transformation, and continued dedication to our mission. 

A Year of Change  

Thanks to the incredible support from clothing donors, bin hosts, donation center hosts, participating schools, and community fundraisers, Planet Aid collected over 70 million pounds of textiles in 2025. This achievement was a testament to the power of collective action towards sustainability.  

This year also marked a significant period for our international partners. It was a time of adaptation, forging new connections, and striving to sustain funding for vital health, agriculture, and educational development projects. Planet Aid’s Office of Global Partnerships played a crucial role by linking local development efforts, particularly through the Humana People to People Federation, with U.S. and private funding for education, health, agriculture, and climate action in developing countries.  

Corporate Responsibility Made Easy  

In 2025, Planet Aid's presence in shopping centers continued to expand, thanks to partners like Phillips Edison, Kimco Realty, and J.C. Bar. These collaborations made textile donations more accessible with our sustainable, solar-powered, video-monitored donation centers.  

This continued initiative not only facilitated community engagement but also provided companies and organizations with the opportunity to fulfill their corporate responsibility roles.  

Planet Aid's participation in several ICSC Conferences further cemented our commitment to engaging with businesses eager to make a positive impact. Our donation centers offer a practical solution for reducing landfill waste by diverting usable clothing for a greater purpose.  

Thought Leadership  

Throughout 2025, Planet Aid remained at the forefront of the reuse and recycling conversation. With nearly 30 years of experience, we contributed our wealth of knowledge to these discussions. By sharing our story and insights, we opened doors to new possibilities and networks, all while working towards the common goal of benefiting both people and the planet.  

We actively participated in various panels, conferences, and podcasts. From the NYSAR and NRC Conferences to the "Where We Buy" podcast and the National Stewardship Alliance Council's LinkedIn Live discussion featuring our CEO, Fred Olsson, Planet Aid shared its expertise widely. We also launched another season of our own Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast, providing a platform for sustainability leaders to share their ideas, innovations, and resolutions.   

You can explore our podcast episodes on Planet Aid’s website, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.  

A Large Donation to Share  

In October 2025, Planet Aid received a generous donation from "I Support the Girls," consisting of nearly 20,000 Victoria's Secret bras, pants, tops, and swimsuits. We were tasked with distributing them to individuals in genuine need. Therefore, Planet Aid reached out to local charities, churches, nonprofits, and shelters to ensure the donation's intent was honored.  

Organizations such as Success in Style, the United Way, City of Refuge, Paying for Pennies, Chrysalis House, Frederick Rescue Mission, and Shabach Ministries of Praise came to our Elkridge, Maryland, warehouse to collect these much-needed items for their clients. It was a privilege to collaborate with our nonprofit peers and support their efforts to assist others.  

One Door Closes...Another Door Opens  

In September 2025, the Planet Aid Thrift Store in Rockville, Maryland, closed its doors after being a part of the community since 2019. Although this chapter has ended, we are excited about future retail plans in 2026. As one door closes, another opens, and Planet Aid is preparing to embrace a new opportunity with a new sustainable retail store in Maryland. Learn more about The Loop by Planet Aid in the coming weeks.  

Reflecting on 2025, the staff and management at Planet Aid are grateful for the progress made and the partnerships strengthened. We look forward to another year of purpose-driven action in 2026.