Here we go again! Another school year is just about upon us. In my house that means it's time for the biannual purge! There's a few things in life that feel better than clearing out the old making way for the new or just clearing out the old and having some extra space. The dilemma. that many of us face is what do we do with the stuff? When I'm looking to donate, I have a few questions. Who will take this furniture that I no longer need but it's in good condition? What organization is going to make the best use of my gently used or new clothes? Who even takes gently used toys anymore? Will the organization pick-up my donation? What happens to the items once I donate them? What causes or charities are my donations supporting? Are those donation boxes scams like the internet says? How can I easily make sure that my stuff is going to somebody who needs it and won't just be sitting somewhere in a warehouse?
There are a lot of lists of places in Queens that you can find, but none really answer these questions for me, and I don’t want to travel all over the borough! I’m sure you don’t either so I decided to save us all some valuable time! Here is a focused compilation of donation sites in Northeast Queens that benefit our community specifically.
Drop Off Only
These organizations gladly accept donations of goods, they do not offer pick up services.
The Bridge to Life- College Point
The Bridge to Life provides pregnancy tests, options counseling, ultrasound referrals, pregnancy and parenting support, and material assistance. Our goal is for women and men to choose life and equip moms and dads to be the best parents they can be.
Accepted Items
- Maternity clothes, Baby gear (cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs), Infant care essentials (walkers, bouncies, playmats, baby toiletries), Children's clothing, toys, and books
Drop-Off Guidelines
- Location: 14-02 124th Street, College Point, NY 11356
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Restrictions: No item or clothing donations are accepted on Wednesdays.
The Worthy Pause - Bayside
The Worthy Pause is a non profit charity thrift store helping our neighborhood cats & dogs and their caregivers. We are grateful to all our donors. Please DO NOT leave any donations outside when the shop is closed as this creates an eyesore and many items disappear.
Accepted Items
- Items Sold: Bric-a-brac, vintage goods, housewares, antiques, jewelry, and small decor.
- Donations Accepted: Small household items, books, DVDs, and antiques during open business hours only.
- Items Not Accepted: Clothing, large furniture, and electronics
Drop-Off Guidelines
- Location: 40-08 Corporal Kennedy Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361
- Hours: Tues- Sat Afternoons- Hours Vary
- If you’re unable to drop off at these times, call or email for an appointment: Phone: (718) 279-8191 Email: wpthriftshopbaysideny@gmail.com
Grace Episcopal Church Thrift Shop - Whitestone
The Thrift shop at Grace Church funds the many supports The Grace Church offers the community. Their outreach spreads further than just their church family. Volunteers are always welcomed with open arms
Accepted Items
- At this time, all clothing in new or gently used condition accepted (men's, woman's, children’s) only
- Items Not Accepted: While Grace Church has historically taken household items, such as small appliances and different types of accessories and jewelry. It is just no longer in their capacity to accept these things due to low volunteer rates.
Drop-Off Guidelines
- Location: 14-15 Clintonville Street, Whitestone, N.Y. 11357
- Hours: Please call the office 718-767-6305 (Tues-Thurs 9A-12P) to schedule a drop-off time. Items can be dropped off during Thrift Shop hours too!
- Restrictions: Please do not leave any items outside.
All Saints Episcopal Church Thrift Shop - Bayside
The All Saints Episcopal Church Thrift Shop offers a curated selection of secondhand goods, vintage finds, books, and household items, with proceeds supporting the church's community outreach.
Accepted Items
- Women’s, Men’s, Children’s Clothing. Household goods. Gently used toys. Books, CDs , and more!
- Items Not Accepted: Furniture
Drop-Off Guidelines
- Location: 214-35 40th Ave, Bayside
- Hours: Please call the office 718-229-5631 to schedule a drop-off time. Items can be dropped off during Thrift Shop hours too! Thurs- 10A-12:45P
- Restrictions: Please do not leave any items outside.
Pick Up
These organizations make it super easy to give! Just set a pick up a time and location and you’re all set!
New York Vietnam Veterans of America
VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans. VVA strives to achieve the following:
- Aggressively advocate on issues important to veterans, Seek full access to quality health care for veterans, Identify the full range of disabling injuries and illnesses incurred during military service, Hold government agencies accountable for following laws mandating veterans health care, Create a positive public perception of Vietnam veterans,Seek the fullest possible accounting of America’s POWs and MIAs, Support the next generation of America’s war veterans, Serve our communities
Accepted Items
- Clothing of all types & sizes (men’s, ladies, children’s, baby’s), Clothing accessories, Shoes (all kinds),Baby items, House and glassware, Books, toys, bikes, Stereos, radios, portable TVs, All bedding, draperies, curtains Kitchenware, Usable small furniture & rugs, Small appliances, Tools (all kinds), Jewelry and cosmetics
- Items Not Accepted: Large Furniture
Pick-up Guidelines
- Go to https://vva.org/results to schedule your pick up online or by phone
St Mary’s Clothing Drive
Clothing that is donated is made available for free to those in need at our facility at 230 Classon Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 from Monday through Friday. The facility is run on an appointment system, and is firs
We also sell a portion of the clothing to help us cover cost of running operations and create valuable resources that go back to the community.
Accepted Items
- Clothing, jackets, shoes & boots, linens, towels, bags & accessories, scarves, hats, small items
- Items Not Accepted: Furniture, electronics or books.
Pick-up Guidelines
- Go to https://www.stmarysclothingdrive.com to schedule your pick up online
Lupus America
Lupus America® Communities Household Goods Donation Program raises funds to support the fight against lupus. You can donate your gently used clothes, shoes and household items to support vital research and education programs for individuals with lupus and their families in communities like yours. All donations benefit Lupus America® Communities, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity established to support the mission of the Lupus Foundation of America. Donated items are sold by Lupus America® Communities, generating revenue which is used to help people impacted by lupus. All donations are tax-deductible.
Accepted Items
- Clothing -- all types and sizes, Shoes -- all types and sizes, All bedding items, Draperies and curtains, Housewares and glassware, Jewelry and cosmetics, Toys and games, Knick knacks, Small appliances, Tools of all kinds
- Items Not Accepted: Furniture or large items
Pick-up Guidelines
- Go to https://www.lfapickupservice.org to schedule your pick up online or by phone
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat ReStores are home improvement stores that accept small and large donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and more. Proceeds from the sales of these items help Habitat’s work in your community and around the world.
Accepted Items
- Furniture: Sofas, chairs, dining tables, dressers, bed frames, and bookshelves.
- Building Supplies: Lumber, hardware, doors, windows, flooring, and electrical or plumbing supplies.
- Appliances: Working major appliances that are generally less than 10 years old.
- Items Not Accepted: Used mattresses, box springs, and baby furniture. Pianos or large entertainment centers. Damaged, heavily worn, or non-working items
Pick-up Guidelines
- Go to https://onlinedonationpickup.com/habitatnycwc to schedule your pick up online or by phone
If you know of a place not listed here, let us know! We’ll add it to the list!
