Often times I get asked where to donate some specific items. I've put together a running alphabetical list of places that are accepting donations of all kinds. Since I am a Minnesota Girl, I tried to include as many local organizations in my list. My list is forever growing so if you know of a great specific place to donate items to let me know and will get this added.
ART PROJECTS MATERIALS
Artscraps in St Paul (St Clair and Snelling Ave) will take items that could be used for any type of art or craft project, from metal scraps to margarine tubs. 651-698-ARTS or www.artstart.org. In Minneapolis, Funktional Art will take similar objects. Also try your local Parks and Rec to donate anything that could be used for art projects for children. Also try the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Leonardo’s Basement in Minneapolis accepts items for their kids’ classes and projects, everything from prescription bottles to art supplies, from hand tools to gadgets. Visit http://leonardosbasement.org or call (612) 824-4394.
BABY ITEMS
Birthright in St Paul accepts donations of infant clothing (0 – 3T), baby toys, and strollers. Call 651-646-7033.
Bundles of Love Charity accepts sewing material; cotton or cotton-blend knit fabric, cotton woven fabric, polar fleece, sweatshirt fleece, ribbing, bias tape, elastic, fiberfill, yarn (non-wool), and new baby care supplies of newborn diapers, baby wipes, baby wash. Visit www.bundlesoflove.org or call (952) 808-6882 to leave a message.
Joseph’s Coat accepts clothing, bedding, baby toys, and strollers in good condition. Visit www.josephscoatmn.org or call 651-291-2472.
Tapestry at Chicago Ave South and 41st Street in Minneapolis accepts donations of infant and toddler clothing, car seats, and strollers. They are one of the few places that takes older cribs (no more than 10 years old) as they have volunteers who refurbish them and get them up to safety standards. Call 612-823-0301 or visit www.tapestryfamilies.org.
TLC Options for Women affiliated pregnancy resource centers in West St Paul, St. Paul Midway, Little Canada, East St Paul, Highland, Apple Valley, Hastings, Woodbury, North Minneapolis, Hopkins, Osseo, Forest Lake, Stillwater and Lindstrom accept cribs (no drop- down sides), infant clothing (newborn– 3T), and strollers. Call 651-291-9473 or find a center near you at www.tlcoptions.org.
TwinCitiesFreeMarket.org will let you post items for free in the children’s section. Visit www.TwinCitiesFreeMarket.org.
BATTERIES
Radio Shack and Target will take back used small button batteries used in watches, hearing aids, cameras, etc. These should NOT be thrown in the trash. Service stations are required to take back automotive lead acid batteries. Rechargeable batteries, such as those for cell phones and cordless power tools, should NOT be thrown in the trash. Visit www.call2recycle.org for a list of retailers who accept them, including Target, Radio Shack, and Home Depot. Common alkaline batteries used in toys and flashlights CAN be thrown in the trash as they don’t contain any mercury.
BIKES
Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles, 520 N. Prior Avenue in St. Paul, accepts used bicycles in any condition. Especially needed are bicycles to fit tall men. The store is open limited hours; the schedule is listed on the calendar on their web site at www.mmrbstore.com or call 651-641-1037. Pick-up available for 10 or more bicycles in the metro area.
BOOKS
Minnesota Literacy Council accepts new and gently used bilingual and multicultural children’s books; board books for early readers and preschoolers; picture books; easy chapter books; and middle grades chapter books. These books are given to low-income children and families. Visit www.mnliteracy.org/support/book-donations for details.
Read Indeed accepts new and gently used books at its warehouse in Hopkins, Minnesota. The warehouse is open two Saturdays a month. These books are given to low-income children and families. Visit www.mnliteracy.org/support/book-donations for details.
Books for Africa has a drop off site in St Paul. These books are sent to rural school libraries, orphanages, and adult literacy programs throughout Africa. Details at www.booksforafrica.org.
CARS
Make-a-Wish Foundation accepts all vehicles, running or not. Free pick-up. Call 651-645-9474 or visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.
