DECLUTTERING: WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT STUFF?
Sometimes it’s easier to part with items when you can find a good place to donate them.
In addition to Goodwill, there are many nonprofits in the greater Indianapolis area that are actively seeking
donations of pre-owned clothing, housewares, and other items. This list is ever evolving, but it’s a start! Download a PDF here.
- Keep it or toss it? Ask yourself these questions. -
Hey folks near Terre Haute, Indiana: click here for a list of donation locations near you!
Not in Indy?
This list will give you ideas for where you might be able to donate in your area, or
let’s chat about how to find options in your city.
Please note that items should be in good working order.
Check organizational websites to confirm donation options.
HOUSEWARES
Exodus Refugee Immigration – https://www.exodusrefugee.org/
Helps refugees from more than 50 different countries establish new lives in Indiana
· New or gently used furniture, linens, kitchen items and more
Fair Haven – https://fairhavenfoundation.org/
Provides a home-away-from-home for families who travel to Indianapolis for critical medical care
· Collecting gently-used home accessories, furniture, artwork, dishware, estate jewelry, and more through the year for their annual Parisian Flea Market
Good News Ministries – https://goodnewsministries.com/other-ways/
Ministry serving underprivileged people of the inner city, including a men’s shelter and a youth center
· Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, dishes, housewares, appliances, furniture, sporting goods and more. Pickups of furniture and large household appliances can be arranged.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore – https://www.indyrestore.com/
All proceeds benefit Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity as it builds homes, communities and hope for families in need of affordable homeownership.
· Furniture, construction materials, appliances, holiday décor, tools and more; check the list of donations wanted and call to schedule pickup
HVAF (Helping Veterans and Families) – https://www.hvafofindiana.org/
Helps homeless and at-risk veterans return to self-sufficiency
· Gently used clothing, furniture, housewares (especially for kitchen), small appliances and more
Indiana Youth Group (IYG) – https://www.indianayouthgroup.org/
IYG creates safer spaces to foster community and provides programming that empowers LGBTQ+ youth and magnifies their voices; Project Prism provides housing for youth, many of whom are kicked out of their homes.
· Gently used bed linens, small kitchen appliances, kitchen sized trash cans, and laundry baskets
St. Vincent de Paul Mission 27 Resale – https://www.svdpindy.org/i-want-to-help/ - goods
Supports people living in poverty, regardless of religious affiliations, race or national origin
· Gently used clothing, furniture, home décor, housewares, appliances and more; pick up available
The Damien Center – https://damien.org/
Serves individuals affected and infected by HIV/AIDS through a comprehensive, innovative approach to HIV care and prevention
· Furniture, housewares, toiletries, cleaning supplies, craft items, silent auction items
Volunteers of America – https://www.voa.org/
A ministry of service dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential
· Housewares, furniture, clothing, bikes
CLOTHING
Dress for Success – https://www.indydfs.org/
Empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life
· Wide variety of current women’s professional clothing, shoes, and purses in good condition (including business casual); check the list at https://www.indydfs.org/clothing-donations/
Fathers & Families Center – https://fathersandfamiliescenter.org/how-you-can-help/suits-for-success-2/
Assisting fathers in achieving self-sufficiency and in strengthening families to improve the life chances of children
· Men’s dress pants, suits, ties, belts, blazers, and shoes for job interviews and professional work
The Julian Center Thrifty Threads Store – https://www.juliancenter.org/help-others/thrifty-threads/
Empowers survivors of domestic and sexual violence and creates a community where every individual is safe and respected
· Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, dishes, home décor, small appliances, furniture and more; pickups available
Wheeler Mission – https://wheelermission.org/ways-to-give/more-ways-to-help/
Endeavors to meet the most basic needs of the disadvantaged and homeless men, women, and children in the Indianapolis and Bloomington communities
· Clothing and household items in clean and good condition
SHOES
Changing Footprints – https://www.changingfootprints.org/
Distributes new and gently used shoes to homeless, disaster-stricken, or underprivileged people locally, nationally, and internationally regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity
· New and used shoes; men’s and children’s shoes are especially needed
MATTRESSES
Coburn Place – https://coburnplace.org/
Offers compassionate support and safe housing choices for survivors of domestic violence and their children
· Housewares, mattresses, linens, furniture
The Mustard Seed of Central Indiana – https://mustardseedindy.org/request-a-pickup
Helps rebuild the lives of families and individuals who have suffered disaster, personal tragedy or other misfortunes by providing household furnishings
· Priorities will be given to these items: Couches, love seats, kitchen tables & chairs, nightstands, dressers, and coffee/end tables. Clean mattresses and box springs also accepted. Pickups can be arranged.
BOOKS
Indy Reads – https://indyreads.org/
Builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential
· New and used books that are not damaged; no encyclopedias, textbooks, computer books, travel guides, magazines, dated material (annuals)
BICYCLES
Freewheelin’ Bikes – https://www.freewheelinbikes.org/
Provides accessible bicycles and teaches youth life and leadership skills that improve their physical and mental well-being
· Bicycles and bicycle components, apparel, bicycles, tools
Volunteers of America (see above) also seeks bikes to provide transportation to veterans
BRAS
Free the Girls – https://www.freethegirls.org/
Providing a sustainable path out of poverty for women who have been exploited through sex trafficking
· New and gently used bras in good condition; find donation locations here
SCHOOL SUPPLIES/SMALL TOYS
Teachers Treasures – https://www.teacherstreasures.org/
Obtains and distributes school supplies free to Marion County teachers of students in need
· New school and art supplies, selected books/print materials in good condition, incentive toys and prizes
INSTRUMENTS & ARTS AND CRAFT SUPPLIES
Arts with a Purpose (AWP) – https://www.artswithapurpose.com/
A consortium of multi-disciplinary artists who use creative expression to create positive social and emotional change to individuals and communities while providing work for artists of all disciplines
· Musical instruments, art and crafts supplies
VASES
Random Acts of Flowers Indianapolis – https://rafindy.org/
Improves the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness
· Glass, ceramic, plastic, etc. vases or containers that hold fresh-cut flowers and water; ideal vases are 5”-9” tall with a 3.5” opening
ELECTRONICS
RecycleForce – https://recycleforce.org
Committed to reducing crime through employment and job training, while improving the environment through responsible electronics recycling
· Any working or broken electronics (basically anything with a cord) and scrap metal can be dropped off for recycling; all devices containing memory or data will be destroyed; see the complete list of recyclable materials
Do you know another nonprofit that should be on this list?
Please let me know by contacting me at Stephanie@spiritandspacellc.com.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR SELLING AND GIVING
Try these social networks for selling and giving items away for free: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor.
In addition, the Buy Nothing network is a great option for free giveaways. Look for a group in your neighborhood.