Philly AIDS Thrift in Queen Village

Updated April 11

Hellooooo spring! The season is really here, which means it’s time to summon your inner Marie Kondo and clear out your closet, kitchen, garage, basement and below-stoop-storage space of all the items that haven’t brought you joy this the past year.

It’s easiest to toss everything in the trash, but there’s ways to do good with your unwanted stuff by bringing it to thrift stores or other resellers with philanthropic missions.

Here’s a list of where to do that in Philly, including which organizations accept what kinds of items, and what causes or groups your donations will benefit.

Career Wardrobe

What: As the title implies, this place wants your clothing donations — preferably professional wear and uniforms — for both men and women. Also accepted: flash drives and gift cards that can be used for clothing or office supplies.

When: Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. (For high-end donations, you’re advised to call ahead)

WhereDrop donations at the store’s Philly location on Spring Garden near 18th Street. There are also stores in East Falls, the Main Line, Bucks County and Delaware County.

Why:This nonprofit provides professional clothing to people who are unemployed in an effort to help them secure jobs, and also offers educational sessions on finding employment

HOME Spun Retail Boutique

WhatLike-new men’s and women’s clothing and accessories

When: Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WhereHOME Spun Retail Boutique at 1523 Fairmount Ave.

WhyThis shop, which operates under of Project HOME, employs people who recovering from chronic homelessness, and all income from donations is used to pay their wages

Credit: Danya Henninger / Billy Penn

Military Order of the Purple Heart

What: A bunch of different items, including clothes, shoes, books, CDs, toys and household items like appliances, kitchenware and electronics (generally, nothing heavier than 50 pounds)

When: 24/7 or by appointment

WhereCall Purple Heart for a list of drop-off locations throughout the city or to schedule a pick-up at your home

Why: Donations benefit Philly’s veterans and their families

Philly AIDS Thrift

What: This place accepts basically everything you can imagine: appliances, books, electronics, clothes, accessories, even cars. Yup, cars.

When: 24/7, although they prefer you drop donations off during business hours

WhereAt the thrift shop on Fifth Street near Bainbridge

Why: In 2017, the nonprofit donated $186,000 in grants to Philly HIV/AIDS service organizations

Credit: Danya Henninger / Billy Penn

Planet Aid

What: Any clothes in good condition — ideally without stains, holes or tears

When:24/7

WhereYou can find a donation bin in your zip code or host your own clothing drive

Why:This nonprofit aims to help the environment by recycling old textiles and donating them to impoverished communities around the world

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission

What: Clothing, toiletries, food, furniture, food and educational needs

When: At the mission: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; at thrift stores: during business hours, which vary by location (see list here)

Where: Drop off donations at the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission at 302 N. 13th St. or at thrift stores associated with the mission

Why: The 140-year-old organization provides food and shelter for Philadelphia’s homeless

Credit: Danya Henninger / Billy Penn

Women Against Abuse

What: This org publishes a long list of very specific needs. Most urgent right now are reusable water bottles, plus-size female adult clothing, kids clothing, bras, socks, underwear and newborn clothes. Important disclaimer: Women Against Abuse only accepts donations of new items.

When: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WhereThe Women Against Abuse office at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1341

Why:Donations are given to domestic violence and abuse survivors living in Philadelphia.

Michaela Winberg is a general assignment reporter at Billy Penn. She covers LGBTQ people and culture, public spaces, and transportation and mobility. She also sometimes produces radio and web features...