If you’ve ever dropped off a bag of clothes or a box of household items at Goodwill, you’ve probably wondered what happens to everything once you leave. With so many donations coming through the doors, it’s easy to assume thrift stores have more than enough of just about everything.
But that’s not necessarily the case. Some Goodwill locations say certain items are harder to keep in stock than others, and they’re encouraging people to take another look around their homes before the holiday season.
Goodwill organizations in Minnesota and Maryland have highlighted several categories of donations they’d like to receive more often.
Men’s clothing
If you have men’s shirts, jeans, jackets, or other clothing in good condition that you no longer wear, Goodwill may be a good place to donate them. Lisa Rusyniak, CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake in Maryland, told The U.S. Sun that her organization receives considerably more women’s clothing than men’s.
She estimated that women’s clothing donations outnumber men’s by at least five to one, making men’s apparel a particularly useful category for donors to consider.
Winter coats
Winter coats are another item some Goodwill stores would like to see more of, especially as temperatures begin to drop. Even though they’re essential during colder months, coats can be expensive to purchase new, making secondhand options appealing to shoppers.
If you have a coat that no longer fits or hasn’t been worn in years, donating it while it’s still in good condition could help someone else prepare for winter.
Children’s clothing
Kids outgrow clothes so quickly that it’s easy to end up with drawers full of shirts, pants, sweaters, and jackets that no longer fit. Children’s clothing is another category Goodwill has identified as particularly useful, especially when the items still have plenty of wear left.
Before donating, check that the clothes are clean, wearable, and free from significant damage so someone else can get more use out of them.
Shoes
Shoes are another item worth considering when cleaning out your closets, especially if you have pairs you rarely wear. Everyday sneakers, boots, dress shoes, and other footwear can be useful donations as long as they’re still in good condition.
It’s best to skip shoes with major damage, worn-out soles, or excessive wear that would make them difficult for someone else to use.
Books
If your bookshelves are overflowing with novels, cookbooks, children’s books, or other titles you no longer read, Goodwill may be interested in them. Books are among the donation categories the organization encourages people to consider, especially when they’re still in readable condition.
It’s a practical way to clear some shelf space without throwing away books that someone else might enjoy.
Related: The Vintage Books You Should Look for When Thrifting
Dishware and kitchenware
Extra mugs, plates, bowls, utensils, and other kitchen essentials can accumulate over the years. Dishware and kitchenware are also valuable donation categories, especially for shoppers looking to furnish a kitchen without paying full retail prices.
Look for items that are clean, complete, and in usable condition, and avoid donating anything cracked, broken, or unsafe.
Furniture
Furniture is another category Goodwill has identified as useful, particularly for people looking to donate household pieces they no longer need. Depending on the location, items such as tables, chairs, and other usable furnishings may be accepted.
Because furniture donation policies and space limitations vary, it’s worth contacting your local Goodwill before loading anything into your vehicle.
Related: Bedroom furniture thrift stores can no longer accept
Sweaters and other seasonal clothing
As the holidays approach and colder weather sets in, warm clothing becomes especially relevant. Along with winter coats, sweaters are another item Goodwill has highlighted as something it would like to receive more often.
If you’re going through your closet and find sweaters that are still in good shape but rarely worn, they may be more useful to someone else than sitting in storage.
