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)
Where: Drop 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
What: Like-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.
Where: HOME Spun Retail Boutique at 1523 Fairmount Ave.
Why: This 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
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
Where: Call 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
Where: At the thrift shop on Fifth Street near Bainbridge
Why: In 2017, the nonprofit donated $186,000 in grants to Philly HIV/AIDS service organizations
Planet Aid
What: Any clothes in good condition — ideally without stains, holes or tears
When:24/7
Where: You 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
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.
Where: The Women Against Abuse office at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1341
Why:Donations are given to domestic violence and abuse survivors living in Philadelphia.
