A new year seems to always bring the urge to declutter. Added to that is the craze of the Marie Kondo Netflix show and everyone is staging their own declutter-a-thon! I’ve created a list of deserving resources for great places to donate those unwanted and unneeded items (besides GoodWill.) For a handy guide, print out my Where to Donate list, complete with hyperlinks to take you straight to the information you need.
Great Places To Donate
One caveat: sometimes when my clients have an overwhelming amount of items to purge they become paralyzed in trying to find the perfect place to donate each item. In this case, I urge them to simply take all the items to a local thrift store or the Salvation Army. Otherwise, there is the danger that all that stuff won’t ever leave the house. If this feels like you, please don’t feel bad about simply taking the entire pile to one thrift store.
For those local to the Raleigh area, I particularly like The Green Chair Project, who collects used home furnishings to benefit those suffering from homelessness or crisis. In Fuquay Varina, consider donating to Guardian Angel whose proceeds go to Alzheimer’s Research or Going Full Circle a thrift store that trains and utilizes adults with autism as employees. Thrift 2 Gift in Cary who helps families in crisis.
However, if you have specific items to donate, there are many wonderful, deserving associations who could use your gently used items. For a full list, print out my Where to Donate guide.
Shoes
- Soles 4 Souls provides shoes to those affected by natural disasters or who cannot afford a good pair of shoes. Their search by zipcode will find the drop off place closest to you.
- One World Running
- Share Your Soles
Stuffed Animals
I know many a mom who feels like she’s swimming in a sea of stuffed animals. When your kids are finally ready to let go (or maybe when they’re at school-no judgment!!) here are some wonderful places to donate.
- SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) gives stuffed animals and other items to children who’ve suffered a trauma or emotional event
- Project Smile provides police officers, fire fighters and paramedics with stuffed animals to give to children
Books
- Operation Paperback sends books to overseas troops
- Books for Africa
- Books Through Bars gives books to the incarcerated
- READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs program)
Eyeglasses
Wedding Dresses
- Brides Across America donates wedding dresses to military and first responder brides
- Brides Against Breast Cancer
Prom Dresses
Bras
Yes. You can donate your bras. Free the Girls allows women rescued from sex trafficking to sell second hand bras and make a living wage. Also check out brarecycling.com for a drop off location near you.
Bikes
Bikes for the World gives bikes to students in the Philippines at risk of dropping out of school because of lack of transportation. In addition, the bikes are used by health workers to see more clients. Bikes for the World has drop off locations at select bike stores across the country. Or, if there is not a drop off location near you, call them to work something out.
Medical Supplies
Project Cure provides medical supplies to resource-limited countries.
Sometimes getting rid of the stuff we no longer use is easier when we know it’s going to help someone in need. Those books sitting in the attic, that bra you wore twice but it didn’t fit quite right, the prom dress worn once-these things can literally change others lives. Want your cast offs to have high impact? These organizations are truly some great places to donate after your declutter-a-thon.
You May Also Be Interested in Reading:
12 Surprising Ways Clutter is Ruining Your Life
How To Sustainably Dispose of Clutter
