Clothing is accepted almost everywhere, but it does the most good where it's needed. Shelters and clothing closets need specific things, especially men's clothes, winter coats and new socks and underwear.
Before you go
Wash everything first and bag it by type.
Coats and jackets are in highest demand from October to February.
Men's clothes are almost always short at shelters.
seasonal clothing and footwear (esp. professional and winter wear)
new underwear
furniture in good condition
like-new queen, double and twin mattresses
small kitchen appliances, dishware, lamps
unopened hygiene items
Not accepted: damaged or stained furniture or furniture with glass; sofa beds, bunk beds, armoires, outdoor furniture; king mattresses, box springs, bed frames; large appliances, tube TVs; medications; used stuffed animals, cribs, car seats
Pickup: Yes - free pickup for furniture and large items; book online about a month ahead (call 303-331-2931 for help)
Not accepted: televisions; mattresses, box springs and bed pillows; broken, stained or worn furniture; paint and hazardous materials; building and plumbing supplies; auto parts and tires
Not accepted: televisions; mattresses, box springs and bed pillows; broken, stained or worn furniture; paint and hazardous materials; building and plumbing supplies; auto parts and tires
Not accepted: televisions; mattresses, box springs and bed pillows; broken, stained or worn furniture; paint and hazardous materials; building and plumbing supplies; auto parts and tires
Not accepted: televisions; mattresses, box springs and bed pillows; broken, stained or worn furniture; paint and hazardous materials; building and plumbing supplies; auto parts and tires
Not accepted: televisions; mattresses, box springs and bed pillows; broken, stained or worn furniture; paint and hazardous materials; building and plumbing supplies; auto parts and tires
building materials (lumber 4 ft+, whole bricks, doors)
plumbing fixtures
working lighting
Not accepted: mattresses and box springs; sleeper sofas; particleboard furniture; TVs, computers and printers; paint and chemicals; baby items such as cribs
Pickup: Yes - free pickup for items the ReStore can sell; self-schedule online (often 1-2 weeks out)
Not accepted: mattresses and bedding; cribs and baby gates; TVs, computers and printers; exercise equipment; office desks and sleeper sofas; paint thinners and solvents
Pickup: Yes - free pickup for qualifying donations of 2+ items from garage or outside; schedule online 1-4 weeks ahead
gently used clothing and shoes (work clothes especially)
coats, hats and gloves
new underwear and socks
clean housewares
travel-size hygiene items
new twin sheets, blankets and pillows
food staples and bottled water
Not accepted: furniture and mattresses; large appliances and TVs; medications and medical supplies; hazardous materials; opened food or hygiene products; dirty or broken items
These take donations from anywhere in the country, by mail, at partner drop-off points, or through local chapters. Check each one's rules first.
Nationwide
Soles4Souls
How: Fill out the donor form, then use the drop-off locator or ship free with a Zappos for Good prepaid label dropped at any UPS Store.
Rules: Some drop-off sites take no more than 15 pairs. Boxes must be under 50 lbs. Free label requires a Zappos account. You can also ship to the nearest Soles4Souls warehouse at your own cost (shipping cost gets a tax acknowledgment).
New or gently worn shoes of all styles and sizes
Single or mismatched shoes
Clothing with usable life left
Not accepted: Shoes with holes or mold; Undergarments