Autos for Arc accepts any vehicle — car, truck, boat w/trailer, motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV, or RV — in any condition, with free pickup. Vehicles are sold at auction, and proceeds help individuals with disabilities and their families. Call 1-877-778-7709 or visit www.autosforarc.org.
Courage Center: The program accepts passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, vans, trucks, RV/campers, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and personal watercraft. Vehicles must be less than 14 years old. They must be in safe driving condition and have good resale value. Visit www.couragecenter.org or call 763-520-0520.
Free To Be, Inc., part of Anoka County Community Coalition, accepts vehicles at their Blaine location. They inspect and repair the cars, then donate them to needy families. Visit www.freetobeinc.org or call 763-717-7755.
New Gate School Your car donation to Newgate has local and immediate impact. The proceeds from your car, and often the car itself, are used to help train unemployed or under-employed adults for high-demand careers as auto body technicians and auto mechanics. As part of their training, students refurbish cars and vans, which are then sold. Those dollars alone fund our automotive school's operations and career-training programs.
Goodwill accepts vehicles in any condition, including automobiles, RVs, snowmobiles, campers, motorcycles and boats. Visit GoodwillCarDonation.org/car-donation-minnesota to schedule a free pick up.
Vehicle For Vets MN accepts cars, trucks, boats (with trailer), motorcycles, and RVs, with free pick up. Call 1-844-234-2328 or donate your car online at www.vehiclesforveterans.org.
CELL PHONES
Best Buy provides free and easy recycling for any brand of cell phone.
The AT&T Wireless Reuse & Recycle Programaccepts free drop-offs of all brands of unwanted cell phones and accessories at AT&T Wireless retail stores.
Sprint Project Connect offers free drop-off of all brands of wireless phones at Sprint Stores.
Staples office supply stores offer free drop-off recycling services for used cell phones.
Target stores offer free drop-off recycling services for used cell phones.
Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Phone Recycling Program, consumers get free drop-off recycling services for used cell phones at retail store locations.
Many local schools accept cell phones as a fundraiser.
CLOTHING
Caring Heart In Action is a community clothes closet (and food shelf). It is located in Farmington , MN.
Ready for Success, part of Episcopal Community Services, provides low-income women and men in the Twin Cities with gently used clothing suitable for interviews and the workplace. They especially need “business professional” and” business casual” items in sizes 14 and higher, plus shoes, scaves, jewelry, watches, purses, belts, seasonal outwear, bras, slips, and camisoles. Call 651-731-6400 or visit http://readyforsuccessmn.org.
Dress For Success aims to advance low-income women’s economic and social development and to encourage self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention. Dress for Success currently accepts new or nearly-new and cleaned: Coordinated, contemporary, interview-appropriate skirt and pant suits; crisp blouses; blazers and jackets; and professional shoes. They are particularly in need of larger-size suits. Visit www.dressforsuccess.org.
Operation Glass Slipper collects gently used prom dresses and distributes them to Twin Cities high school students who can’t afford new dresses. They need your shoes and accessories, too. Visit www.operationglassslipper.org.
Paperbag Princess in South St Paul is collecting dresses. Visit http://paperbagprincess.org for details.
Community Recycling is the perfect option if you don’t have a local donation resource. Simply gather up your gently used clothing (no heavy winter coats), bags, belts and shoes (no flip flops, slippers, winter boots or crocs). Box them up. Then, visit the website at www.communityrecycling.biz/programs/cr-home to print out a pre-paid shipping label. After they receive your boxes they will record your recycling activity to your online recycling dashboard, where you can track your recycled items and view your environmental impact.
COMPUTERS/ ELECTRONICS
Best Buy (locations nationwide) accepts and recycles a variety of tech items at no charge, including computers, printers, keyboards, tablets, e-readers, laptop batteries, gaming systems, TVs, DVD players, video cameras, GPS, speakers, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, vacuums, and so much more. Visit www.bestbuy.com and search for “recycling.”
MNTAP materials exchange helps prevent usable business materials from becoming waste. Visit www.mnexchange.org or call 612-624-5119.
Minnesota Computers for Schools refurbishes relatively new (and working) computers for classrooms. Call 651-779-2700 ext 2656 or visit www.mncfs.org.
