'Tis the season to start purging what you have to make room for all those new Christmas gifts. But, please don't throw it away where it'll just sit in a landfill.
There are so many people in need who would appreciate those forgotten toys and gently used coats.
So, today, we are sharing the best places to donate your used items in the Sacramento area! And, if you'd like to help even more, don't miss our post on the best places to volunteer and help others in the Sacramento area. We really can make a difference in the lives of others.
What can you donate to charity?
If you're not sure what you can donate and what you should toss, here's a list of items that you should consider donating. We also recommend donating items that have been cleaned up or washed first. After all, would you want to put on a dirty, smelly coat? Exactly! To have the most impact with your donations, here's a list to get you started:
Financial donations: If you are looking for a way to help others, donate financially and keep track of that charitable giving for your taxes, too.
Clothing: By donating gently used clothing, you will help others who are in desperate need of clothing. Especially in the winter, when the weather turns and we all need more layers, the homeless are subjected to harsh weather conditions without proper shelter or clothing. All types of clothing, including: socks, hats, swimsuits, baby clothes, sleepwear, tops, bottoms, jackets, and coats can be donated.
Shoes: Yup, everybody needs shoes. People that are struggling financially also usually walk more, due to not having reliable transportation. Those shoes that your kid outgrew, but still have life to give, can keep another child's feet warm and dry.
Bags: Don't throw away old bags. Everyone needs bags to carry things. Old bags can be used for carrying groceries, as school backpacks, for luggage and more.
Books: Shelters often have areas with donated books for people to take and read. Reading is such a powerful past-time for people of all ages. Donate those books to a shelter and feel good knowing they're keeping someone else company, too.
Toys & Games: You might be done playing Candyland, but another family would love to have their turn. Donate used toys, stuffed animals, puzzles, and games that can bring a lot of joy to children who don't have very much.
Linens: Blankets, sheets, comforters, pillows, and more are all much needed donations, especially around the colder months when blankets are in extremely high demand.
Hygiene Essentials: Any hygiene product that is still sealed and unused can be donated. Maybe there are products in a gift bundle that you just won't use - consider donating them to a shelter where someone will really appreciate it. Even items like makeup mirrors and hair tools like hair dryers can be donated.
Furniture: Many shelters help with home assistance and getting people back on their feet, which means they'll need furniture. Not every place can accept larger donations, though, so check before trucking over your old recliner.
Sporting Goods: Don't toss that tent or soccer ball. Any used sporting good item, from workout equipment to various balls, would be much appreciated by someone else and give kids an opportunity to play outdoor games together.
Art Supplies: If you have a bunch of art supplies your kids don't use anymore, like coloring books, crayons, construction paper, etc., consider donating them to a women and children's shelter that can put them to good use.
There's a lot more to donating than just old clothes. Of course, not every shelter or donation center can take everything, so make sure to check first. It's worth a little bit of effort to get the used items to people that need and will appreciate them, rather than just tossing them in a trash bin.
6 Best Places to Donate in Sacramento:
We'll be expanding on this series with best donation places around the Sacramento area, but today we are starting with one of our favorite cities: Sacramento! To learn more about what makes Sacramento a beautiful place to live - read this post.
1. Loaves and Fishes:
Provides survival services to the homeless; including, daily lunch time meal, breakfast for women and children, day shelter, school for homeless children, mental health counseling, jail visitation, and volunteer opportunities.
Friendly volunteers will help guide you when you arrive to make a donation and someone can help you unload as well. Check their website to look for current ways to give and current needs for donations.
Address:
Sacramento, CA 95811
Hours:
M-F, 8am - 4pm
2. Sacramento Food Bank:
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) offers six programs, including Food, Clothing, Adult Education, Parent Education, Youth Education and a Senior program. All programs SFBFS provides are offered free of charge to Sacramento residents. No financial information is required, but you must provide proof of residency to receive services.
For more details on the services provided, including the hours of operation for each individual program, please visit their website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.
Address:
Sacramento, CA 95817
Hours:
M-F, 8:30am - 4pm
3. Salvation Army & Donation Center:
The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers help residents to combat their addictions, build the work and social skills needed to re-enter the workforce, regain health and stability, and restore families that have been disrupted due to substance abuse.
Currently, they are in desperate need for more clothing items. But, also accept other items. Make sure to check before you go. The Salvation Army accepts donated items on this list.
Address:
Rancho Cordova, CA
Hours:
M-S, 12pm - 5pm = 7 days a week!
4. St. John's Shelter for Women and Children:
St. John's does incredible work for women and children who are often leaving unsafe situations. They are now serving 270 women and children with a waitlist of 250. They need our help now more than ever. They usually have a designated day, time and place for donations, so you'll want to call ahead and find out the current information.
This is one of our go-to places to donate women and children's clothes, toys, games, art supplies, hygiene items and more. It's worth the extra effort to match our schedule with when and where they are accepting donations.
Due to the importance of privacy for women and children at St. John's, they only give a mailing address. The best way to contact them is to call: 916-453-1482.
5. Next Move Homeless Shelters:
Next Move Homeless Services offers direct services, housing, employment, healthcare, and education to its clients, enabling them to become self-sufficient.
They work with families and individuals, so are often accepting a wide range of donations. To find out what they are currently accepting, to donate financially, or to contact them for more information, check their website here.
Address:
1422 C Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9am - 12pm
6. Union Gospel Mission:
Established in 1962, the heart of the Union Gospel Mission ministry is to glorify Jesus Christ through the evangelization and regeneration of the urban poor while worshiping with acts of mercy. To serve these needs, the Mission provides a Christ-centered environment, clothing, food, shelter, spiritual training, and a rehabilitation program.
Union Gospel maintains an updated page with their current needs, which include all types of clothing, blankets hygiene items, as well as food needed for their food boxes. Check out the list here.
When making a drop-off, volunteers will be available to help you and move items if needed.
Address for drop-offs:
400 Bannon St
Sacramento, CA 95811
Hours:
7 days a week, 8am – 8pm
****
We hope this list inspires you to take a few minutes to choose a place for your donations, instead of just tossing them in the trash. That extra step will not only breathe new life into these items you've invested in by giving them to someone who will truly appreciate it, but will also keep those items from rotting in landfills.
If we missed a great place to donate, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to add more!
Thanks for reading!