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 generate) will reach people who can use them. We’ve compiled a list of organizations that accept and rehome new and gently used clothes, furniture, household goods, toys and books, among other items. Some distribute donations directly to families; others sell them to support community programs.
Not every organization can use every item, though, so be sure to check before you head out to deliver.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound
- Donation locations: Participating Value Village stores and more than 50 donation bins throughout King and Pierce counties.
- Issaquah: 5530 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway SE | 425-392-2249 | Daily, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (posted store hours).
- Lacey: 604 Sleater-Kinney Road SE | 360-923-2410 | Daily, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (posted store hours).
Donate: New and used clothing, shoes, bedding, linens and small household items. Toys, youth books, school supplies and arts-and-crafts supplies must be new and unopened.
Those outgrown clothes can help local kids build lasting relationships with adult mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound receives funding through its partnership with Savers Value Village, which pays the nonprofit for donated goods. The money helps support mentoring programs for young people. Not every Value Village location participates in the partnership, so check the donation locator before dropping off your items.
KidVantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner)
- Issaquah: 1510 NW Maple St. | 425-865-0234 | Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30–11 a.m.; select Saturdays, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- Shoreline: 17230 12th Ave. NE | 425-209-1136 | Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–noon; Saturdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Bremerton: 1463 NE Dawn Road, Suite B | 360-616-0235 | Wednesdays, 3–6 p.m.; select Saturdays, 10 a.m.–noon.
Donate: New and gently used children’s clothing, shoes, books, toys, diapers, bedding and approved baby equipment.
Kids grow quickly, and KidVantage helps ensure that families facing financial hardship can keep up. The nonprofit collects children’s essentials and distributes them through schools, health care providers and community service agencies. The Issaquah and Shoreline hubs serve children through age 12; Bremerton focuses on children through age 5. Some baby equipment must meet specific safety requirements. Check the current donation guidelines and sign-up information before visiting.
Evergreen Goodwill
Locations: Multiple donation centers throughout Seattle and surrounding communities. See the list below.
| Location | Address | Donation hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | 6400 8th Ave. NW, Seattle | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Ballard Donation Center | 1145 NW Market St., Seattle | Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Capitol Hill | 115 Belmont Ave. E, Seattle | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Ravenna/Laurelhurst | 4637 Union Bay Place NE, Seattle | Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Seattle Goodwill | 1400 S. Lane St., Seattle | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Shoreline | 14500 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Burien | 1031 SW 128th St., Burien | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Tukwila | 1174 Andover Park W, Tukwila | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Renton | 3210 NE Sunset Blvd., Renton | Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. |
Donate: Gently used clothing, shoes, books, toys, household goods, small appliances and other reusable items. Some locations also accept electronics. Furniture and large-item restrictions vary.
A closet cleanout can do more than make room for the next growth spurt. Evergreen Goodwill sells donated merchandise to support free education, job training and employment-related services in Northwest Washington. Most stores have designated donation areas, while others operate as donation-only centers. Check the donation guidelines before loading the car.
Before you go: The Ballard store on 8th Avenue warns that donations may close temporarily between 1 and 4 p.m. because of truck congestion. The Market Street donation center does not accept furniture or large items. Ravenna/Laurelhurst and Seattle Goodwill on South Lane Street currently restrict donations to loads no larger than a standard carry-on suitcase. Donation centers may also close temporarily when they reach capacity.
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores and Donation Centers
- Locations and hours: Use the Salvation Army donation locator to find a drop-off site and confirm its hours.
- Donation pickup: Call 1-800-728-7825 or check the website for availability in your ZIP code.
Donate: Reusable clothing, furniture, household goods, books and other accepted items. Acceptance depends on the location.
The Salvation Army gives unwanted household items another life through its thrift stores. Sales help support adult rehabilitation programs for people recovering from substance use disorders. Some areas also qualify for donation pickup, which can be useful when you’re clearing out furniture or larger household items. Check the organization’s current drop-off locations and accepted items before making a trip.
Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique
- Bainbridge Island: 1050 Hildebrand Lane, Suite G-1 | 206-842-5567
- Donation hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m.
- Shopping hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Donate: New and gently used clothing, jewelry, antiques and collectibles.
Your gently used treasures could help another family get medical care. Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique sells donated merchandise, with net profits supporting uncompensated care at the hospital. The store accepts a variety of clothing and collectibles, but not everything you’d expect. Car seats, cribs, strollers, high chairs and many large furniture items are among the things it cannot accept. Check the donation guide before loading the car.
Wellspring Family Store
- Seattle: 1900 Rainier Ave. S. | 206-826-3050
- Donation hours: Contact Wellspring to confirm current drop-off arrangements.