Computer Service Center in Blaine offers free recycling of computers, printer cartridges/toner, keyboards, computer mice, speakers, power cords, radios, headphones, external computer devices, stereos, and software. There is a minimal charge to recycle printers, copiers, scanners, TVs, and monitors. Drop off or arrange pick up. Will remove hard drive information safely for you. Call 763-783-8600 or visit www.computerservicemn.com.
Jobs Foundation offers free electronics recycling of all computer-related and electronics items such as keyboards, mice, routers, servers, cables, cords, printers, cell phones, flat-screen monitors, and fax machines, plus stereos, speakers, and radios. No microwaves. (There is a fee for CRT monitors and televisions). Drop off. Complimentary pick-up for at least ten computers. Call 763-432-3117 or visit www.techdump.org.
PCs for People refurbishes used computers (10 years or newer) and distributes them to low-income families and 501(c)(3) non-profits. They have offices in Mankato and St Paul. For details visit www.pcsforpeople.com, email info@pcsforpeople.com, or call 651-354-2552.
The Minnesota Materials Exchange program is a free service that links organizations that have reusable goods they no longer need to those who can use them. They accept business-related items in good, usable condition. Visit http://mnexchange.org.
Swift Circuit will take your unwanted and broken electronics. Free pick-up for businesses and nonprofits. They reuse/repurpose/recycle all electronics, computers, music, games, musical instruments, stereos and more. Certified recycling and secure data destruction. Call 612-707-4543 for drop-off hours or questions at their Minneapolis location. Scrap Metal also accepted! More info at www.swiftcircuit.com.
COUPONS
The Support Our Troops® Troopons® program enhances the well-being of overseas and domestic military families by sending them food, non-food, baby, and pet manufacturer coupons to make their hard-earned dollars go farther.
DANCE WEAR
Dance Fairies is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that collects gently used and new dance wear, including costumes and shoes of all kinds, and donates them to aspiring dancers in need around the world.
For more information on their “drop box” locations and/or where to ship your collected items, please email them at contact@dancefairies.org. It is much easier than you think to make a difference in the life of another person. With our pre-paid shipping label that they are offering to theirsupporters, you can send a box full of costumes up to 70 pounds just for $15. Or you can always select your own method of shipping and ship it to them as well.
DIAPERS
Have an open package of diapers that your little one no longer needs? You can donate them at the Dipaer Bank of Minnesota - check them out for dropoff locations.
ELECTRONICS
TechDump You can guess by the name but this is the organization to help you get rid of all your old flip phones, chargers, and unwanted electronics. Tech Dump makes an impact by providing training and practical experience for adults facing barriers in gaining employment. You can help by donating your televisions, monitors, cell phones, printers, batteries, computers, and many more items. There are no fees and more importantly always guaranteed data destruction for any of your devices. Tech Dump does offer free pickup for certain items. Visit their website for more details.
EYE GLASSES
Donate your glasses at LensCrafters or Pearle Vision. These chain optical stores partner with OneSight, which will deliver the glasses to a nonprofit that accepts and distributes used eyeglasses globally.
Look for a Lions Club dropbox. Lions Clubs work with their local communities to make donation easy, so you may find a donation box at your local library, bank, small business, school or place of worship.
Donate eyeglasses by mail. VSP Vision Care, the largest vision insurer in the United States, allows members to print a free shipping label to send donated glasses to them for free. New Eyes also accepts eyeglasses donations by mail.
Drop off your glasses at Walmart and Sam’s Club vision centers. The Lions Club has agreements with these retailers.
FABRIC
Bundles of Love Charity accepts sewing material; cotton or cotton-blend knit fabric, cotton woven fabric, polar fleece, sweatshirt fleece, ribbing, bias tape, elastic, fiberfill, yarn (non-wool), and new baby care supplies of newborn diapers, baby wipes, baby wash. Visit www.bundlesoflove.org or call (952) 808-6882 to leave a message.
