It’s spring – and that means spring cleaning! It’s time to throw open your windows, let in the fresh air and get to work sorting, de-cluttering and organizing. Wondering what to do with all that stuff you no longer want? Donate to a local organization in need of just what you’re ready to part with. Here’s a list of a few places to get you started.
Amvets
Amvets accepts clothing, household items, small furniture, small appliances and several other items to help raise funds for services, welfare and rehabilitation work for American veterans. All you need to do is schedule a pick-up, leave your donations outside and they will take care of the rest.
BrickRecycler
Do you have bins of LEGOS at your house no one is playing with anymore? BrickRecycler accepts used LEGOS (whether they are in sets or mixed-up pieces) and sends them to children around the world to play with.
Children’s Bureau, Inc.
Children’s Bureau, Inc. serves abused and neglected children and families in Indiana, providing a full array of community-based prevention and intervention services. They accept gently used kids’ clothing, toys, books, small household goods, infant items (diapers, wipes, etc.) and new hygiene supplies. The organization has limited storage space, so be sure to contact them prior to donating large items such as appliances and furniture.
Goodwill
Goodwill accepts a variety of items and your donations help individuals in the community with job skills training and education. With eight locations in Hamilton County, dropping by a Goodwill with a box or bag of clothes, household objects or other items you’re ready to part with is easy to do.
Good Samaritan Network
Our local Good Samaritan Network serves the physical, financial and emotional needs of underserved individuals and families in Hamilton County. They are in need of a wide variety of items such as baby and children’s clothing up to size 6, baby supplies, maternity clothes, toys and more.
Jordan’s Place
Jordan’s Place provides resources for foster families and is currently seeking clothing of all sizes from infant to teen as well as a variety of other items. Be sure to check their website for a complete listing of their current most crucial needs. Jordan’s Place offers pick up for donations of numerous items or those that are large and bulky.
Julian Center
The Julian Center is a home for women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Many who arrive at the facility have the clothes on their back and little else. Women and children can “shop” for items such as clothing, toys, books and household items free of charge at the Julian Center’s thrift store, Thrifty Threads. Items are also sold to the public to help raise funds needed for the center. Donations can be dropped off at the Julian Center or at Thrifty Threads. You can also request a pick-up of any large furniture you wish to donate.
Pals on Patrol
Wondering what to do with all your kids’ stuffed animals? Pals on Patrol collects new and gently used stuffed animals for children who have experienced traumatic events. The stuffed animals are donated to local police, fire and state agencies who give them to children for comfort during a difficult time.
Prevail
Have an old cell phone (or two) that you need to get rid of? Consider making a donation to Prevail’s cell phone drive. For each used cell phone donated, Prevail receives funds to help support their organization which serves victims of crime and abuse.
Project Home Indy
Project Home Indy provides long-term residential living for young mothers in need, helping them break the cycle of poverty and develop the skills to live independently. They are in need of baby supplies, paper products, cleaning supplies and more.
Riley Hospital for Children Child Life Program
Donations of toys, books and other items gives kids who are hospitalized something fun to do during their stay. Books, board games, Wii games, music and movies can also be given to the Edward A. Block Family Library which is utilized by patients and families during their stay.
Safe Families for Children
Safe Families for Children serves those who find themselves temporarily unable to care for their children due to crisis situations. Safe families will host children who are at risk of abuse and neglect with the goal of reuniting them with their family once the crisis has passed. Donations of gently used items such as beds, furniture and clothing are appreciated.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps people of all ages in time of need. They also maintain a variety of programs such as adult rehabilitation, veteran’s services, prison ministries, elderly services, housing and homeless services and much more. The Salvation Army accepts donations of clothing, furniture, household items and cars.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Indianapolis
St. Vincent DePaul provides person-to-person assistance for the homeless and working poor through a variety of services. They accept many types of donations such as major appliances, furniture, household items, clothing, linens, kitchen items, books, adult bicycles, helmets, locks, backpacks and reading glasses.
Shepherd Community Center
Shepherd Community is an inner-city ministry on the near eastside of Indianapolis that helps neighborhood children, teens and their parents break the cycle of poverty and overcome challenges they may be facing in all areas of life. Visit their website for a complete list of the items most needed.
The O’Connor House
The O’Connor House serves pregnant women over the age of 18 who are in a crisis pregnancy, providing shelter, counseling, prenatal care and career counseling and planning. They are in need of women’s clothing, maternity clothes, children’s clothes up to 6 years, household items and more.
Wheeler Mission
Wheeler Mission serves disadvantaged and homeless men, women and children and accepts clothing, household items, hygiene and grocery items, linens – even vehicles. Wheeler has donation bins for convenient drop-off and also offers pick-up service for unique goods or large quantities of particular items.
