Donation Centers in the Denver Metro and Boulder areas
If you recently had a free weekend to clear out your closet or remove clutter from your basement, take pause before you stuff those donations into a bag.
After sorting through your belongings, look over the condition those items are in. Are there holes or stains in the clothing? Does the lamp actually work? Think through each item and ask yourself if you’d buy it in its current condition. With 53% of households in the US contributing to the donation trend, we have to be a little more vigilant. Donation facilities have A LOT of items to sort through each day. They will make quick decisions on the quality of items, then toss whatever doesn’t pass the test into the dumpster. This kind of defeats the purpose of donating and only contributes to landfill waste; therefore, giving donatable items a good once over will help in the long run.
Wondering where to take your items?
Here are some options to donate clothing and/or household items in good condition in the Denver/Boulder area, as well as, what each organization benefits. It’s also helpful to visit each website to read more about what donations are accepted and if free pick-up is offered. (Since this document is an ongoing project, changes and additions will occur naturally.)
Arc of Colorado “promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.” There are 15 chapters in Colorado and 14 local chapters serving designated areas. They accept clothing, shoes, books, household goods and furniture.
Dress for Success accepts professional women’s attire that helps women entering or returning to the workforce look and feel confident and fashionable. Make sure items are current (within 5 yrs.), on hangers and covered with a plastic bag.
Goodwill Industries is perhaps the most widely known donation facility (it’s been around for nearly 100 years). This organization provides education and career opportunities to those in need to achieve dignity and self-sufficiency. Goodwill accept household goods, furniture, clothing, shoes, and much more.
Habitat for Humanity/ReStore was established in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller to help address poverty housing on a global scale. You can donate building materials, furniture, appliances and dishes which are then sold to the public through their ReStore locations. The profits received from such sales goes directly to Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable housing for hard-working, low income families. Check out the link to get a full understanding of all items accepted.
A Precious Child provides referred families with a “shop-for-free” opportunity on all donated items. They accept books, toys, children and adult clothing and shoes, essential home goods and baby essentials (like strollers and play pens). All items must be clean and in good condition.
Sister Carmen Community Center in Boulder accepts a large list of household goods. The proceeds generated from the sale of donated items goes directly to SCCC’s programs that help families in crisis.
The Action Center accepts food, linens, clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene for donation. All donated items are made available to community members at no cost to them. Please refer to their donation times are listed on their website.
TRU Community Care-Boulder is a non-profit health care organization with a focus on offering meaningful care for families living with advanced illness and loss. Their TRU Thrift Shop accepts donations of clothing and household goods. You can call to arrange for furniture pick-up.
Vietnam Veterans of America offers direct pick-up from your home through their online scheduling system. Proceeds from the sale of donated items goes to help the lives of American Veterans and their families. They accept a large list of items; however, keep in mind that these items have to be small enough for one person to easily lift and carry.
Wee Cycle accepts essential baby gear in good condition and matches it to Colorado families in need.
You can also go to Donation Town to find a local organization that offers free pick up services and schedule a pick up online.
Pet supplies and used linens can be donated to your local animal shelters, as well. Humane Colorado and Boulder Humane Society are a few local animal organizations that can use towels for bedding and clean-up. Please review the website or call before dropping off to ensure they have room to accept your donation.
