Spring is here and what better way to start it than by cleaning your home? If you are planning to get rid of some clothing or household items in good condition, consider donating them. I have a list of places that you can contact. Don’t forget to get a receipt for your donation. You can file it on your taxes.
*These organizations are accepting household donations during the pandemic.*
Nationwide Nonprofit Charities
1. National Kidney Foundation
Did you know that the National Kidney Foundation will come to your home for donation pick-up? If you live in Charleston, SC you’ve probably seen the billboards around town. They accept clothing, household items, and furniture if you place them outside near the street. Vehicles are accepted too. Just give them a call to verify if they service your area. Then arrange a pick-up. I’ve had a pleasant experience with them. They left a receipt on the door for me once the items were picked up.
2. Habitat For Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization. They accept donations of new or gently used household items, furniture, and appliances. The donated items are then sold at their Habitat ReStore to the public. The proceeds are used to build homes. I’ve participated in building a Habitat for Humanity home. Check out that experience here.
3. Salvation Army
My mom would donate our old clothes to the Salvation Army years ago. Here you can donate clothing, household goods, furniture, appliances, and vehicles. Find a location near you or schedule a pick-up here.
4. Goodwill
The first time I became aware of Goodwill was when I moved to Charleston, SC. There are many in the surrounding areas. They have convenient drop-offs for donations. Within recent years Sumter, SC now has one.
Now there was controversy about the company’s CEO making millions for his salary. Some people are hesitant about donating here. That’s up to you to decide.
Charleston Tri-County Area Nonprofit Charities
5. Jenkins Institute
Jenkins Institute is located in North Charleston, SC. The nonprofit organization serves young boys and girls in the foster care community. They are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. In addition to clothing, items such as hangers, hair accessories, pajamas, uniforms, and school supplies are acceptable donations. Check out the rich Black cultural history of the Jenkins Institute founded by Rev. Daniel Jenkins here.
6. My Sister’s House
The 40-year-old nonprofit organization provides shelter, education, and counseling for women dealing with domestic violence. They accept linens, comforters, tablecloths, purses, coats, bras, etc. Find drop-off locations here.
7. Lowcountry Orphan Relief
This is a nonprofit organization that accepts new and gently used clothing for children of all ages. They even provide clothes for foster kids and work directly with local schools. Donations are received Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
My co-worker chose this site for us to volunteer once. It was a great learning experience. We sorted clothes and threw away clothes that were stained, contained pet hair, or were inappropriate for a child.
8. Fetter Health Care
The organization has been providing affordable healthcare to underserved communities for 50 years. They currently accept clothing, household items, and toiletries at the Downtown Charleston location at 51 Nassau Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
9. 180 Place
180 Place provides housing to the homeless. This organization accepts only NEW items for men and women including sweatpants, hoodies, jackets, socks, shoes, and more. They also accept non-perishable food like canned goods, salad dressings, salt, pepper, cereal, oatmeal, etc. Learn more here.
10. Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach provides many services including food and clothing to those in need. They accept nonperishable food, gently used clothes, and linens at the Neighborhood House in Downtown Charleston and at the Johns Island location.