Donate Goods

Have things to give away?

Don't know where to donate goods?

Or how to calculate the tax value of your discards?

Well you've come to the right place!

Below is a brief list of national organizations that accept used items as well as resources to help you find local drop-off locations. Additionally, scroll down for some great tips on donating goods.

LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION? Type your keyword in the search box on the left or go to Charity Navigator for a complete list of organizations.

Alphabetically By Item

• Cell Phones & Other Electronics

• Medical Supplies

• Musical Instruments

• Trophies & Awards


You Drop Off

• Goodwill

• A Wider Circle


They Pick Up

• AmVets

• Freecycle

• Freesharing

• Purple Heart

• Salvation Army

• Vietnam Veterans of America


Resources

• Who Takes What

• Charity Navigator - Your Guide To Intelligent Giving

• The Stuff Stop - Match Unwanted Stuff with Local Charities

•Tax Valuation Guide for Donated Goods

Have A System To Donate Goods

Keeping your house organized and clutter-free means getting rid of things on a regular basis. Having a system for this constant outflow is really convenient, and I highly recommend it.

The following is my system. I hope this helps you and enjoy!

1. Always keep a donation bag or box accessible in your home.
2. Anytime you or a family member come across an item you no longer want, toss it in the bag.
3. Once the bag is full, calculate the value of the items inside and file your calculation in your current tax folder.
4. Put the bag in your car and drop it off at a local donation site when you pass one.

Teach Your Kids To Donate Early

In preparation for the holidays, a great habit to implement early in your kids' lives is donating items that are no longer used. This is the time to do it, because it is a lot easier to give stuff away when you know you're getting more things soon.

This practice is beneficial for the following reasons, all of which can be explained to your children in your own words.

1. The holidays are about giving, not just to your family but to others in need and this is the perfect opportunity to be charitable. You could explain to your kids that there are children without toys at all, and they would love the items that aren't beloved and used anymore.
   
2. Making room for new things by getting rid of old things is basically the clutter-purging process. This instills organized living, decision-making skills and how to detach from material things. This can be explained with the simple notion that one has to make room for new things by giving away items that are not used anymore.

None of the above resources in your area? Do a search for local donation sites. In the WWW search box, type "donate goods" and your city and state.