A colleague here at Seattle’s Child tells the story of driving home from visiting friends when she was suddenly startled by a plea from her 2-year-old daughter in the backseat. “Mommmmy,” her daughter wailed, “we go store!” When mom pointed out that the family didn’t need anything, the toddler became louder and more insistent. Exasperated, mom finally asked the child what she felt she needed. The indignant toddler’s reply? “Need STUUUUUUFFFFFF!”
If you have a miniature consumer monster in your home, or just are overdue for a spring cleaning, it may be time to embrace the principles of REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE.
Gathering up what isn’t needed around the house for disposition elsewhere can provide teachable moments for your kids. Involve them in the idea behind donating (after all, it’s just an extension of the “sharing” you urge them to do every day). They will have toys or books they’ve technically outgrown but still want to have around, but you also may be surprised at some of the items with which they are ready to part. And consider including them in the delivery process as well, so that they can understand where their donations are going.
Then comes a challenge: Deciding where to donate your items to ensure they (or the funds they engender) will reach those most in need. We’ve compiled a short list of suggestions – organizations that accept and rehome new and gently used clothes, furniture, household goods, toys, and books, among other items. Not every organization can use every item, though, so be sure to check before you head out to deliver.
If you’re looking for an organization that can pick up donations from your home, log on to Donation Town to schedule a pick up.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
1900 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle
206-902-4234
Donate: at any Value Village, on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters creates meaningful mentorship matches between volunteers and youth ages 6-20, including the training, resources and support necessary for matches to succeed. Donations of new and reusable clothes and household goods, as well as new books, toys and art supplies, help to fund local mentorship programs. Through Value Village sales, BBBS receives income that helps them serve children facing adversity.
Eastside Baby Corner is now Kidvantage
Donations are taken at various times at the Shoreline, Bremerton and Issaquah hubs. See website for specific times.
Kidvantage provides care, safety and health goods for children birth-12 who are living in poverty or experiencing homelessness or family disruption. While the specific donations they accept may vary somewhat, they will generally include bikes and helmets, baby equipment, clothing, small toys, books and more.
Goodwill Seattle
Many locations
Check donation hours and locations on website
Donations of new and reusable items fund free education and job-training opportunities for low-income individuals. Goodwill accepts a wide variety of items: clothing, household goods, furniture, equipment, toys and books (and a great deal more).
Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center
Shoreline: 15403 Westminster Way N; 206-365-5624
Tukwila: 16705 Southcenter Pkwy; 206-926-3766
Pickup or dropoff information here
Your donations to Salvation Army are sold in their thrift stores to help fund rehabilitation programs for those struggling with addiction.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Thrift Stores
Kent: 215 W Meeker St.; 253-850-8216
Redmond: 15137 NE 24th St. (in Overlake Square); 425-746-3092
Bainbridge Island: 253 Winslow Way W; 206-842-5567
These thrift stores accept furniture and furnishings, gently used jewelry, clothing, antiques, collectibles, linens and more. For specific information about drop-off and pickup services and hours of operation, visit the website.
Wellspring’s Baby Boutique
1900 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle; 206-902-4234; babyboutique@wellspringfs.org
Wellspring provides free kids’ and maternity items — including clothing, equipment, furnishings, toys and books — to families who are homeless. Check their website to see which items are especially needed at the time you donate.
More in Seattle’s Child:
Overwhelmed with piles of baby clothes? Tips for coping (or avoiding the problem to begin with)
