General Donation Principles
Quality First
Donate items you'd be comfortable giving to a friend. Clean, gently used items make the biggest difference.
Seasonal Timing
Donate seasonal items just before they're needed. Winter coats in fall, summer clothes in spring.
Impact Over Volume
One quality item is better than ten poor ones. Focus on donations that truly help recipients.
What to Donate
Clothing Items
- Shirts & Tops: T-shirts, dress shirts, blouses, sweaters, hoodies
- Bottoms: Jeans, dress pants, shorts, skirts, leggings
- Outerwear: Coats, jackets, blazers, vests
- Dresses: Casual, work, formal, and special occasion
- Professional Wear: Suits, dress shoes, ties, work uniforms
Accessories & More
- Shoes: Sneakers, dress shoes, boots, sandals (clean, good soles)
- Accessories: Belts, purses, handbags, jewelry, watches
- Textiles: Clean blankets, sheets, towels, curtains
- Winter Gear: Gloves, hats, scarves, winter coats
- Children's Items: Kids' clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes
What NOT to Donate
Items That Cannot Be Accepted
- Damaged, stained, or torn clothing
- Underwear, bras, and socks (hygiene reasons)
- Shoes with worn-out soles or holes
- Items with strong odors or pet hair
- Car seats, cribs, or recalled safety items
- Mattresses and pillows
- Hazardous materials or chemicals
- Broken electronics or appliances
How to Prepare Your Donations
Before You Donate
- • Wash or dry clean all clothing items
- • Check pockets for personal items
- • Mend minor repairs (loose buttons, small tears)
- • Remove lint and pet hair
- • Ensure items are completely dry
Sorting & Organization
- • Group similar items together
- • Separate clothing by season
- • Keep shoes in pairs
- • Bundle accessories in clear bags
- • Remove hangers unless requested
Packaging
- • Use sturdy bags or boxes
- • Don't overfill containers
- • Protect delicate items
- • Label fragile items clearly
- • Keep items dry during transport
Delivery Tips
- • Check donation center hours
- • Bring items during business hours
- • Ask for a donation receipt
- • Be patient during busy periods
- • Consider calling ahead for large donations
Organization-Specific Guidelines
Different charities have different needs and capabilities. Here's what each major organization typically accepts:
| Organization | Clothing | Shoes | Household | Electronics | Textiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | Yes | Yes | Books, DVDs, small appliances | Computers, phones | Clean items only |
| Salvation Army | Yes | Yes | Kitchen items, linens, toys | Small electronics | All clean textiles |
| USAgain | Any condition | Any condition | No | No | Any condition |
| Savers | Yes | Yes | Books, media | No | Clean items only |
Note: Guidelines may vary by location. Always check with individual donation centers for their specific requirements and current needs.
Tax Benefits & Record Keeping
Getting Your Receipt
- Always ask for a donation receipt when dropping off items
- Ensure the receipt includes the organization's name and date
- Keep receipts organized by tax year
- You determine the fair market value of your donations
Valuation Guidelines
Typical Values:
- • Shirt/Blouse: $3-12
- • Pants/Skirt: $4-15
- • Dress: $5-20
- • Suit: $15-60
- • Coat: $8-25
- • Shoes: $3-25
Values based on thrift store prices for items in good condition. Consult IRS Publication 561 or a tax professional for detailed guidance.
Environmental Impact
Average clothing thrown away per person annually
Of textiles can be recycled or reused
Liters of water saved per donated t-shirt
How Your Donations Help the Planet
- Reduces textile waste in landfills
- Saves water used in clothing production
- Reduces demand for new clothing manufacturing
- Lowers carbon emissions from transportation
- Supports circular economy principles
- Prevents harmful chemicals from entering soil
Ready to Make a Difference?
Now that you know how to donate responsibly, find a donation center near you and start making an impact in your community.