Donating is the perfect way to get rid of things you no longer have use for, while helping out someone else in need.
Are you looking for a way to give more, without writing a big check? Looking for a way to “recycle” some things in your house? Donating is the perfect way to get rid of things you no longer have use for, while helping out someone else in need. Many people know about Goodwill donation centers to donate clothes. But there several charitable organizations that accept a wide variety of donations including household, toys, cars and of course clothes donations.
Once you have filled your bags, you may be wondering about donation pick up services or if there is a donation center near me for drop off. Check out this list of organizations accepting donations.
7 Donation Pick Up or Donation Centers
Volunteers of America: Also will do at-home pick up for clothing, household, kids and more (cars too!). Central Ohio call, 800-873-4505 or watch for the yellow donation postcards in the mail. Search the main VOA site using your zip to find a location near you and schedule a pick up.
National Kidney Services: Items accepted for donation include: household, small appliances, toys, books, home decor and clothing donations. Along with dropping off items at Ohio Thrift or Value Village store locations, NKS will pick up donations at your home in select areas. In Ohio call 877-380-6462, in the Carolinas call 888-899-3198. (I am on a regular call list for NKS, so I don’t even have to remember to call in- they call me!)
Dress for Success: Donate “professional attire” to help women jump-start their careers and their confidence. Visit Dress for Success to find a location near you (Located in 40 states Canada and Worldwide!)
Goodwill: Accepts most clothing and household items at donation centers all of the country. There are also dropbox locations as well as some areas now provide donation pick-up services as well. Check the Goodwill page for locations near you.
Salvation Army: Cars, clothing, furniture and household items are all accepted at Salvation Army locations around the country. You can either drop off at collection centers or community drop boxes. You can also schedule a free pick up by calling 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).
PlanetAid: Search for a yellow PlanetAid drop box near you (not in all states yet) to donate clothing and shoes. The clothes dropped in the bins are recycled into something new, or sold in developing countries where the demand for used clothing is high. Then those funds are used for development projects.
ClothingDonations.org (Vietnam Veterans of America): Schedule a pick up of used clothes and household goods. These items are used to support programs that address the concerns and needs of all veterans.
DSW: Yes that says DSW. Did you know that you can donate shoes at DSW locations and receive Reward Points? You can donate shoes one time a week and receive 50 points, which is the equivalent of $2.50 in rewards! After a month of donating you could have $10 to use toward the purchase of new shoes. LOVE it. See more details here.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Donation Location
Where Do They Do With My Donated Items?
Some organizations will resell your donated items to help support the services they provide. These thrift stores (like Ohio Thrift and Goodwill) also provide jobs for those who may also be using the services of that organization. Other organizations will give the items directly to clients seeking their services (Like Dress for Success). When donating cars- these are often used to provide a vocational learning experience as well as resale.
What is the Organization’s Mission?
Because charitable giving is a tenant in many religions, you may find that some of these organizations are Christian or religious based (Like Salvation Army or Volunteers of America). There are also some organizations that support a specific cause (Kidney Disease or Veterans). Be sure to visit the links above and find their “About Us” or “Mission Statement” pages to find out what each organization stands for.
Where Does the Money Go?
All of the organizations I have listed are non-profit (well, except DSW). That means they do not operate to make a profit, but to support the services and resources they provide. In general, the money earned from thrift locations and resale of cars fixed from vocational programs goes right back into the organization’s social services offerings (food, housing, rehabilitation, etc), medical research, education and more. (Note-I have not done extensive reachers into any claims that the funds are not going to where they say they are. You have to look into each organization and choose for yourself if you stand by their mission and reputation).
Are you ready to start donating? Maybe Take the 40 Days, 40 Items Challenge or read Marie Kondo’s book to help you get started. Or wondering how to decide what to donate? Check out how I determine what clothing items need to go…
Wanting to g shopping at one of these thrift stores? Be sure to check out my Thrift Store shopping tips for a successful (and money saving) trip.
Charity Foundation in USA says
Thanks for sharing this informative content to motivate all readers to take part in all local charity events and help poor needy people through their donations.