Where to Donate Your Stuff
My husband dragged 9 Hefty bags full of clothes and boxes of old books to Good Will this weekend. We’re cleaning up and streamlining here! I have so many Empty Nester friends doing the same thing now, I’m sure there are many of you out there who are doing the same. Here’s a list I compiled of 5 legitimate National charities where you can take your stuff or have it picked up and get a tax credit for your donations.
We sorted piles of clothing to give away and now have immaculate, uncluttered closests
- Good Will Industries – They take clean clothing, working electronics and toys with all the parts included. They do not want soiled clothes, broken items, anything unsafe or recalled or anything incomplete (like 1 mitten!) 83% of the money made is used to fund employment and training programs. I find that dropping off to Good Will is convenient and easy and there are locations all over the country.
- Salvation Army - This charity provides help to adults through their Adult Rehab Centers, striving to make those who use them totally self sufficient. They will gladly take furniture in good condition, clothing, books, household items, electronics and more, all in good condition. Their stores are really a great place to shop too, which is another way to support this excellent charity.
- Habitat for Humanity – Other than donating cash or your volunteer time to build homes, this charity has “Restores” that sell building materials as well as furniture and other home improvement items. So if you have any extra wood, tools, furniture, lighting or decorative items, this is a great place to donate. We gave an unused giant tub of high quality house paint (almost 5 gallons) one year. It was enough paint for the exterior of a small house.
- AMVETS – Supporting American Veterans, Amvets is a great choice for donations, because they will come to your house to pick up your donated clothing and household items. They sell these in their thrift stores and use the proceeds to help veterans receive benefits, provide educational scholarships and much more.
- Vietnam Vets of America – They too have a pick-up program. You can schedule the pick up online. They take clothing, household goods, books, shoes and appliances.
There are many great local charities in every community as well. Check local churches, women’s organizations, animal shelters and more. Don’t forget our troops too.
For me, there’s no better feeling than to see my old stuff heading out the door. It means that I will have a less cluttered house and a less cluttered life. And there’s someone out there who can really use my stuff. It’s a Win/Win situation all the way around!
Have fun cleaning, and feel good about donating!