Donate: New and gently used children’s clothing, shoes, diapers, baby formula, toys, books, hygiene products and approved baby equipment.
For families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing, even everyday children’s necessities can be difficult to afford. Wellspring Family Services helps fill that gap through its Family Store, which provides free clothing and essential items for children from birth through age 17. Unlike thrift stores that sell donated goods to raise money, Wellspring distributes items directly to families who need them. Check the Family Store website or contact the organization before delivering donations.
WestSide Baby
- White Center: 10002 14th Ave. SW, Seattle | 206-767-1662
- Donation hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Donate: Children’s clothing, shoes, diapers, wipes, toys, books, strollers and approved baby equipment.
That pile of outgrown baby clothes could be just what another family needs. WestSide Baby collects clothing, diapers, toys and other essentials for children and distributes them through community organizations serving families facing financial hardship. The nonprofit accepts clothing through youth size 14/16, along with selected baby equipment. Items should be clean and in good condition. Check the current donation guidelines before dropping off larger items.
WestSide Baby also has neighborhood collection partners, including The Little Gym of West Seattle, The Little Gym of Seattle at Maple Leaf and Bright Horizons at West Seattle. These sites accept smaller donations but not large equipment. Addresses and collection hours are available on the donation page.
Treehouse
- Seattle: 2100 24th Ave. S., Suite 100 | 206-267-5185
- Donation hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Donate: New or like-new clothing, shoes and books; new toys, school supplies, blankets, hygiene products and underwear.
Kids and teens experiencing foster care can find clothing, school supplies and other essentials at the Treehouse Store, where eligible young people can shop for free. The store depends on community donations to keep its shelves stocked with items children and teens want and need. Small donations can be dropped off during donation hours, but donations of a carload or more require arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. Used toys and stuffed animals are not accepted. See the donation guidelines for details.
Mary’s Place
- Donation hours: By appointment only. Contact the organization for drop-off instructions and location.
Donate: Baby supplies and equipment, hygiene and menstrual care products, household essentials and other items on the organization’s current needs list.
Mary’s Place helps families experiencing homelessness find shelter, stability and a path to permanent housing. Donations of everyday necessities help families care for their children while working toward a more secure future. The organization changed its donation policies in August 2026 and no longer accepts used clothing, toys or stuffed animals. Before collecting items, check Mary’s Place’s current donation list and arrange an appointment.
Assistance League of Seattle
- Wallingford: 1415 N. 45th St., Seattle | 206-547-4680
- Donation hours: Thursday–Friday, noon–4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Donate: Clean, unstained, gently used adult clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, books, kitchenware, household goods, home décor and selected small furnishings. The store does not accept children’s clothing or toys, appliances, electronics or large furniture.
Shopping secondhand can help Seattle students succeed in school. Assistance League of Seattle operates a volunteer-run thrift store that raises money for programs supporting local students and families. Donations of quality reusable goods help stock the store and support the nonprofit’s education-focused work. Donations are accepted during business hours, and receipts are available. Check the thrift shop’s donation guidelines before visiting.
American Cancer Society Discovery Shop
- West Seattle: 4535 California Ave. SW | 206-937-7169
- Donation hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Shopping hours: Monday, noon–4 p.m.; Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Donate: New and gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, home décor, dishes and collectibles. The store does not accept major appliances, mattresses or intimate apparel.
Give those clothes and household treasures a second life while supporting cancer research and services. American Cancer Society Discovery Shops sell donated merchandise to raise funds for the organization’s work. Donations should be clean, in good condition and suitable for resale. Call before bringing large items, and check the West Seattle shop’s donation information for details.
Out of the Closet Thrift Store
- Capitol Hill: 1016 E. Pike St., Seattle | 206-302-2040
- Store hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Donation hours: Donations are generally accepted during business hours; contact the store to confirm.
Donate: Adult clothing, shoes, accessories, books, kitchenware, home décor and selected furniture and household goods. NOTE: Children’s clothing is not accepted, and children’s toys and books are restricted depending on location.
Clearing out a closet can help support community health services. Out of the Closet thrift stores sell donated clothing and household goods to help fund HIV prevention, testing and treatment services provided by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The Capitol Hill store accepts selected reusable merchandise, and larger donation pickups may be available by arrangement. Check the donation guidelines before dropping off furniture or other large items.
Have furniture to donate?
Families moving from homelessness into permanent housing often need beds, tables, chairs and other basic furnishings. Mary’s Place Make-a-Home program helps furnish homes for families rebuilding their lives. The organization coordinates donations of furniture and other household essentials directly with volunteer teams and families. Email [email protected] before arranging a furniture donation.
More in Seattle’s Child:
Overwhelmed with piles of baby clothes? Tips for coping (or avoiding the problem to begin with).
