Donate Like a Human
A quick guide from thrift shop volunteers
Because good intentions deserve a little guidance
💚 🟢 Understand the Mission
The primary function of most thrift shops is not to clothe people. Many sell goods to fund food pantries and community programs.
If it won't sell, it won't help.
📦 🍊 Storage Reality
Thrift shops are small. Storage is smaller.
We don't have room for bulky, broken, or unsellable items.
✔️ 👕 Good Clothing Only
Clean. Unstained. No odors. No pet hair. No underwear.
That includes socks, bras, shapewear — and yes, teddies. (A black teddy is underwear.) Check underarms, cuffs, hems, and the seat. (Yes, that means the crotch. You'd be surprised.)
Own what others hand you to donate. Your children: just returned from college. They love to party. It's written all over their clothes. Your neighbor: you are their scapegoat. They left it on your porch. Ask us if you've always wondered what goes on behind their closed doors.
If you hesitate, it's a no.
♻️ 🛒 What Goes in the Bins
Read the sign. Not all bins are alike.
Most clothing bins accept FABRIC ONLY:
- • Worn or stained clothes
- • Old uniforms and logo tees
These textiles are often recycled into insulation, padding, and car-seat materials.
🚫 Shoes • housewares • electronics
✨ 👟 Shoes
Shoes should be clean and wearable.
If you'd be embarrassed to hand them to a friend, don't donate them. Put in garbage. Note: Washing sneakers goes a long way.
✨ 🍶 Housewares = Yes
Dishes, glassware, kitchen items, small home goods. These sell well, store easily, and find great homes.
One great platter or bowl returns > than five pilly sweaters.
📦 🚚 Big Loads
We are not the town dump.
Please don't pull up with a full apartment in a truck.
If it's more than a few bags, call ahead.
♻️ 🏘️ The Town Dump Can Be Your Friend
Many dumps have sections for your items and it may surprise you that people often shop the town dump, particularly for old electronics.
💚 ❤️ One Last Thing
Most thrift shops are run by volunteers.
We sort everything by hand.
Donate like you're handing it to a neighbor.
And please come shop your local nonprofit thrift shop. You'd be surprised at all the beautiful treasures you'll find.