FLOWERS
Two Folds Bloom's mission to be able to take flowers that were headed to the garbage and give them a second life by making them into individual arrangements for our seniors in memory care and hospice around the Twin Cities.
They accept donations from weddings, funerals, banquets, florists etc. so if you have an event coming up and would like to donate your blooms, give them a call or send them an email so we can coordinate for a volunteer to pick them up.
GREETING CARDS
St. Jude's Ranch for Children- is accepting the fronts of your recycled cards (except for Hallmark, American Greetings and Disney which we are unable to accept due to copyright laws) as we continue to revamp our recycled card program in our effort to provide teens with life and work skills. Please SEND to: St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s St., Boulder City, NV 89005. They also accept new cards (any occasion) with or without the envelopes. Please do not send cards promoting other charitable organizations. If you have any questions, please call 702-294-7100 or check out more online here
You could also take them to a Retirement Center near where you live ( call first to ensure they are taking donations). They will either give them to the residents there, or sell them in their little (recycle) gift shop if they have one. You could also take them women's shelter, or a church for their missionary program. Please call first to ensure the organization is accepting.
HEARING AIDS
Place the hearing aid in a crush-proof box, old pill bottle or other secure package. Mail to: Starkey Hearing Foundation, ATTN: Hearing Aid Recycling, 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 For more information, contact us at recycling@starkeyfoundation.org or call (866) 354-3254.
HOME PROJECTS
Bauer Brothers Salvage: Find everything from used theater seats to columns. Donate or sell your building materials, plumbing, cabinetry, etc. Located in NE Minneapolis. Visit www.bauerbrotherssalvage.com or call 612-521-9492.
Habit for Humanity ReStore in New Brighton accepts just about any type of building supplies, from working appliances to bricks to countertops. To schedule a pick-up, call 612-588-3820 or visit http://www.habitat.org/restores.
Rebuilding Together: Donate tools or paint supplies to this non-profit that preserves and revitalizes houses and communities for low-income homeowners. Visit www.rebuildingtogether-twincities.org.
Asbestos recycling can convert the material into a harmless glass, but it is not common today. Keep in mind, this type of asbestos removal and repurposing should be left to professionals. To learn more, visit https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/mesothelioma/causes/asbestos/recycling.
INK CARTRIDGES
Do have old ink cartridges from printers long ago? Did you buy a new printer and have a surplus of cartridges from your old one? Give them an eco-friendly goodbye by utilizing these resources:
These are office supply stores that you can return them to and earn rewards:
This site wants to buy your unused ink cartridges: US Recycling
MAKE-UP
Local women’s shelters accept self-care and beauty products, though some have more specific requests than others. Before making the trip, make a phone call to schedule a time to drop off products and find out what they need. For help finding a women’s shelter near you, check out this directory of U.S shelters.
Project Beauty Share is an organization that donates personal hygiene, beauty products and makeup to women and families who are overcoming hardship. Project Beauty Share wants to help women regain their dignity and get back on their feet.” This organization accepts unused products ranging from moisturizers and deodorants to foundation and new makeup brushes. For a more thorough guide on what’s accepted and what’s not, check out the organization’s checklist.
MAGAZINES
Wondering where to donate old magazines? You can donate used magazines to a charitable organization, a school, a community group, a hospital or library. DonationTown.org will do its best to help you find a charity in its ever-growing nationwide database that will accept your magazine donations. You can recycle your used magazines. But better yet, you can find a second life for old magazines by donating them. You can also schedule a fast, free pickup of your donations. It’s a free service for you and for the charity you’re supporting.
METALS
Sports Medal Recycling – Sports Medal Recycling is a group of athletes that recycle unwanted and extra medals from all sports, and use the proceeds for our charitable fundraising minimums for race or event entries. They take pins and medals. http://sportsmedalrecycling.com/
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has established a durable medical equipment donation program to benefit clients and patients. The program is completely donation-based and all donations are tax-deductible. We are located in Minneapolis and do not pick up donated durable medical equipment. If the medical equipment works, give it away, sell it or donate it.
Medical equipment, such as commodes, crutches, transfer benches, walkers and wheelchairs, can be donated to Disabled American Veterans and Goodwill.
