6 Local Massachusetts Charities That Offer Donation Pickup

You’re moving out, and you’ve gone through the process of downsizing, organizing, and purging. The only question now is what to do with all that stuff. 

If you have items you want to donate to a good cause, you’re in luck. There are dozens of charities in the Wellesley, Needham, Brockton, and Braintree areas that offer pick-up and local moving help for your donated items. 

That said, here are a few local charities we recommend:

1. Amvets

Amvets offers critical support to disabled and at-risk American veterans. Amvets caters to veterans who are currently serving, or who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, including those in the National Guard and Reserves. 

Amvets accepts charitable donations of clothing, household items, furniture, and shoes. To donate your lightly-used and good-condition items, schedule a free pickup with Amvets. 

2. Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported charitable network. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to support the social, emotional, and personal development of kids in America through a partnership with a volunteer “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters accepts a wide variety of items, including gently-used clothing, household items, books, DVDs, small toys, and more. View their list of acceptable donation items here, and then schedule your free pickup with your local branch. 

3. Family Thrift

Family Thrift Center has a location in Boston, and partners with Vietnam Veterans for America to pick up new and gently used clothing, household items, and furniture. Contact (800) 775-VETS (8387) to get started, or schedule your pickup online.

4. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity helps people improve and repair their homes and neighborhoods by offering low-cost home goods, advocacy, and volunteers.  The organization accepts donations of home goods, building materials, and vehicles. Acceptable items include gently used appliances, furniture, household goods, building materials, and more. 

To donate to Habitat for Humanity in the Boston area, visit ReStore’s website. While you can drop off your goods directly, ReStore also offers local moving help for free donation pick-ups for your convenience. 

5. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts donations of furniture, household goods, appliances, clothing, and more. Commonly donated items include clothing, furniture, cars, household goods, and small appliances. View the complete list of acceptable items and schedule your free donation pick-up here.

6. Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a local organization that provides free and low-cost services to the homeless and at-risk populations in our area. The group accepts donations of lightly-used clothing and small household goods. Call 1-800-675-2882 to a drop-off bin in your area, or to schedule a free pick up for your items.

Preparing Your Goods for Donation: 5 Fast Tips

Now that you know where you can donate your goods, let’s talk about how to get them ready. Follow these simple tips:

• Wash clothing and textiles. Anything you donate should be clean and in good repair. Wash clothing, curtains, and other textiles before placing them in the donation bag. 
• Repair small imperfections. Items with small imperfections are generally acceptable for donation, but it’s still wise to fix anything you can. Patch small holes in clothing, for example, or repair scuffs and scrapes on furniture. 

• Sort by category. To make things easier for the person who receives and sorts your donation, sort your items by category. Households goods with household goods, clothing with clothing, and so forth. 

• Assemble the pieces. If you’re donating items with small pieces (like a child’s toy set, for example), consider donating it fully assembled, rather than in a box full of pieces. 

• Prepare the item for pickup. If you’re having the charity come pick up your item, make it as easy as possible for them. Have furniture bagged by the door and ready to go, and move furniture and other large items outside. Our team of local and long-distance movers can help you with this last step, and ensure your donation pick-up goes as smoothly as possible. 

Giving for Good

Moving creates a lot of cast-offs, and it’s nice to donate them someplace you know they’re going to help someone in need. The organizations above all offer donation pick-up and will happily accept clothing and lightly-used household items.