Wondering what to do with the stuff you no longer use? Donate or recycle it!
The list below will give you a variety of ideas of what to do with your "stuff." Consider also
contacting churches, public and private schools, early
childhood education centers, preschools, and other non-profit
organizations. They often appreciate donations of office supplies and more. Ask
whether they hold fund-raising rummage sales and accept donated goods.
Freecycle™ is a nonprofit, online network of local groups that promote giving (and receiving) stuff for free. This is a great resource when you have something that your favorite local charity can’t use or won’t pick up. Rather than adding it to the landfill, you can recycle unwanted items by offering your items to your local online group. It costs nothing to join or participate, and there are active groups all over the world.
World Relief Minnesota (612) 798-4332 www.worldreliefmn.org
Works to restore the lives of refugee families and mobilizes churches to care for them. Donated items directly support immigrant families in establishing their new lives.
Accepts gently used furniture (sofas, beds, tables, chairs, etc.) and household necessities (kitchenware, linens, etc.). Call for details.
Lewis House (651) 452-7288
Provides women and children who are victims of domestic violence a safe place to go for shelter and support. Serves primarily Dakota and Scott counties.
Accepts gently used toys, clothing, furniture, linens, and most other household items.
FreedomWorks Post-Prison Outreach (612) 522-9007 www.freedomworksppo.org
Christian faith-based organization that serves former prisoners and their families.
Accepts new and gently used furniture, household items, and men’s clothing (including outerwear). Pickup service available for large items; call for details.
Bridging, Inc. (952) 888-1105
Distributes free beds, furniture and household goods to people in
transition (particularly victims of homelessness and domestic abuse, as well as individuals who have a chronic life threatening disease or who are in job transition).
Clients are referred by social service agencies & churches.
Accepts gently used furniture and household items. Items of greatest need are single, double and queen size mattresses, pots and pans, blankets, kitchen/dining tables and chairs, and dressers.
Call for drop-off hours or to schedule a pickup.
New Life Family Services(612) 866-7643
Christian social service agency. Offers pregnancy care center, adoption services, and support groups.
Accepts new or used maternity and baby clothing (up to size 2T), baby bedding, pregnancy/childcare books, etc.
Accepts new/unopened toiletries, formula, baby equipment, and baby/toddler toys. Call for a complete list.
Joseph's Coat (651) 291-2472
A free store providing clothing, household items, personal hygiene products, and children's items to our neediest neighbors in St. Paul, MN and the surrounding Twin Cities communities.
Accepts seasonal clothing and shoes, cookware and dishes, small appliances, bed and bath linens, and personal care items. Visit josephscoatmn.org or call for drop off hours.
Ready for Success (612) 872-1509
Provides interview and workplace clothing for low-income women.
Clients are referred by social service agencies
and are paired with a volunteer "personal shopper."
Accepts new and gently used clothing (preferably sizes 14 and up),
shoes, accessories, and outerwear.
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (651) 287-2300
Proceeds from the sale of donated used clothing support epilepsy awareness and educational programs.
Accepts gently used clothing and accessories, household textiles,
kitchenware, toys, and tools. Visit www.efmn.org or call to get a complete list of items they do and
do not accept. For vehicle donations, call the national office (1-877-332-2777).
Vietnam Veterans of America (651) 778-8387
Sells donated goods to private companies by annual bid. Those funds support
local, state, and national service programs (homeless vets, vets with disabilities, etc.)
Accepts clothing and most household goods (visit their
website for a complete list).
Call or register online to schedule a pickup.
American Cancer Society (651) 255-8127
Sells donated goods at annual garage sale.
All proceeds from the sale benefit the Society's
research, education programs, advocacy, and patient services.
Accepts new and gently used general merchandise (household, apparel, sporting goods, toys, furniture, etc.).
Call to arrange a pickup.
Electronics (computer equipment, TVs, digital cameras, etc.)
Electronic waste has quickly become a growing concern worldwide.
PCs for People (507) 351-6571
Refurbishes computer equipment donated by businesses and individuals for distribution to disadvantaged people.
Accepts any computers less than six years old and in working order at no cost. Free pickup may also be available. For a more information, visit www.pcsforpeople.com.
National Cristina Foundation (203) 863-9100
Directs donations of used computer equipment to nonprofit organizations, schools, and public agencies throughout the United States.
Commonly accepts computer equipment, copy and/or fax machines, digital cameras, etc. Tell them what you have, and they'll try to connect you with someone in your area who needs it. For a more complete list of equipment, tax write-off information and more, visit www.cristina.org.
Earth 911 can also help you find a place to donate or recycle your equipment.
Cell phones (mobile phones)
In many cases, your donated phone and associated shipping expenses are tax deductible. (Be sure to request a receipt for your donation.)
Click here for organizations that collect phones.
