When we think of giving to charity, our minds often drift to the idea of clicking the “donate” button online. However, giving back can take many different forms, and some of the most impactful donations don’t involve money at all. Donating our gently-used items can really make a difference.
It’s likely that you’ve donated items before — maybe a few bags of clothes dropped off at a local church, or a bundle of canned goods handed over at a food drive. But there’s so much more you can do with the stuff that’s just gathering dust at home. (Just remember that if you’re going to itemize your taxes and want your donation to qualify for a tax deduction, make sure your donation is to a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit, and that you snag that receipt!)
Here’s a breakdown of the best places to donate your unwanted goods, from clothing to furniture — even that treadmill you haven’t touched in years.
1. Clothing and Shoes: Dress for Success & Soles4Souls
Clothing is one of the most commonly donated items, and for good reason. As much as 92 million tons(!) of unwanted clothing ends up in landfills every year. If you’ve outgrown your wardrobe (literally or figuratively), your gently-worn clothes could help someone land a job, stay warm during the winter, or simply feel a little more confident.
- Dress for Success: This organization helps women in need by providing professional attire that can be worn to job interviews and in the workplace. If you have suits, blouses, or work-appropriate shoes, consider donating them here. Your clothes could be the boost someone needs to secure employment.
- Soles4Souls: Got shoes that no longer fit or match your style? Soles4Souls distributes shoes to people in need worldwide, and they also create micro-enterprises by helping individuals sell shoes in their local communities. In other words, your old sneakers could walk someone into a better future.
2. Furniture: Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity
Maybe you’re redecorating, downsizing, or just ready to part with that oversized china cabinet (and, ahem, all the china) that’s been in the family for years. Large furniture items can be a hassle to deal with, but they’re also in high demand — thankfully, the places listed below will often pick-up your unwanted items at no charge, just call your local branch to ask.
- Goodwill: Goodwill accepts a variety of furniture donations (including extra large items) and sells the pieces in Goodwill stores, with proceeds going towards job training and other community programs.
- Salvation Army: The Salvation Army operates a network of thrift stores that sell donated goods to fund their many social service programs, including disaster response, youth services, veterans services, and more.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores: If you have furniture or appliances in good condition — or even building materials left over from a recent remodeling project — consider donating them to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The profits from these home improvement-focused stores og directly to local Habitat for Humanity efforts, including home building and disaster recovery.
3. Household Items and Kitchenware: Local Shelters and Refugee Aid
Kitchen items, bedding, and small household goods may seem insignificant, but they can make a world of difference to someone who’s just starting over in a new place.
- Local Shelters: Women’s shelters and homeless shelters are often in need of basic household items. From pots and pans to bedsheets and towels, these items can help provide a sense of security and home to those in need.
- Refugee Aid Organizations: Refugees often arrive in a new country with little more than the clothes on their backs. Organizations that help refugees find housing are always in need of household items to help families get settled in a new place. A set of dishes or a few extra blankets can go a long way toward helping someone build a new life.
4. Books, Electronics, and Educational Supplies: Libraries and Schools
If your bookshelves are overflowing or you’ve recently upgraded your tech and are no longer using that old laptop, consider donating these items to help educate and empower others.
- Local Libraries: Many libraries accept donations of gently used books, DVDs, and sometimes even electronics. These donations can help expand the library’s offerings, especially in underfunded areas.
- Schools: Schools, particularly those in low-income areas, are often in need of books and electronics. Contact your local schools to see if they can make use of your donations. If not, Goodwill and Salvation Army will usually take these items, too.
5. Hyper-Local Donations: Direct to Families in Need
Sometimes, the best way to give is to go straight to the source. If you know someone in your community who is struggling, consider offering your unwanted goods directly.
- Neighbors and Community Groups: If there’s a family in your neighborhood that’s going through a tough time — maybe they’ve lost their home to a fire or are facing financial hardship — consider giving directly to them.
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle: On these platforms, you can easily list things you’d like to give away for free, connecting directly with people in your community who could use them. There’s also Facebook’s bustling Buy Nothing groups, where you can pass along your pre-loved items to neighbors who will truly appreciate them. Just remember, when handing off your treasures to a stranger, safety comes first — opt for a public meeting spot like a coffee shop to ensure a smooth and secure exchange.
That Feel-Good Feeling When You Donate
When it comes to giving back, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Wherever you choose to donate your unwanted goods, every little bit helps. And you’re not just helping people in need — you’re also giving yourself an emotional boost! There’s a documented happiness boost we get when we help others, explains certified financial planner Jennifer Luzzatto, president of Summit Financial Partners. Giving back increases our endorphins and our self-confidence, Luzzatto says — and the positive effects can be even greater when we get our whole family in on the action. “This is especially good for children, because their parents are not only modeling giving, they’re also inspiring them to think about the life situations of others,” Luzzatto says. In other words, once you’re done cleaning out the closet, it’s time to check the toy box and the basement, too.