What Really Happens to Thrift Store Donations

Thrift stores thrive most from this concept, by selling the used goods donated by others. Donations are what keep stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul and Volunteers of America in business. Without those sales, they would have a difficulty keeping their organizations going. However, certain donations can actually hinder those businesses.

Why would a charity not want a donation?

The first thing to remember when donating is simple; if you wouldn't buy it, they can't sell it.

Thrift stores often get donations that have been used beyond their life span. Lamps with frayed wires, clothes with holes, or dishes with cracks and chips. Some donors may think that a person in need could buy these items and still use them, and they may still be usable but the stores may not sell them. Often thrift stores are not only shopped by people in need but people trying to save money or someone looking for a specific item.

Most stores are not hurting for donations and they will put only the best items they receive on the floor. Stores such as Goodwill try to have clean sales floors to encourage shoppers. This is why they have to be particular about the items put out.

Although these stores are run by charities, the stores are not necessarily there so that low-income individuals can afford items. Usually the money profited from these items go to shelters and services for those in need.

The stores are not worried about items getting to the less fortunate. Their concern is to make as much money for their charity as possible. Therefore, even if an item could still be used or worn, if it is not in near perfect condition donors may not want to give it to a thrift store.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some stores like Volunteers of America or Salvation Army, may take clothes with holes or stains and donate them to third world countries. There are also programs where thrift stores give worn out shoes to other countries as well.

In addition, some stores may have recycling programs for computers or televisions. Often a place will sell the working parts of certain broken electronics. Or stores will recycle steel or salvage items. It is best to check with the local places near you.

Even if the donor's intention is to just get rid of items or to get a tax receipt, rather than to make sure that their items go to good use, thrift stores still have to pay to get rid of donations they cannot use.

If items are in usable condition but aren't something a store would sell there are shelters and community centers in every area that can distribute these items to people who couldn't even afford them at a resale shape.

Here are a few pointers on how to know where your donation should go:

What donations should be avoided?

Thrift stores such as St. Vincent De Paul are overwhelmed with old clothes. Donors will clean out closets with clothes that are decades old. While the clothes may be in decent condition stores often will not put them out because they will not sell. They may sell the occasional item as vintage but clothes that have been stored for years and smell like mothballs are no good to resale shops.

Pieces of clothing that have holes, that have missing buttons or have a broken zipper may not be put out. While someone may be able to fix it, the store will often pass on the item. They do not have time to fix it and would rather put a better item out on the floor rather than a torn one.

Clothes that are stained, have odor or pet hair are of no use to thrift shops. It would be a large business expense for these organizations to launder every item or even select items. And all the clothes are thrown together until they can be sorted through. So, items that are brand new with tags might be thrown away if they have been put in with a shirt that smelled like urine or a pair of pants covered in cat hair.

Old clothing, torn items and odorous clothes can still have a chance at being useful.

For old clothes, check vintage shops. Donors can also check with schools and theater groups who often need specific time period costumes.

For clothes that just need a little fixing up, perhaps the donor could fix them before dropping them off. If not, shelters that give the clothes away for free may be willing to take them. Worn out blankets and other items could go to animal shelters where they can be used as beds or rags.

For dirty, odorous and hair covered clothes try to wash the clothes first. One load of laundry to a donor is a small price compared to the cost of laundering an average of 40-100 bags of clothing a day.

Other items that stores like Goodwill may not be able to use are baby items and toys. There are many recalls on toys today and it is difficult for thrift stores to keep up. Often to avoid any potential lawsuits or fines the items will just be thrown out.

Items like cribs and strollers have safety standards that have to be met. If stores cannot guarantee the good condition of an item, they will end up in the trash.

For baby items try charities that give the items for free to those in need. Donors can also try giving them away on places such as freecylce.com or at mom swaps.

For toys, try places with waiting rooms that might need toys to keep children occupied or try giving them to the neighbors.

Household items that are worn out or no longer work will often be thrown away.

Plates and cups that are chipped or cracked could still be used but stores often do not put them out. This also goes for items like books that have no covers, games or other items that may have missing pieces.

Furniture in poor condition is another item that resale shops may not be able to sell. If a piece of furniture has stains or an odor, stores will get little to no money for it and often have to pay to have it taken away.

Electric items that do not work, have frayed, or exposed wiring will most likely be thrown out as well. Stores do not usually put out non-working items and once again, do no have the staff or time to fix items. Even if an item does work but the wiring is exposed or frayed, it can be considered a fire hazard just to test it out, let alone sell it to a customer.

For cracked and chipped flatware once again try freecycle.com or finding a school or organization that may need them for crafts.

For books in rough condition, a donor should look into literacy agencies, hospitals and nursing homes that could use the books.

For items that are missing pieces giving them away or selling them might still be an option, sometimes companies will provide replacement parts if someone calls. Unfortunately, thrift stores such as Volunteers of America do not have the time and staff to inquire with the companies.

For furniture some places will look past rips because a slipcover can be used however, odors cannot be covered up. Also, items with stains on cushions and mattresses will rarely sell. If possible, steam clean the item. If the item is in bad condition someone may take it if it is put on the curb but if a donor cannot give it away, a thrift store is not able to sell it.

For electric items check with shops that may repair items. Even if a donor does not want to invest in fixing the item shops may take it for parts or practice.

Periodicals such as magazines and newspapers are not usually resold at thrift stores and most find their way to the trash. This also goes for wire hangers. They also discourage selling free promotional items with business names. If someone can get it free, they will not pay for it.

For magazines and newspapers, most can be recycled through local programs. Although, the store may take the newspapers, if they are not aged or water damaged, to wrap glassware. Magazines can also be given to places with waiting rooms.

Clothes donated on hangers are time consuming for thrift stores. They have to remove all the items from plastic or wire hangers and put them on store specified hangers. Also, wire hangers are often thrown in the trash the stores can't use them or sell them. However, dry cleaners can often reuse or recycle these items.

For free promotional items, try giving them away. Donors may find a home for them depending on the item. They may be useful but thrift stores have a hard time selling them.

Another thing thrift stores like Salvation Army frown upon taking is yard sale items. While the items may be in good condition, it takes a lot of time to remove price tags and hangers that the items are brought in with. In addition, stores figure if a donor could not sell it, they may not be able to sell it either.

For yard sale items, remove tags or try not tagging items at all but use signs instead. A donor can also try advertising that the items will be free at the end of their yard sale.

What are other things a donor should know?

The most important thing is research. A few calls on the phone or a few minutes in thrift stores will give donors an idea about what stores will take or other options for the items they won't take.

Donors should try to donate according to season. Not all thrift stores have room to save out of season items, and if they do have space it is never enough. Things like Christmas items donated in February can end up in the trash because there simply is no where to put it and no one will buy it.

Some donors may just be looking to get a tax receipt or get rid of their unwanted items. Whatever the reason, donations are appreciated. If donors do not have any interest in what happens to their items, they still may want to consider what stores will and will not take. Often thrift stores, like St. Vincent DePaul and Goodwill, have the right to refuse donations and they may if the items are not in a resalable condition. To avoid any issues when donating, call ahead to check on restrictions.

Also, the more it cost thrift stores to get rid of trash and recycling, the more they have to charge for the good items they do put on the sales floor.

Donors should also donate their items during designated hours. Charities cannot write receipts for items if they do not see them donated. Any items left outside could be taken by anyone. Also, items left outside take the chance of being rained on or becoming damaged, and then they are no good to the store.

These steps will help donors, thrift stores and other organizations get the most out any donation.