Now that spring has officially sprung, what better time for a much needed clear out?
There are numerous charities across Vancouver, that are desperate for your donations. These charities depend on the generosity of people to help them continue to make a positive impact on the community. Any donation, big or small has the potential to drastically improve someone’s quality of life.
So instead of throwing away your unwanted items, consider dropping them off at your local charity and support a good cause.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian church, committed to eradicating poverty and caring for those who are struggling.
Where: You can donate items by finding your nearest drop bin, or Salvation Army Thrift Store, or for larger items, you can use the pick-up service.
What you can donate:
- Clothing
- Housewares
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Toys
- Media and Books
- Accessories
- Antiques and Collectibles
- Computers
What you can’t:
- Used mattresses and box springs
- Used carpets
- Hazardous materials (e.g. paints)
- Propane tanks
- Barbecues
- Infant equipment (e.g. car seats, cribs and strollers)
- Tires and auto parts
BC SPCA
BC SPCA is an animal welfare charity, committed to enhancing the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.
Where: You can drop off items at your local BC SPCA Thrift Store.
What you can donate:
- Housewares
- China or Flatware
- Furniture, including tables, chairs, sofas, beds, shelving, desks and lamps
- Rugs
- Curtains
- Appliances
- Electronic equipment
- Clothing
- Games
- Books
What you can’t:
- Some stores do not accept donations of larger items (such as furniture or appliances), so it is best to call beforehand
Savers
Savers is a family of global thrift stores (namely Value Village in Canada), who aim to recycle gently used clothing, accessories and household goods, giving communities a smart way to shop.
Where: Please contact your local store for details of how to donate.
What you can donate:
- Accessories, including hats, mittens, scarves, ties, socks, purses, wallets, backpacks, bags
- Clothing and Shoes
- Electrical items such as small electrical toasters, radios, power tools, irons, blenders, mixers, stereos, CD players, speakers, DVD and VCR players, table lamps, floor lamps and humidifiers
- Exercise and outdoor equipment including bicycles, golf accessories, garden tools, sports equipment, exercise equipment and skis
- Toys, games, puzzles and stuffed animals
- Kitchen items such as pots, pans, utensils, china cups, vases, dishes, cutlery, glassware, silverware, stemware
- Knick-knacks, including jewelry, crafts, mugs, candles, pictures/frames, baskets, ornaments and hand tools
- Books, magazines, records, tapes, CDs, videos, DVDs, computer software
- Small furniture such as chairs, tables, dressers, hutch, armoire, bookcase, cabinets and entertainment centers
- Bed/bath towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, curtains and tablecloths
Covenant House
Covenant House supports young people who have either willingly fled physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, or who have been forced from their homes.
Where: All donations can be dropped off at 575 Drake Street Vancouver.
What you can donate:
- Clean, undamaged, age appropriate clothing
- Unused and unopened hygiene supplies
- Non-perishable Food Items (Canned goods, pasta, rice etc.)
- Age appropriate books and magazines
- MP3 players, CD players, headphones, clock radios
- Steel toed boots
- Kitchen and housing goods that are clean and in working condition (Think of the basics)
- Bedding in good condition, especially single or double sheets.
- Sleeping bags
- Art supplies
- Event tickets and outings
What you can’t:
- Furniture
- Beds and Mattresses
- Used socks or underwear
- Open or perishable food items
- Open/used toiletry items
- High heeled shoes
- Perfume
- Knick-knacks & artwork
If you are unsure if your donation is suitable, contact Covenant House on 604-639-8937 or by email at [email protected].
Big Brothers Vancouver
Big Brothers Vancouver support child and youth development through essential Volunteer-led mentoring programs.
Where: Find your local donation bin, or schedule a pick-up
What you can donate:
- Clothing
- Accessories, including belts, hats and scarves
- Purses, wallets, backpacks and bags
- Shoes and boots
- Towels, tablecloths, curtains and linens
- Under garments, nylons and socks
- Blankets, bedding and pillows
- Housewares, such as dishes, cutlery and pots
- Toys, books, games
- Videos, records, CDs and DVDs
- Small tools
- Small appliances
What you can’t:
- Furniture
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity aim to break the poverty cycle by enlisting the help of volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing.
Where: You can either drop donations off at a ReStore (Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or schedule a pick-up using the online donation form.
What you can donate:
- Furniture – both new and gently used
- Appliances
- Tools
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Building supplies
For a complete list of accepted items click here
Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC)
DEWC provide food, clothing and a safe space for women and children affected by violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty.
Where: Donations can be dropped off at 302 Columbia Street, Vancouver on weekends between 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., or weekdays (excluding Wednesday) between 10 a.m. to noon.
What you can donate:
- Blankets and linens
- Towels
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products (menstrual pads, incontinence supplies – Tena, Poise)
- Toiletries – shampoo and conditioner (travel sized preferred), new soap, hand cream and makeup
- Socks, underwear, bras (new or gently used)
- Coats and rain gear
- Women’s clothing (new or gently used, should be clean and in good repair)
- Footwear
- Umbrellas
- Alcohol wipes
- Hand sanitizer pump dispensers
- Reading glasses
- DVDs, books, magazines
- Arts and craft supplies such as beads and beading supplies, knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn or wool, buttons
Homestart Foundation
Homestart Foundation are a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to providing essential home furnishings to people in need.
Where: Pickup services run from Vancouver, Burnaby (west of Royal Oak) and Richmond. Please contact the Coordinator to arrange for pick-up days & times. There is a minimum $50 donation for furniture pick-ups.
What you can donate:
- Night-tables & dressers
- Kitchen & dining room tables
- Chairs & sofas (no sofabeds)
- Armchairs
- Coffee tables
- Bookcases
- TV’s & VCR/DVD players
- Desks (not office-size)
- Microwave ovens
- Telephones & lamps
- Rugs
- No items with glass
- Radios
Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter
Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter is committed to advocating for women’s equality and preventing male violence against women and children.
Where: To donate items please call 604 876 0872 Monday to Friday 9.30-5.30 or email [email protected]
What you can donate:
Women:
- Underwear
- PJs
Infant/ Children:
- Baby formula
- Baby wipes
- PJs
- Slippers
- Sun block
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Children’s toys wooden or very robust with no small pieces
Household Items for the Transition House
- Tupperware
- Pillows (not feather)
- Handtowels, face cloths, bath mats
- Duvets and duvet covers
- Liquid hand soap (not bars of soap)
- Dish soap
- Ibuprofen
- Dish cloths and t-towls
- Single flat or fitted sheets white
- Laundry detergent (ideally low or no scent)
Office Supplies and Miscelaneous
- Copier paper 8.5 x 11
- Paint, markers, button maker and supplies, lables etc
- Tickets to activities, local events, entertainment
- Transit passes – all zones
- Gift Cards and grocery cards
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