Over the years, as I worked with clients, I found that people with a charity that offered a cause close to their hearts were more likely to get rid of their gently used belongings. Whatever the reason, they were happier when they gave to a charity they support than selling the item. In this post, we will provide you with an extensive list of charitable locations with a cause to motivate you to take action and get rid of those unwanted items.
Note: Please check the charitable locations’ websites for details on the updated donating items policies.
From clothing to collectibles, several charities are below to help you get rid of items. Each section includes the name of the charitable location, the link, what they accept, and their cause. Read below to find the one that is best for you! Happy decluttering!
Please note as of 2023, there are more than 15 charities you can donate your unwanted stuff to.
Click on the charity name below to see what they accept and who they support.
Jump to:
- Go Green Drop
- Laurel House
- Career Wardrobe Closet
- Dress for Success
- St. Vincent de Paul
- The Salvation Army
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Books Through Bars
- Cellphones For Soldiers
- Support Our Troops
- Brides for a Cause
- MED-Eq
- Goodwill Industries Keystone Area
- Collectibles with a Cause
- Philly AIDS Thrift Shop
Go Green Drop
Items to donate: general clothing and household items
GreenDrop collects clothing and household items and then converts them to funds to donate to the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blind, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia for their support of American veterans, the nation’s blind and neighbors in need throughout Philadelphia.
Laurel House
Items to donate: women's and children's clothing
Laurel House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. They receive several gently used items through their Laurel’s Loft and Marian’s Attic thrift stores.
Career Wardrobe Closet
Items to donate: women's and men's professional attire and office supplies
Career Wardrobe Closet accepts women's and men's professional attire and office supplies. This charity enterprise in the Delaware Valley uses clothing and professional development to empower unemployed individuals to work. Their store is the cornerstone of their program and provides professional clothing to individuals in transition.
Dress for Success
Items to donate: women's professional clothing
“Dress for Success is to empower 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.” I could not say it better myself, so this is directly from their mission page on their website. They operate in several countries. Visit their website for more details on the countries.
Soles4Souls
Items to donate: kids and adults gently used shoes and clothing
Soles4Souls collection new and gently used shoes (Affiliate Link) and clothing to give to the less fortunate.
St. Vincent de Paul
Items to donate: household items, books/magazines, cars/trucks, RVs and boats, CDs/DVDs and working VCRs, clothing and accessories, computers, electronics, crafts and art supplies, holiday decorations and costumes, hospital-style beds, office furniture, Knick-knacks, baskets, etc...
They assist the poor in the Philadelphia region.
The Salvation Army
Items to donate: clothing, furniture, household goods, automobiles, and appliances
The Salvation Army offers several programs to the public. Adult rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs Services, Prison Ministries, Elderly Services, Combating Human Trafficking, and Missing Persons are just some of their services.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Items to donate: brand new and recently purchased toys, games, and kids supplies donations
All donations to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia benefit the Child Life, Education, and Creative Arts Therapy Department.
Books Through Bars
Items to donate: books
Donating to Books through Bars will benefit prisoners through various programs, from sending books to art exhibits, giving grants, providing consultations and guidance, and hosting events to increase awareness.
Cellphones For Soldiers
Items to donate: cellphone, tablets, and other mobile devices
Cellphones For Soldiers helps people who serve their country connect with family and friends.
Support Our Troops
Items to donate: jewelry, guns for soldiers, war relics, personal valuables, collections, vehicles, machinery, equipment, and other things.
This organization connects soldiers to their families, provides stability for overseas soldiers’ children, and shows soldiers they are not alone among other programs.
Brides for a Cause
Items to donate: wedding dresses
This Portland/Seattle/Tacoma charitable nonprofit gives its proceeds to national and local charities. This charity accepts wedding dresses all year round.
MED-Eq
Items to donate: Medical equipment
This company is a liaison that brings together families needing medical equipment.
Goodwill Industries Keystone Area
Items to donate: Dell computers, automobiles, household items
This company supports disabled individuals and others to help them be more independent in achieving their fullest potential in their community. Goodwill Industries is a nationwide organization. Click here to find one near you!
Collectibles with a Cause
Items to donate: collectibles like classic cars, comic books, musical instruments, antique coins, and artwork
Collectibles with Causes promote and enhance community educational, vocational, and rehabilitative projects.
Updated as of 2023:
Philly AIDS Thrift Shop
Donation Items accepted: Appliances, Books, Cars, CDs, Records, Tapes, Clothing, shoes, DVDs, VHS, Electronics, stereo equipment, furniture, home furnishings, household items, jewelry, sporting goods
Philly AIDS supports local organizations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Note: I have not used all these charitable locations with a cause listed above.
Many more of these national and regional charitable locations will assist you in getting rid of unwanted items. If you have a favorite place, please share it in the comments section below. I hope this post helps you with whatever you want to donate. Feel free to visit our other donation posts below for more inspiration.
Locations to donate your stuff
How to get rid of old electronics
Sheri Steed says
This is a great list. I have a similar section on my website, and I'm going to add some of the resources you've identified that I didn't have. Your list is more up to date than mine. I think an important part of the organization process is finding a good home for the things you plan to part with.
Janet Schiesl says
I am always looking for donation options in my area. Our expertise is what our clients are paying for. We keep a running list of locations that take donations.
Ronni says
WOW! This is an incredible resourse.! I have to figure out how to save the list. I’ve used many of the charities you mentioned, there are others I haven’t heard of, such as CELLPHONES FOR SOLDIERS.
I worked with Dress for Success for quite a few years and even got my kids involved. It’s such an amazing organization to help women get back on their feet as they find employment. Honestly, all of these charities are important.
Melanie says
Thank you for this! I'm saving this post in my browser bookmark! I have a small list of donation centers that I offer clients but I've been meaning to flesh out the list. This is PERFECT for finding some of my local resources. My clients will love it!
Janet Barclay says
This is great! People don't even think about what happens to the goods they donate. I would prefer mine to go directly to someone in need, if possible. Secondly to be sold to raise funds for a cause that's important to me. Lastly to be sold at a profit with a percentage going to charity.
Linda Samuels says
I agree with you 100% that when we're able to release our belongings to charities or other sources we feel good about, we are more likely to let go. And in addition, it makes us feel good about letting go. There's a term called, "safe passage," which means just that- Letting go by giving your belongings to someone or an organization that will use and appreciate them. There are two local places in the New York that are terrific donation resources and do a lot of good for the community. Furniture Sharehouse provides free furniture to disadvantaged individuals and families living in Westchester County. The Sharing Shelf collects and distributes clothing, personal care, and school supplies for low-income families, with an emphasis on children. As a member of the local NAPO Westchester Neighborhood group, we've volunteered time at both organizations to help organize. They are incredible charities doing so much good in the world.
Seana Turner says
What a wonderful list. Having a charity who can benefit from our donations eases the pain of letting go. There are great national and local charities all over. I love that you mentioned CHOP, as they are such a terrific institution. Another great one is Habitat for Humanity Restore. They are one of the few who will pick up furniture!