Charities to Donate Your Unwanted Stuff

Topmoving.ca has the best selection of professional moving companies for the items you want to move--but if all your belongings don't fit in your new home, donating to those in need is a great solution. Your donation could make a huge impact on someone’s life.

Help drive the future of diabetes prevention, treatment and management. The Canadian Diabetes Association leads the fight against diabetes and helps those with
diabetes live healthy lives by preventing the onset and consequences of diabetes, and discovering a cure. You can help, too--donate your unwanted clothing, footwear, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, toys, books, sports equipment, small household items, cellphones, computers, and even used cars. To arrange a free pickup or find a dropbox, call 1-800-505-5525 or visit diabetes.ca. The donated articles are sold to Value Village stores and the proceeds support diabetes research, education and services.

 

From Canada’s first storefront “book bank” in the Regent Park area of Toronto, The Children’s Book Bank collects and distributes gently used children’s books and distributes them free of charge to children, aged zero to 12 years, who might not otherwise have a chance to own their own books. Particularly needed are current titles, dictionaries, and board books for very young children. The Children’s Book Bank gives about 300 books a day to youngsters in low-income neighbourhoods. If your kids have aged out of their books, visit childrensbookbank.com to see how you can give to children who need them the most.

 

Furniture Banks are registered charities, not-for-profit organizations or social enterprises designed to provide gently used household furnishings to individuals and families in need, at little or no cost. They accept most types of furniture, small appliances, televisions, bed frames, and unstained mattresses. While items must be in decent condition, Furniture Bank does steam clean them. The organization’s pickup and delivery service is a social-purpose enterprise that employs people with limited job opportunities and helps fund the group’s services. The group also works with Toronto’s Streets to Homes program as well as with 64 shelters and agencies serving abused women, refugee families, and at-risk youth. For more information and to arrange a pickup in the GTA, visit furniturebank.org or call 416-934-1229.

 

Jessie's mission is to nurture the healthy development of pregnant teenagers, young parents and their children. They are a pro-choice organization that supports a woman's right to make choices about her sexual health and pregnancy options. Currently, they are accepting car seats, foldable strollers, high chairs, maternity clothes, gently used toys, and clothing for kids up to 10-years-old. Call 416-365-1888 or visit jessiecentre.org for more information and about drop-off donations.

 

New Circles Community Services is a not-for-profit agency that provides basic necessities to those living in poverty. Their core mission is to ensure local families can meet their basic need for adequate clothing. They also operate the largest clothing bank in Toronto under the name GLOW (Gently Loved Outfits to Wear), designed to offer a retail shopping experience that preserves dignity for clients. They are currently looking for gently used clothing, shoes, children’s books, sheets and towels, and small toys. Prom dresses, jewelry and new makeup are also appreciated. Visit newcircles.ca or call 416-422-2591 about dropping off donations.

 

If you live in the States, our sister site movers.com has listed a few charities that will also accept your gently used items. Have you used one? Let us know about your experience in the comments section.