Donations of men's clothing to Salvation Army thrift stores in Ontario are at their lowest level in a decade, and the charity says that could hurt programs that help many vulnerable people.

Maria Guayacan, area manager for the Salvation Army, is pleading for men to clean out their closets and let go of items they no longer wear.

The money raised by used clothing sales goes toward programs ranging from shelter for the homeless and treatment for people with addictions.

"So if we don't get enough donations in men's area we won't be able to meet our customers' needs," Guayacan said.

The problem is having a more direct effect on shoppers such as Liaquat Ali. He said he needs work clothes for his job in construction, and prices are too high everywhere else.

At a Salvation Army store in Toronto, it didn't take him long to rummage through the few racks of men's clothing.

"Not enough for the men — there's nothing over here," he said, although he managed to leave with two shirts that cost him a total of $9.98.

Guayacan said the shortage of men's clothing is puzzling.

"It could be the economy, it could be the competition … We just don't know why."