Broken wheelchairs can be donated to to Jackson Medical Equipment.
Global Health Ministries in Brooklyn Center accepts medical supply donations of bandages, gauze, exam gloves, bath towels, catheters, etc. Visit www.ghm.org.
PACKING PEANUTS
Take your old packing peanuts to any UPS, Parcel Plus, UPS Store, or other shipping outlet and they’ll reuse them.
PET SUPPLIES
Chuck & Don's takes dog and cat supplies then distributes to local foster organizations.
PLASTIC BAGS
Most grocery stores, including Byerly’s, Cub Foods, Fresh & Natural Foods, Kowalski’s Markets, Lunds, Target, and Twin Cities Natural Food Co-ops, all accept clean, dry plastic bags for recyling. This includes not only plastic grocery and retail bags, but also the bags that wrap your morning paper, dry cleaning bags, water softener salt bags (remove strings and handles first), produce and bread bags (food residue cleaned off), zip-top bags (cut off any plastic parts first), and plastic wrappers from paper towels and toilet paper.
PRINTER CARTRIDGES
Office Depot and Office Max, as well as other office-supply stores will usually accept used printer cartridges. However, Epson, Brother, and Canon are often not accepted.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
By partnering with teachers and students in under-resourced schools, Kids In Need Foundation ( located in Roseville, MN) provides the support needed for teachers to teach and learners to learn. Product donations made to Kids In Need Foundation are provided – free of charge – to teachers and students in underserved schools across the country. Through the help of our generous partners and corporate donors, each year we’re able to supply an estimated 5 million students with the tools they need to participate and succeed in the classroom and beyond, via the 205,000 teachers we support. With our National Network of Resource Centers and direct relationships with under-resourced schools, Kids In Need Foundation is the direct conduit to students and teachers nationwide.
STUFFED ANIMALS
SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) accepts new and gently used stuffed animals to comfort children in scary situations. Over 20 states have chapters where you can drop off donations, or you can send them via mail. SAFE then cleans and repairs the used stuffed animals to make them look new again. SAFE volunteers provide them directly to children in need. Police and fire and rescue personnel prefer small stuffed animals, while those of any size are sent to various children’s homes and libraries. Visit www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org.
Some local police stations also accept stuffed animals to comfort children when they come in for questioning or other scary situations. Or contact your local fire stations regarding donations.
Donate beanie babies to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. They pack beanie babies in the care packages to our soldiers, which they in turn give to the children they encounter in Iraq. Visit www.forgottensoldiers.org.
TEXTILES
They have garage sales and take donations on specified donation days, they do NOT have storage capacity to accept donations outside of these days. We hope that donors will honor the donation times for each event. Donation days and are announced via our email newsletters. Sign up to receive our newsletters here.
For questions regarding donations, please contact info@textilecentermn.org.
TROPHYS
Before pursuing one of these options, check with a local trophy store to see if they take back trophies for reuse. If not, there are a few trophy recycling or reuse programs that take shipments or – if you’re lucky to live nearby – drop-offs of trophies and/or medals and plaques for recycling. Shipping is at your own expense. Consider using the UPS carbon neutral shipping service to reduce the impact of your awards.
Awards Mall Trophy Recycling This program charges a $1 fee per trophy. Shipping is at your expense, or you can drop-off at their facility in Madison, WI. They only accept gently used awards – be sure to review their list of non-accepted items. They periodically stop accepting trophies so make sure to check their website before shipping. Non-profit organizations can apply for free recycled trophies.
Lamb Awards Trophy Recycling Lamb’s recycling program charges a flat fee of $35 for recycling trophies, medals, and plaques. Shipping is at your own expense and you must email them at recycleawards@gmail.com to get an authorization number and shipping address. If you live in Maryland, there is a drop-off option – email for more info.
Sports Medal Recycling This program takes medals and pins only – no trophies or plaques. The program is free but shipping is at your expense. The organization recycles the medals for funds towards charitable races. They recycle the ribbon via a textile recycling program and also recycle packaging materials (except for packaging peanuts or Styrofoam – which they discourage using). Please note: this organization is not an official not-for-profit but is fully run by volunteers fundraising for charitable events.
