Whether 2017 will bring you retirement, a downsizing move or just an attempt to live a tidier life, there’s no time like the end of the year to donate what you no longer need. There are lots of options for dropping off clothing or household items, but donating larger items can be challenging. Here are several free resources. In all cases, it’s best to contact the organization first to discuss your donation and insure they’ll accept it. It will feel good to lighten your load and your tax return, and certainly the recipients of your items, will be better for it too
Donation Town
DonationTown.org (http://www.donationtown.org) offers a listing of charities that will come to your home and pick up your donations. All of the non-profit charities on Donation Town offer an IRS tax deduction receipt whenever you donate. Donate to the charity of your choice! Simply enter your zip code and you’ll see a list of charities to choose from, all of whom you can arrange to have come to your home and pick up your donation. We love this user friendly site because it gives you the opportunity to choose a place for your donated goods that’s meaningful to you.
Salvation Army
In many areas the Salvation Army will come pick-up items at your home. Simply log onto http://www.satruck.org and click on the “Schedule a Free Pick-Up” icon. The Salvation Army operates 7,546 centers in communities across the United States. These include food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and a wealth of children’s programs. Their work is funded through kettle donations, corporate contributions, and the sale of goods donated to the Salvation Army Family Stores.
Goodwill Industries International Inc.
At Goodwill, not only are your donated items put to good use, but you’re helping to provide jobs. It’s estimated that Goodwill will get 177,429 people to work in a year. Most Goodwill’s will come collect your furniture and larger items. Contact your local Goodwill to find out more. To locate a store near you go to http://www.goodwill.org/locator.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat ReStores divert hundreds of tons of items from landfills each year, accepting hard-to-dispose-of items including new and used furniture, appliances and surplus building materials. In many cases, pickup service is provided for large items. http://www.habitat.org/restores/donate-goods.