Throughout the year we are faced with holidays, birthdays, winterizing, and spring cleaning, all of which are times where we are faced with the inevitable question of, “Where can I take my junk!?”. For most people, the idea of ‘out with the old, in with the new’ means getting rid of old and unwanted clothing, toys, books, and other items that, while not in poor enough condition to throw away, just aren’t wanted anymore. There are a number of different companies that provide solutions for where you can take your junk, and many of them even offer a receipt that allows you to get a deduction on your taxes! Check out our list of the top places to send your junk before you throw it in the landfill!

Goodwill

Who they support: Individuals with employment barriers such as development and physical disabilities
How to contact: http://www.goodwill.org/donate-and-shop/donate-stuff/
What they accept: Almost anything in good working condition – furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, shoes, books, etc.
Additional: The Goodwill is often a first stop for many people and chances are there is one right in your hometown; if not, there is sure to be one in a town nearby. When you drop off your donation be sure that you pick up a receipt. Never drop off your donations at a donation site that is unattended as this is considered littering!

Salvation Army

Who they support: Homeless individuals and families, they also provide community programs and disaster relief
How to contact: https://satruck.org/
What they accept: Much like the Goodwill, the Salvation Army accepts almost anything in good working condition including clothing, toys, sporting goods, books, household items, and they may even come to your house and pick-up larger items such as furniture and appliances.
Additional: Though a drop-off location for a Salvation Army may be harder to find, this is another great resource for communities across the country. The services they provide are critical no matter what time of year; many provide meals for the homeless, addiction services, children’s programming, and other forms of community support.

National Cristina Foundation

Who they support: Individuals with disabilities or economic disadvantages
How to contact: https://www.cristina.org/non-profit-locator/
What they accept: Working computers, laptops, and peripherals, including software
Additional: You can go right to the website of the National Cristina Foundation and find a location near you that will put your working equipment in the hands of people who will begin to use it right away. This is a group committed to helping both kids and adults make headway in a world that is becoming increasingly digital!

Habitat for Humanity ReStore/ Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes

Who they support: Families in Need
How to contact: https://www.habitat.org/restores and http://www.habitat.org/carsforhomes/
What they accept: ReStore accepts household items and construction items, Cars for Homes accepts almost all vehicles in almost any condition! They’ll even come to your home and pick it up!
Additional: Most ReStore facilities will accept good-fair condition construction equipment such as toilets, cabinets, unused flooring, doors and windows etc., and some will take other items like furniture. Be sure to contact your local facility to see what it is they accept!

Dress for Success

Who they support: Low income women
How to contact: https://dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/
What they accept: Professional clothing, footwear and accessories
Additional: Dress for Success is focused on providing women in low income situations with career support and clothing for interviews. This is a great option for women who are looking at retirement, who are making a career change, or women who are just getting ready to clear out their closet. Donate to help other women become successful and get access to great opportunities that their income may not have otherwise afforded!

Cause USA

Who they support: Wounded military personnel and their families
How to contact: https://cause-usa.org/how-to-help
What they accept: They are looking for gently used games, magazines that are current, usable batteries, travel-size toiletries and things like craft supplies that can be used in and around hospitals.
Additional: CauseUSA is a great option for those ‘weird’ supplies, like craft supplies, that you might not know what to do with but just can’t bring yourself to send to the dump. Please make sure everything you send them is in good condition – these items are used to help our wounded military folks, and their families, pass the time in hospitals and hotel rooms while they wait to be able to go home again with their loved one.

Career Gear

Who they support: Under-served, low-income men seeking jobs
How to contact: http://careergear.org/get-involved/
What they accept: Men’s business attire including shirts, suit separates, ties, shoes, briefcases and other interview-appropriate clothing
Additional: Career Gear works with individuals and companies to provide less privileged men with job training, career counseling, interview practice, and the clothing they need to land the job and have confidence that they can get the job done.

International Book Project

Who they support: Communities around the world that may struggle with literacy
How to contact: https://www.intlbookproject.org/home/our-work/give-books/
What they accept: Textbooks, dictionaries and full encyclopedia sets (nothing before 1990), vocational books, children’s books, magazines. Check the website for restrictions.
Additional: The International book Project sends not just books but people to the far corners of the globe to help promote education and literacy, as well as to broaden the understanding of the world for Americans.

SAFE

Who they support: Children suffering from emotional, traumatic and stressful situations such as fire, abuse, severe illness, homelessness and natural disasters
How to contact: https://stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/urgent-needs
What they accept: Stuffed animals in new or gently used condition.
Additional: Please make sure that anything you donate has been cleaned and is in like-new condition. The kids that receive these are very thankful to have something to hold on to during stressful situations. It’s a wonderful chance to change the life of a young child and give them hope during a time where things may seem hopeless.

Don’t settle on the dump when asking the question, ‘Where can I take my junk?’. There are so many options and opportunities that can change and improve a life available for most of the items that we throw away every day! As you work on cleaning out your house and figuring out where to take your junk, consider all of the options above and even do a quick search of local options right in your home town!

Here is a quick list of other potential donation options: https://www.missminimalist.com/2011/04/where-to-donate-your-stuff-101-places-your-clutter-can-do-good/

Images:
Salvation army – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/15082297621/
Goodwill – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/17332253861/
National Cristina Foundation (electronics) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/1440948116/
Habitat for Humanity- https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/14464296661/
International Book Project – https://www.flickr.com/photos/rayinmanila/41786846054/
SAFE (stuffed animals) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicafm/189514609/