Medals 4 Mettle Medals4Mettle accepts medals from marathon, half-marathons/triathalons, and triathalon races only. The medals are then put on their branded ribbons and awarded to children and adults battling illness and trauma. There is no fee but shipping is at your expense. Find a chapter near you for shipping and fill out their donation form.
TOWELS, LINENS, RAGS
Check with your local animal shelter. They may take them for bedding for the animals.
Wipers Recycling in Maplewood will turn your worn-out jeans, bed sheets, towels, cotton fabric, and wool clothing into rags, dog toys & fertilizer. Visit www.wipersrecycling.com or call 651-222-7247.
UNIFORMS
Military
Bands for Arms makes bracelets using pieces of military uniforms. They use everything from buttons, ribbons, shoestrings, etc.
Sword and Plough recycles uniforms and incorporates them into tote bags. Through their donation program, uniform donors will have the opportunity to share the legacy of their or a family member's military service by submitting a short bio to be posted on their website.
Museum of the American G.I. will take old uniforms and asks that you keep badges, ribbons, and patches attached to them.
UPSCALE ITEMS
Hope Chest in Wayzata, MN, accepts used designer clothing, furniture and accessories. Proceeds go to support breast cancer research. Call 952-471-8700 or visit www.hopechest.com.
VASES
Two Folds Bloom's mission to be able to take flowers that were headed to the garbage and give them a second life by making them into individual arrangements for our seniors in memory care and hospice around the Twin Cities. They need vases to make this happen. They accept just about anything that is cute and can hold water ( vases, mason jars, tea cup, terracotta pots, etc) when in doubt just ask!
If you have these items you can email them so w they can arrange pick up or drop off with you! Thank you in advance.
VINYL
A neat record store that loves their Vinyl - knowname.com
The ARChive of Contemporary Music (ARC) collects and preserves recorded popular music and music-related materials from around the world.
The Vinyl Collection takes all types of records: 45s, 78s, custom cuts, picture discs, 7/10/12″, 1800 Gramophone cuts.
Save the Music in CA wants your records too. The Vinyl Room in NY buys and sells vinyl records and wants to look at your collection.
WEDDING DRESSES
Brides Across America provides free wedding dresses for military and first responder brides.
Brides Against Breast Cancer takes kindly donated dresses and sells them affordably for others and in turn, helps fund good causes.
Brides for a Cause is a bridal store to raise funds for charity and is exclusively partnered with Wish Upon a Wedding.
Bella's Angel Wings provides free bereavement gowns and wraps for babies who have gained their heavenly wings far too soon.
NICU Helping Hands - Angel Gown Program provides custom made gowns for final photos and burial services. (This is where I donated my wedding dress.)
YEARBOOKS
A yearbook is one of those things that falls under the sentimental category and that's one family of items almost all of us have a hard time parting with. To start off, I want to say if you don't want to keep your yearbook - don't! And here's an article that gives you permission to throw it away!
You are certainly welcome to pass along your yearbook to Goodwill or to your kids or grandkids - but only if they want it, of course!
Classmates.com is the largest digital yearbook archive and they're always looking for books to add to their collection. You could lend yours or, of course, donate it to them.
ZIP LOCK BAGS
BACK PACK PROJECT MN They work very hard to make sure that each backpack donated contains at least one of each of the items on this list. The most important items are the BACKPACKS, MENSTRUAL KITS, AND SOCKS. The young people receiving the backpacks are homeless, without shelter, and face very harsh weather in Minnesota. These backpacks end up holding all of their belongings and get heavily used as they navigate shelter, city transportaiton, jobs, school, everything. So please, if you are donating today, make sure the backpacks are sturdy and they are sized and themed appropriately for everyday use by a teenager. We always end up with a colorful variety of items donated, and we make sure to mark the packs male/female depending on colors and contents of the packs.
NUMAS Haus provides emergency shelter and support services to homeless women and their children primarily in the Brown County, Minnesota area.
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