THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
When you’re decluttering, the thrift store is the obvious first move. Drop it off, and it’s done. But a lot of what people donate there sits on a rack for weeks and then gets tossed anyway. Some things do much more good somewhere specific.
Professional organizers MaryJo Monroe of reSPACEd and Nicole Sachiko of Tidy Lifestyle, along with interior designer Kate Pearce, share six places that are often overlooked.
Where else to donate your unwanted items
Local school clothing closets
Many school districts run free clothing closets for students in need, and they’re usually short on kids’ and teens’ clothes, shoes, and backpacks in good condition, Monroe says. A quick call to a nearby school can tell you whether they have a program and what they’re running low on.
Animal shelters
Those old towels that aren’t really donation-worthy anymore? Shelters will definitely want them. Humane societies, rescues, and animal shelters use worn linens to line kennels and cages. “Most will also accept donations of unopened pet food and cat litter, as well as pet toys in good condition,” Monroe adds.
Family shelters
If your kids have outgrown their baby gear, family shelters are usually short on it. Monroe says cribs, pack ‘n plays, and car seats are especially in demand, “so long as they are less than five years old and haven’t been recalled or in a car accident, in the case of car seats.”
Before you show up with a carload, call first. “Many of these places operate with minimal staff in a small office, so be really respectful about adhering to their donation guidelines and drop-off instructions, so you don’t inadvertently create more work for them,” Monroe says.
Homeless shelters
Homeless shelters take things that would otherwise go to the trash (food, toiletries, towels, linens) for people working to get back on their feet, Sachiko says.
Reuse arts and crafts stores
One unfinished project can leave you with half a dozen half-used paints and a stack of canvases you’re never going to touch. Local reuse arts and crafts stores take those supplies and sell them cheap to other makers. Sachiko says canvases, paint, and fabrics are all welcome.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
ReStore takes the bigger stuff such as lamps, beds, dressers, tile, sinks, stoves, kitchen cabinets, and puts the proceeds toward Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding work. Kate Pearce, who both shops and donates there, calls it a longtime favorite. “Not only are you benefiting Habitat’s mission, you are also keeping these pieces out of landfills — and that’s a win for both Habitat and the planet,” she says.
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