Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time to clean out that stuff in your closet that you’ve been eyeing (but not wearing) for some time. Spring cleaning can be overwhelming – not only because of the amount of stuff we’re sorting through, but because of questions about where it should all go. Here are destinations to consider if you have items in good shape.
Clothing
Marie’s Closet is a ministry through the St. Francis Inn in Kensington. The clothing closet collects donations such as shirts, pants, shoes, and hoodies. The free clothing shop is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but donations can also be dropped off right at the St. Francis Inn, which is open every day of the week.
The Wardrobe is currently accepting clothing suitable for the spring and summertime. You can donate new or gently used professional and casual clothing, as well as accessories. If you have any textiles not suitable for someone to wear, the store partners with the service Helpsy to recycle clothing. Are you reading this from the suburbs? The Wardrobe has locations in Exton, Kennett Square, and Upper Darby.
Project HOMEspun Boutique provides job training and opportunities for folks who have experienced homelessness. Sales from the shop support Project HOME residents who work at the boutique. The secondhand store accepts a variety of donations including shirts, pants, dresses, coats, and shoes. If you have any items currently out of season, you can drop them off to be stored until the next appropriate season. The store is now open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Books
As funding for prison libraries and education decreases, Books Through Bars has been working for the last 30 years to connect incarcerated people to books. The West Philly-based organization mails books in genres like self-help, art instruction, and business. You can check the donation guidelines to see if your books match the genres needed, but be mindful that books should be paperback and unmarked.
The Book Corner is nestled behind the Parkway Central Library and is run by the Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Currently, the store has a cap on religion, business, politics, and biographies (unless the biographies are newer releases). Walk-ins are accepted but if you have more than two sizable bags or boxes to donate, call to schedule an appointment.
Furniture
Philadelphia Furniture Bank is a program through Pathways to Housing PA to provide furniture for people transitioning out of homelessness. Drop-offs can be made at PFB’s warehouse every day with an appointment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but if you need a pick-up, it’ll cost $20. Accepted donations included sofas, kitchen and dining sets, dressers, coffee tables, and artwork. If you have something not accepted by PFB, its partner Good Haul will take items regardless of the condition.
Depending on what you’d like to donate, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore accepts donations of items in varying conditions. Appliances such as blenders, coffee makers, and microwaves must be eight years old or newer. Cabinets can be 10 years old or newer, while decor, lighting, and other furniture must be in excellent condition.
Tech
Unsure of what to do with that old tablet or phone that stopped working ages ago? PAR-Recycle Works, which employs formerly incarcerated people to sort through e-waste, will accept your donation. The organization takes computers, cables, phones, and small home appliances. Items such as TV and air conditioners can be accepted, but with a fee. You can schedule a pick-up or drop-off to donate.
Misc
The Resource Exchange is home to a little bit of everything. If you have anything from art supplies to office supplies to gardening tools to give away, this is the place for you. The secondhand shop has a detailed list of accepted items.
