Clearing out closets or preparing for a move often leaves you with bags of belongings you no longer need. Dropping everything off at a nearby thrift store is convenient, but some items could be more helpful if they went directly to a group or organization that needs them.
Before loading up your car, consider these eight donation options. A quick call or visit to an organization’s website can help you find out what it accepts and where your items could do the most good.
Family Shelters
Families moving into temporary housing may need everyday basics such as clothing, bedding, diapers, and toiletries. Contact the shelter before donating baby gear, since safety rules may prevent it from accepting used car seats, older cribs, or other items that don’t meet current requirements.
Related: 10 Items Animal Shelters Wish More People Would Donate
Food Banks and Community Pantries
Unopened, shelf-stable foods from your pantry may help local households that are struggling to keep food on the table. Check the food bank’s current wish list and rules for expiration dates, packaging, and drop-off times before bringing your donations.
Related: 8 Foods Food Banks Usually Can’t Accept
Homeless Shelters
Clean winter coats, unopened toiletries, socks, and other everyday necessities can help people who are staying in shelters. Contact a nearby shelter to ask which items it needs most and whether donations should be dropped off at a designated time or location.
Creative Reuse Centers
Fabric scraps, leftover yarn, craft tools, and unused project supplies may be a welcome donation at a creative reuse center. These centers pass usable materials along to artists, teachers, and crafters, but check their guidelines first because some won’t accept opened paint, chemicals, or certain other supplies.
Related: JOANN Is Gone, So Where Is Everyone Buying Fabric and Craft Supplies?
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Leftover tiles, cabinets, working light fixtures, furniture, and other home improvement supplies may be suitable for a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. These stores resell donated building materials and household goods to support Habitat’s work, but accepted items vary by location, so check the donation guidelines before bringing anything in.
Local Schools
Some schools collect supplies or maintain clothing closets for students whose families need extra help. Clean children’s clothing, sturdy backpacks, shoes, and unused school supplies may be appreciated, so contact the school office or district to ask what it currently needs.
Related: 6 Popular Books That Thrift Stores Wish More People Would Donate
Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups
Old towels and blankets in decent condition can provide bedding for animals waiting to be adopted. Many shelters also accept unopened pet food, litter, and certain pet supplies, but ask about their needs and donation rules before dropping anything off.
Domestic Violence Shelters
People leaving unsafe homes may need clothing, toiletries, bedding, and basic household items as they begin setting up a new place to live. Contact a domestic violence organization through its public donation channels to learn what it accepts, since shelters often have specific needs and keep their locations confidential.
