Chocolate Ballerina Company is a Philadelphia 501(c)(3) that empowers inner-city youth through professional performing-arts training rooted in African-American dance culture. As part of that mission, the company accepts new or gently used pointe shoes, ballet slippers, leotards, costumes, new tights, and tutus, putting donated dancewear directly into the hands of its students. Donations are received at the company's home base at 1515 Brandywine Street in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, and the organization provides tax-deductible letters as a registered charity. By outfitting young dancers who could not otherwise afford pointe shoes or recital attire, the program removes one of the cost barriers that keeps children out of ballet. Families and dancers in the Greater Philadelphia area are the primary beneficiaries. Contact the company through chocolateballerinacompany.com to arrange a dancewear donation.
Chocolate Ballerina Company is not listed as running a single seasonal collection window, so donations are generally accepted year round. Capacity still varies. Volunteer-run programs pause intake when storage fills up, so check before sending a large donation.
No. Chocolate Ballerina Company collects drop-off and serves Greater Philadelphia. If you are outside that area, look for a program closer to you, or use one of the 7 programs in this directory that accept mail-in donations from anywhere.
Chocolate Ballerina Company is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations to registered charities are generally tax deductible if you itemize, and the organization can issue a receipt. Ask them directly for their EIN and a written acknowledgement if you plan to claim the donation on your taxes.
This listing is marked Verified Org and was last reviewed on June 29, 2026. That means we confirmed the organization exists and operates, using public records and its own published material, but we have not re-confirmed this season with them directly. Programs change hours, addresses, and intake windows without notice, so check their own site before you travel or ship.