In Philadelphia, numerous organizations collect used items—everything from clothes and books to furniture and electronics. Before you toss unwanted household goods in the trash, it’s worth checking if they could benefit someone else. Items in good condition can be donated to refugees, displaced individuals, and anyone in need of assistance. Some organizations even offer pickup services. So, get involved in charity and let your old items continue to do good! Learn more at philadelphia.name.
Clothes, Shoes, and Household Goods
If you have unwanted clothing, shoes, linens, or household items, these organizations can take them off your hands:
- The Second Mile Center Thrift Store (SMC)
- Liberty Thrift Stores
- New Life Thrift
- Good Stuff Thrift
- GreenDrop
Each organization has its own mission and focus. For instance, The Second Mile Center Thrift Store project employs individuals facing barriers to employment, including those experiencing homelessness, former inmates, or people recovering from addiction. Immigrants looking to improve their English skills also find opportunities here.
Liberty Thrift Stores use proceeds from donated items to support Liberty Ministries, which assists incarcerated individuals in Montgomery County and at the State Correctional Institution Phoenix. They also run a rehabilitation program for those released from incarceration. Local residents staff their stores.
New Life Thrift is a consignment shop operated by New Life Church. Its profits are distributed as grants to local, national, and global non-profit organizations. Good Stuff Thrift also directs its proceeds to charity.
If you can drop off unwanted clothing, shoes, and household items yourself, Laurel’s Loft accepts donations at 1801 N. Broad St., Lansdale, Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday until 4:00 PM. This organization supports Laurel House, a non-profit domestic violence agency that provides help to all who need it.
Additionally, The Wardrobe accepts used clothing and accessories at 413 N. Fourth St., on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They partner with LGBTQ+ organizations and provide clothing to domestic violence survivors, refugees, and displaced persons.
Furniture and Appliances
Unwanted furniture can also be donated to charity. Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles offers free pickup for home, office, and outdoor furniture, home decor items, small appliances, and china. All proceeds from this organization go to the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF).
Philadelphia Furniture Bank collects sofas, kitchen furniture, dressers, and bookshelves from owners. They do not accept office, garden, or medical furniture. These donated items are then distributed to organizations assisting the homeless, those moving into new housing, refugees, and displaced individuals. PFB accepts furniture from both individuals and dorms, restaurants, and hotels.
You can also donate furniture, home goods, and building materials to Habitat for Humanity. This organization uses its proceeds to build and repair homes in Philadelphia.
Another Philadelphia startup called Rego was created to collect and re-route unwanted furniture from owners. Its partners include Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Philly AIDS Thrift, and Philadelphia Furniture Bank. Their website allows you to find people who could use your furniture.
It’s always a good idea to check the organizations’ websites to confirm what specific items they accept and in what condition. Their staff will gladly advise you on where and how to best direct your used items.
Books
Even unwanted books can find a new life instead of ending up as recycling. You can donate them to The Book Corner and Little Free Library.
The Book Corner accepts new, used, and rare editions, with proceeds benefiting The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. Their shop is located at 311 N. 20th St., open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
As for Little Free Library, it’s a network of mini-libraries resembling small houses. You’ll find them near schools, train stations, in parks, and even in residential yards. Anyone can leave or take a book from these libraries, and you can even create and register your own. Existing locations can be found on the project’s website.
Ultimately, any item you no longer need could be useful to someone else. Philadelphia offers countless opportunities to donate various items to charity. Just remember, they should be in good condition, clean, and ready for continued use.
Moreover, you can use the city government’s Recycling and Donation Finder website to locate the right organization by filtering your search by item type. A quick look at this interactive map reveals the impressive number of organizations accepting used goods. Chances are, at least one is near you, so don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to charity and help those in need.