The Salvation Army does not accept items that are broken, stained, recalled, or hazardous. Because acceptance policies vary slightly by location due to local safety and health codes, you should always check with your specific branch.
In general, the Salvation Army Thrift Stores cannot accept:
Even the smallest donations can have a profound impact at The Salvation Army. Items like gently used clothing, toys, and household goods that are donated to Salvation Army drop-off locations help provide warmth, joy, and essential resources to families in need.
7 Items Charities Don't Want You to Donate
Whilst our charity shops make use of and resell most donations, there are certain items that some shops cannot accept, from:
Essentials like food, clothing, and hygiene products are among the best things to donate to homeless shelters because they not only provide relief but also act as stepping stones toward stability and empowerment.
Another reason that some donations are turned away: If a Salvation Army Store accepts an item but is not allowed to sell it, the store must pay to dispose of it. “This costs our stores money that could otherwise be used to help people,” O'Neil said.
Items not accepted at many Goodwill locations:
Broken or soiled items. Banned or recalled items. Items that do not comply with Consumer Product Safety standards.
SOCKS FOR FEET Did you know socks are the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters? The Homeless people know what it is like to have wet feet. We go inside and dry our feet and change our socks. Folks living in homelessness do not have that luxury and will go weeks without being able to change socks.
Strategically asking for $19 makes donors feel like it is possible to give that amount not just once, but make it reoccurring. After all, it's not $20 that is being asked for and that dollar difference can make all the difference to the organization in getting sustainable donors.
The critical difference is that Goodwill is a nonprofit organization, and Salvation Army is a charity. Of the two organizations, Salvation Army is the best to donate to. Salvation Army is the best to donate because the clothing, money, and goods do directly to those in need.
Clothes that should not be donated to a second hand store include ripped, stained, damaged or dirty items. You should not donate used items and clothes in poor condition because these items cannot be resold. Instead, damaged or dirty clothes should be recycled, upcycled or disposed of.
What can you donate?
The Salvation Army Family Store accepts tax-deductible donations of gently used clothing, furniture, appliances and household items. We can even come and pick up your donations at your home or business.
Pianos or organs. CRT TVs. Household chemical items and cleansers, including pesticides, paint, paint thinner and aerosols. Automotive hazardous waste such as tires, lead-acid batteries, additives, gasoline, oils, antifreeze, etc.
Initiatives to Increase Donation Rates. The brain is the only organ that cannot be transplanted. But, medical science keeps getting better at transplanting other important organs.
California has the highest overall number of people experiencing homelessness in the country, with over 187,000 unhoused residents. However, when adjusting for population, Hawaii and New York tie for the highest rate of homelessness in the nation.
People experiencing houselessness need ten fundamental items: clean undergarments, weather-appropriate clothing, personal hygiene supplies, first aid materials, non-perishable food, water storage, identification documents, bedding, sturdy bags for belongings, and connection to supportive community resources.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts clothing, furniture, and household items at its nationwide thrift stores. Proceeds support addiction recovery centers, shelters, and disaster relief. However, they do occasionally redirect overflow donations, so it's best to ask about current needs before donating.
Items You Should Not Donate
Think underwear (boxer shorts are usually in high demand), socks, pyjamas, hoodies, sweatpants and seasonal garb, such as winter coats. Items in a variety of sizes for men, women and children make great donations.
The "dark side" of donating clothes is that it fuels a cycle of global textile waste and economic disruption. Because of cheap, low-quality fast fashion, charities receive an unmanageable oversupply. Only about 20-30% of donated clothes are actually resold in local thrift stores.
Salvation Army is a better deal and they help people in need for free. Don't think Goodwill does anything for others for free! Kathy Adair yes it's changed a lot from their mission!
Donating to thrift stores helps your community, but not all items can be resold due to safety or condition. Items like mattresses, baby gear, and broken glass are often discarded because they pose safety or sanitation concerns.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.