If you are going to get rid of 40 bags in 40 days one of your first questions is bound to be, “Where can I get rid of these bags?”
Never fear – there are many, many options out there.
First is always your local community. Could someone in your family use those baby clothes or that fondue pot? What about your parish or church community? The old woman across the street might want a warm winter coat or those pickled onions. There are options like Criagslist and freecycle that allow you to post your unneeded goods for sale or give away. But if none of these options work for you there are organizations in your community that will gladly take your lightly use items. No charity wants stained, worn, broken or dirty items. Remember that volunteers must sort through your gift-aways – so have mercy on them and don’t give them trash. I have put together the list below as a resource. You will note that it is very Portland, Oregon heavy, but it can still be useful to you. Many of the organizations are national and others may spur a little bit of creativity in looking for charities in your own area.
A few notes on this list.
To the best of my knowledge the charities on this list will take used items.
I have not researched the charities on the list in any ways except for what is on their home-page. If you know something problematic about a charity on this list please contact me with the name of the charity and supporting information and I will remove it or at least note the problem.
If I know the charity is affiliated with a religious organization or other charity I have noted it. If I missed one please let me know.
Sites that help you find places to donate:
In Portland, Oregon
National
- DonationTown.org
- Miss Minimalist
- Donations Central
- Excess Access
- Recycle.net
- Throw Place
- Where to Get Rid of Your Stuff – Oprah.com
Large Charities that take a variety of items:
- http://www.goodwill.org/
what they take http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/donation-acceptance-guidelines/ - https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/ *religious organization
what they take: http://www.satruck.org/donate-goods - Vietnam Veterans of America http://www.pickupplease.org/
what they take: http://www.pickupplease.org/acceptable-donations - http://www.voa.org/
- Desert Industries * LDS – Mormon
- ARC
Charities that Take Specific items:
Clothing and Household Items
Art Supplies:
Baby and Children’s Items:
- http://www.northwestchildrensoutreach.org/donations.php
- http://www.lifeworksnw.org/contribute/donate-goods-or-services/
Bikes and Bike Parts:
Books:
Bridal Gowns:
Clothing, Baby supplies, Food:
Computers, monitors, printers and peripherals
Construction Materials and Appliances
Food
Formal Clothing
Food, household items, personal hygiene items
School Supplies
Shoes:
- http://www.shoebank.org/ (Texas)
Sporting goods
Women’s business clothing and accessories:
Charities with lists of items they are looking for:
And what to do with those recyclable things that no one will take?
Recycling