Places to Donate Your Stuff in the Twin Cities
Donating is a great way to ensure that your unwanted items will be able to continue their lives in a new home. There are many charitable, and non-charitable, establishments throughout the Twin Cities who will accept a wide array of good condition, clean, usable items. Before donating, make sure all components of the item are present and working. A quick cleaning is always appreciated. Below is a list of my favorite places to send donations.
Sharing and Caring Hands
Sharing and Caring Hands is a safety-net organization that accepts food, clothing, household items, car seats, strollers, diapers/wipes, personal hygiene items, and vehicles. They do NOT accept furniture. Convenient parking lot in the back. Just drive up and someone will meet you outside to help carry in your donations. Tax deductible receipts are available. For more information call: 612-338-4640 or visit www.sharingandcaringhands.org.
Dress for Success
Dress for Success Twin Cities helps women become economically independent by providing professional clothing and a network of support. They accept women's clothing suitable for an interview. This includes: suits, jackets, blouses, shoes, scarves, accessories, hats, gloves, winter coats. All items must be in ready to wear condition with no stains or tears. They have a back parking lot and an attendant will meet you by the door to help unload donations. They send tax deductible receipts via email, so be prepared to fill out a short form on their iPad. To schedule a drop off call: 651-646-6000 or visit twincities.dressforsuccess.org.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
ReStore is a great place to donate new or gently used tools, building materials, and furniture. Items are sold at their public store at discounted prices. Proceeds fund Habitat for Humanity home builds throughout the Twin Cities. They are fairly specific about what they will accept, so be sure to click the link and visit their website. Call 612-588-3120 to schedule a donation pick up, or drop off or visit restore.tchabitat.org.
Fishing for Life
Fishing for Life serves families and communities through fishing and outdoor programs. The organization accepts fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation gear. Contact Tom for donation information: 612-987-5466, tom@fishingforlife.org or visit www.fishingforlife.org.
Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation
The Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation accepts eyeglasses and redistributes them to the poor in developing countries. Collection sites are abundant. Visit www.mnlionsvisionfoundation.org and scroll to your town or city.
Bridging
Bridging provides furniture and household goods to people transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. Bridging accepts mattresses, household items, furniture, and small appliances. Two locations: Bloomington, Roseville. Drop-off is free. $75 to schedule a pick-up or visit www.bridging.org.
Call2Recycle for Cellphones & Batteries
Visit www.call2recycle.org, type in your ZIP code, and choose a drop off location that is convenient for you. Many places such as local libraries and Home Depot collect cell phones and batteries for recycling and reuse. Many charities partner with recycling companies to help raise money for the charity, so dropping off your old cell phone serves local charities like the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project. Be sure to clear all personal data, and cell plans from phones prior to dropping off.
Donation values are pretty consistent across the board, so if you drop off items to a location that does not have a valuation guide available, use one of the guides below: