Item Donations

Wondering what to do with all that stuff now that you know you don’t want it? Donations can be a quick and easy way to rid yourself of unwanted items and receive a tax deduction, all while releasing the items to serve others. It’s a win-win situation! Here are a few ideas of how to make your donations (or we can do it for you).

E-WASTE
(cell phones, lap tops, video games & systems, ink cartridges)
• Cartridges for Kids
Contact your local school to see if they participate.

Clothing & Accessories:

WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
Women’s Work attire can be donated to Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides professional attire and teaches interviewing skills for women.

BRIDESMAID & PROM DRESSES, JEWELRY, PURSES
• CASA Glamour Gowns
Items given to high school girls in foster care for proms. You can drop off at the store front locations in Los Angelees.
Drop off: Buffalo Exchange, 131 N. La Brea, LA 90036, 323.938.8604/ Store Manager - Or - 11390 W. Olympic Bl., 4th floor, LA 90064, 310.445.9394/ Elizabeth Romero

EYE GLASSES
Whether you need a new prescription or you just want to update your look, your old glasses can be put to good use. The Gift of Sight Foundation provides eye glasses and care free of charge to those who can’t afford them. You can also donate the old pair at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision or Sunglass Hut stores and Sears or Target Optical Departments.

BOOKS
In Los Angeles, Children's Book World runs a donation program, distributing gently used books to literacy programs in the LA area.

Used books in good condition can also be donated to your local library, or check with your local independent bookstores to see if they have a used book section.

OFFICE FURNITURE AND SUPPLIES
LA Shares redistributes business items free of charge to non-profit organizations and schools throughout LA County. 213.485.1097

AUTOMOBILES, RVs, BOATS, etc.
Donate A Car USA arranges for your car donation, pick-up, and tax deduction and you can choose which charity benefits.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT & SHOES
Equipment: Sports Gift provides sports opportunities to underprivileged children around the world. You can donate your new or used footballs, mitts, etc. Get your child’s whole team involved, and have them donate their uniforms, cleats, etc at the end of the season.
Athletic Shoes: You can recycle your used athletic shoes that can either be redistributed to underprivileged people or recycled into new material, like running track. So, whether you just don’t need them any more or they are worn out, visit recycledrunners.com for a location near you.

Other charities, you might consider:
• Goodwill • Salvation Army • Out of the Closet

Help your stuff serve your communities, and check with your child’s school, your place of worship, etc to see if they will be having a sale or auction coming up that you can donate to or donate to a local thrift shop.

Often donations are tax-deductible. Check with the specific organization or your accountant. For tax purposes, keep a folder with an itemized list of your donations, donation receipts, and original item receipts if you have them. Take a photo of items if you don’t have the receipts.

Visit StuffYaDontWant.com for more ideas of what to do with specific items.

Free-Cycle is another great way to give away miscellaneous items to people in your area.

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