What Are the Best Places to Donate Unwanted Items

Cleaning out our homes can leave us with piles of things we no longer want. It is important that instead of throwing them away, we know where to donate them.
Written by Marisol Pereira
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
We all know the satisfaction that comes after a deep clean. We're often left with a nicer looking home, more space, and piles of things we no longer want. When this happens, it would be a shame for us to throw those items away; many organizations have use for our used items. Instead of letting those things go to waste, you can donate them.
And here are a few top organizations to consider, brought to you by
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Amvets National Service Foundation

According to their
website
, "AMVETS National Service Foundation provides Veterans, their families, and survivors world-class counsel and representation before the U.S. Department Veterans Affairs (VA)." Not only that, but your donations will also help fund scholarships for veterans and their families. 
You can arrange for them to pick up your donation through their website by filling out a form. Or, you can drop it off at a donation drop box.
Accepted Items: Clothing, household items, and furniture. 

Habitat for Humanity 

With the help of volunteers,
Habitat for Humanity
builds homes that are then sold at affordable prices so that low-income families can have access to them. Although you can help them by donating money, Habitat for Humanity also takes donations for their "ReStores." In these, they sell gently used items and any proceeds go towards their housing mission. They receive item donations at any of their stores, and they also offer pick-up services for large items. 
Accepted Items: Appliances, furniture, building materials, household goods, and more. 
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The Arc 

This organization focuses on protecting and promoting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They do this through events and training programs that touch on many areas such as education, criminal justice, technology, and more. With multiple chapters throughout the country, part of its funding comes from its thrift store's proceeds. 
To donate, you can
contact
your local chapter and schedule a pick-up. 
Accepted Items: New or gently used clothing and household items, books, toys, furniture, vehicles, and more.

Baby2Baby 

Have your kids grown out of their clothes?
Baby2Baby
will gladly take kid's essentials items. They pride themselves on providing diapers, clothing, and necessities to kids living in poverty all across the country. 
They have received more than 100,000,000 donations, and yours could be the next one by dropping your contribution at their LA location. 
Accepted Items: Diapers, wipes, clothing, cribs, backpacks, and more. 
Key Takeaway Baby2Baby helps children living in poverty.

Dress for Success 

This
global organization
"empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life." 
They accept clothing donations through their local affiliates. You can find yours
here
Accepted Items: Business apparel, shoes, undergarments, accessories, and cosmetics. 

Libraries 

This is an obvious, yet sometimes overlooked, option. Local libraries provide many free resources to their communities, including college and job preparations, tutoring, cultural events, programs, and classes. You can ensure that your local library continues to provide for your community by dropping off a donation at your local branch. 
Accepted Items: Books and computers. 

GoodWill 

Goodwill is one of the most popular
thrift stores
, with countless locations all over the country. Although you may be familiar with the name, you may not know how your contributions make an impact. "We help thousands of people build independence through job training and employment, housing support, and financial stability services." The sale of your donated items funds local programs such as re-housing, job training, digital skills training, skills assessment, resume development, and more. 
You can drop off your donations at your local store or collection center. Find where yours is
here
.
Accepted Items: Vehicles, clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, books, DVDs, toys, housewares, electronics, furniture, and more. 

Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army
offers many different programs in which they assist the community. From homeless shelters to disaster relief to alcohol and drug rehab to after-school programs, this organization helps people in many ways. 
A good part of their funding comes from their thrift stores. You can help their mission by
finding
a drop-off location near you, or scheduling a free pick-up. 
Accepted Items: Clothing, furniture, automobiles, household goods, appliances. 
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