While Aéropostale has a strong history of charitable involvement—most notably through their famous "Teens for Jeans" campaign—they do not currently offer a public, web-based portal for individual or local donation requests. Their philanthropic efforts are typically managed through corporate-level partnerships rather than store-by-store grants.
Here is an informative breakdown of how the brand handles donations and how you can approach them: 1. Corporate Giving Philosophy
Aéropostale generally focuses its social responsibility on large-scale initiatives that support youth and environmental causes. Instead of fulfilling small, localized requests (like a high school raffle or local 5k), they partner with major organizations such as DoSomething.org and Free The Children to make a broader impact. 2. The "Teens for Jeans" Legacy
The brand's most successful donation platform was the Teens for Jeans campaign, which collected millions of pairs of gently used denim for youth experiencing homelessness. While the campaign's active status varies by year, it remains the primary way the brand facilitates community-driven donations. 3. How to Submit a Request
Since there is no official "Donation Request Form" on the Aéropostale official website, you have two main avenues for inquiry:
Store Manager Outreach: For very small, local events, you can visit a nearby Aéropostale store location and speak directly with the General Manager. While they often have limited "discretionary" budgets, they can sometimes provide small items or coupons for local non-profits.
Corporate Contact: For formal or large-scale sponsorship inquiries, you can contact their parent company, Authentic Brands Group (ABG). They manage the global social responsibility strategy for the brand. 4. Alternative Strategies for Non-Profits
If you are looking for clothing donations for a specific cause, consider these alternatives:
Goodwill or Salvation Army: Often partner with retailers for bulk "overstock" donations.
Retailers with Open Portals: Companies like Gap, Target, and Walmart have dedicated community grant portals where you can apply for funding or in-kind donations online. aeropostale donation request
To create an effective donation request for Aéropostale, you should align your message with their established philanthropic focus areas: mental health, youth homelessness, and clothing for people in need. Strategic Content for Your Request
Focus on Youth and Mental Health: Aéropostale's current mission centers on empowering teens and young adults, specifically fostering mental and emotional health through partnerships like the JED Foundation. If your cause supports teen wellness, highlight this connection.
Emphasize Clothing Needs: Historically, the brand has been a massive supporter of denim drives for homeless youth, such as the "Teens for Jeans" campaign. If you are requesting clothing or gift cards, explain how these specific items will directly benefit young people in need of "hope and dignity".
Demonstrate Community Impact: Mention how their contribution (such as merchandise samples or store gift cards) will be used to reach a specific local or youth-oriented demographic. Contact Information
While Aéropostale does not have a dedicated public donation portal for one-off local requests, you can reach out to their corporate or customer service channels to inquire about regional programs:
Customer Service Email: customerservice@aeropostale.com or contactus@aeropostale.com Phone: 1-877-289-2376 (8 AM to 2 AM EST) Request Best Practices
Be Concise: Start by clearly stating what you are asking for (e.g., a $50 gift card for a school raffle).
Provide a Personal Story: Brief, compelling stories about how the brand's target youth audience will benefit can make your request stand out.
Include Tax-Exempt Details: If you are a 501(c)(3), include your EIN, as they often partner with registered nonprofits like Delivering Good. Aéropostale Values - Aeropostale While Aéropostale has a strong history of charitable
As of the last known process, Aeropostale does not have a public online form. Try these steps:
community@aeropostale.com (verify current address).⚠️ Warning: Many corporate requests go unanswered if not submitted via a partnership portal. Consider this option only for established nonprofits with a regional presence.
To maximize your chances, use this specific template. Note the emphasis on visibility and tax benefits.
[Your Organization Letterhead]
Date: [Current Date]
To: Aeropostale Community Relations Subject: Donation Request for [Event Name] – Supporting [Your Cause]
Dear Aeropostale Giving Team,
On [Date of Event], [Your Organization Name] will host our annual [Event Name], serving [Number] underprivileged youth in [City/County].
We are writing to request an in-kind donation of Aeropostale gift cards (5 x $25) to be used as prizes for our [Silent Auction / Raffle]. Aeropostale is a brand our teens admire, and featuring your gift cards will drive 200+ attendees to your local [Mall Name] location. Path B: Corporate / Regional Request As of
Why partner with us?
We have attached our IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (EIN: XX-XXXXXXX). We are happy to pick up the donation at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for helping us [brief mission statement].
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Title] [Phone Number]
This is a niche hack. For a local school clothing drive, contact a specific store manager and ask if they ever have "abandoned" online returns that cannot be resold due to minor damage (e.g., missing tags). Occasionally, stores are authorized to donate these to local charities to avoid landfill fees.
Because Aeropostale’s brand focuses on trend-driven casual wear for teens and young adults (jeans, graphic tees, hoodies, loungewear), your request is most likely to be approved if your cause matches their demographic.
Ideal candidates for an Aeropostale donation include:
Poor candidates (likely to be rejected):
This article explains a step-by-step approach for preparing, submitting, and following up on donation requests to Aeropostale (the clothing retailer) or its charitable programs, plus alternatives if direct support isn’t available.
If the manager takes your letter and says they will "look into it," wait five business days. Return to the store (or call) during a slow period. If they decline, ask if they can donate damaged/returned items that cannot be sold (often called "salvage").