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
Aéropostale does not have a formal, public-facing online portal for individual donation requests. However, they are known to provide gift cards and merchandise for charitable events through a decentralized process that often starts at the store level . 👕 How to Request a Donation
Because Aéropostale is managed by the SPARC Group LLC, donation requests are typically handled through individual store managers or regional corporate offices .
Visit Your Local Store: The most effective way to secure a donation is to speak directly with the store manager at a local Aéropostale branch. Managers often have a small budget for community outreach or gift card donations for local auctions and raffles . aeropostale donation request
Bring Documentation: Always provide an official request letter on your organization's letterhead. This should include your 501(c)(3) tax ID number, the purpose of the event, and how the donation will be used .
Use Third-Party Platforms: Sites like TheShareWay track company donation patterns. While not an official submission tool, they provide a "helpful review" of what the company typically donates, such as gift cards or apparel . ⭐ Helpful Review: What to Expect
Based on community feedback and professional donation trackers:
Donation Types: Requests are most commonly fulfilled with gift cards (typically values of $25–$50) or specific merchandise items for "swag bags" or silent auctions .
Response Time: Store-level requests are usually faster (1–2 weeks), whereas corporate inquiries via the SPARC Group can take 4–6 weeks or may go unanswered due to high volume .
Success Factors: You are more likely to receive a "Yes" if your event targets their primary demographic: teens and young adults . Important Considerations
Sustainability & Ethics: Some organizations prefer to vet brands before partnering. Aéropostale currently holds a "Very Poor" sustainability rating from Good On You due to its fast-fashion business model
Direct Inquiries: If a store manager cannot help, you can try reaching out to the legal or administrative department at their corporate office: SPARC Group LLC , 6501 Legacy Drive, Suite B-100, Plano, TX 75024 . If you'd like, I can help you:
Draft a formal donation request letter specifically for a clothing retailer.
Identify other teen-focused brands (like Forever 21 or Hollister) that have similar donation programs.
Find the contact information for an Aéropostale store in your specific city. To create an effective donation request for Aéropostale,
Aéropostale does not have a public, automated online portal for individual 501(c)(3) donation requests. Instead, the brand focuses its philanthropic efforts on large-scale corporate partnerships and employee-driven initiatives. Primary Charitable Partnerships
Aéropostale prioritizes long-standing relationships with established nonprofit organizations:
Delivering Good: Since 2007, Aéropostale has donated over $8 million in merchandise samples to help provide hope and dignity to people in need.
Feeding America: During seasonal campaigns like #GivingTuesday, the brand often partners with Feeding America to match customer donations and provide meals to families.
Global Citizen: Recently, the brand launched the Aéropostale x Take Action collection, an eco-conscious line designed to empower youth to take action on global issues.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Aéropostale frequently includes this organization in its annual "round-up" donation programs at checkout. How to Contact Aéropostale for Support
Since there is no dedicated "Donation Request" form, local organizations and schools seeking support may try the following alternative routes:
In-Store Inquiries: Local store managers sometimes have limited discretion for small-scale local community support or "Shopping Night" events. You can find your nearest location using the Aéropostale Store Locator.
Corporate Contact: For formal sponsorship proposals or large-scale partnership inquiries, you can reach out to their corporate customer service to be directed to the community relations department: Phone: 1-877-289-2376 (Available 8 AM - 2 AM EST). Email: contactus@aeropostale.com.
Live Chat: Available on the official website from 8 AM - 9 PM EST. Tips for a Successful Proposal
If you are reaching out to a local manager or corporate office, ensure your request includes: Aéropostale Values - Aeropostale Final Verdict: Is the Aeropostale Donation Request Worth
Absolutely, but with caveats.
If you are a national charity expecting a $10,000 check, look elsewhere (try Target or Walmart). However, if you are a local high school PTA, a community youth center, or a homeless shelter serving teenagers, the Aeropostale donation request is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Local store managers want to build relationships. Teenagers need clothes. And Aeropostale needs to keep its brand relevant at the community level. It is a natural fit.
Your action plan:
The worst they can say is "no." But the best? A box of fresh jeans or a gift card that could fund your entire silent auction. Go get it.
Did you successfully receive an Aeropostale donation? Share your experience in the comments below to help other non-profits.
If you cannot secure a donation directly from Aeropostale, do not give up. Leverage the brand’s presence in other ways.
Never make them ask for your EIN. Include your Federal Tax Identification Number (501(c)(3) letter) in the first paragraph of your request. If you don't have non-profit status, ask a fiscal sponsor (like a local church or United Way) to apply on your behalf.
When you meet the manager, be concise. Say: "Hi [Manager Name], my name is [Name] from [Organization]. We are hosting a [Name of Event] for [Number] local teens. I know Aeropostale supports local communities, and I’d like to submit a donation request for a few items for our [Auction/Silent Auction/Closet]. Do you have a process for local donations?"
Before crafting your request, you must identify what you are asking for. Aeropostale generally does not provide cash grants. Their in-kind donation inventory typically includes:
What they generally do NOT donate: