Where to Donate ANYTHING in Houston

Who else spends the weekend purging and decluttering your house, loads several full bags for donation in your car, and then drives the bags around for months without actually donating them? Anyone with me??

Sometimes, the problem is not knowing who else might find these things useful, so instead, we hang onto them for “some other time”.

Well friends, now is the time! It’s time to empty your trunk and junk drawers and pass those UNUSED items on to someone who can get some good use out of them!

Not only are we good motivators, we will also make this easy for you! Here is a list we compiled of the best donation spots in Houston where you can take those items you’ve been holding onto for all this time!

  1. Goodwill
    Goodwill is an American nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

    There are many donation centers around Houston where you can drop-off your items. Use their location finder to find the one near you.

    Mission: “When you donate your new and gently used items, local Goodwill organizations sell them in stores or on shopgoodwill.com and use the revenue generated to provide valuable employment training and job placement services for people in your community.”

    What they do take: New and gently used items including, vehicles in all conditions, clothing, electronics, games, housewares, furniture, collectibles, and antiques.

    What they don’t take: Cribs, household chemical products, large appliances, fragrance items, traditional recyclables, personal care items, or mattresses.

  2. DonateStuff.com
    You can schedule a pick-up online and their partner, Purple Heart Houston, will come get your donations.

    Mission: “We are committed to making the connection between people with usable items they don’t need and charities that can benefit from them. By donating through DonateStuff.com you truly are turning stuff you don’t need into a good deed!”

    What they do take: Clothing, rags, pillows, sewing scraps, radios, TVs, lamps, mirrors, small appliances, glasses, sleeping bags, and small furniture.

    What they don’t take: Large furniture, magazines, car seats, cribs, mattresses, large appliances, and newspapers.

  3. The Cottage Shop
    811 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 | 713-526-4663
    Drop-off donations only and they are closed on Sundays.

    Mission: “This one-of-a-kind resale boutique is owned and operated by The Women’s Home, 100% of sales contribute to the mission of building communities that strengthen women and support families as they reclaim their stability… the Cottage Shop serves as a vocational training site for our clients.”

    What they do take: All types and sizes of new or gently used clothing, shoes and accessories.

    What they don’t take: Bedding, sleeper sofas, stuffed animals, fax machines, printers, clothing or furniture in poor condition, medical equipment, or baby items.

  4. The Giving Gown Foundation
    2700 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX, 77068
    The Giving Gown Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


    Mission: “The Giving Gown Foundation collects donations of new and like-new formal gowns and accessories and provides them free of charge to high school girls who would otherwise be unable to attend their formal events.”

    -What they do take: New and like-new formal gowns and accessories

  5. Dress for Success
    3310 Eastside Street Houston, Texas 77098 | 713-957-3779
    Dress for Success is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation.

    Mission” “To empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and life.”

    Donation drop off times:
    Monday-Friday 9:30AM-4PM
    Two Saturdays a month 10AM-3PM (Call for dates)

    -What they do take: Professional attire and suits (clean and on hangers), closed-toe shoes, professional handbags, hosiery, professional scarves

  6. Brides Across America
    info@bridesacrossamerica.com | (877) 650-3309

    They will pass on your wedding gown to a military bride in need. 

    Mission: “Brides Across America plays a role in making dreams come true by giving a military or first responder bride a free wedding gown during an “Operation Wedding Gown Event”.”

    Visit the Brides Across America website and tell them about your gown to get shipping instructions.

    What they do take: Gowns that are less than 5 years old and are in good condition, veils, tiaras and accessories but no undergarments or petticoats, engagement rings, jewelry, special occasion gowns, wedding favors.

  7. Houston Furniture Bank
    8220 Mosley Rd, Houston, TX 77075 | (713) 842-9771 

    Fill out a donation form online or email service@houstonfurniturebank.org for large donations. Note: They request a $50 donation to pick up your donated furniture.

    Mission: “Every year we distribute thousands of furniture items and household goods to those in need, by accepting item donations. Donate your quality, gently used furniture and household goods that you no longer need or use and furnish a home with hope.”

    What they do take: Beds, bed frames, lamps, rugs, dishes, and furniture in good condition.

    What they don’t take: Furniture with tears, cuts, stains, holes, missing parts, pet fur, or water damage.

  8. ReStore – Houston Habitat for Humanity
    Houston Habitat for Humanity is a tax-exempt 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization.

    Locations:
    ReStore South Loop – 6161 S. Loop East, Houston, TX 77087
    ReStore West 34th – 5280 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77092

    Mission: “The Houston Habitat ReStores are non-profit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, appliances, flooring, cabinetry and more at a fraction of the retail price. Profits generated from the ReStores support Houston Habitat’s mission of partnering with low- to moderate-income Houston families to help them obtain and preserve decent, affordable housing.”

    What they do take: Working appliances, complete cabinet units, doors in good condition, housewares, hardware, lighting, paint, gently used furniture, unopened wallpaper, tools, and plumbing fixtures in good condition.

  9. Assistance Ministries
    West Houston Assistance Ministries
    3100 Rogerdale, Houston, TX 77042 | (713) 780-2727, ext. 107
    They offer FREE pickup of your large donated items from Tuesday to Saturday.

    Northwest Assistance Ministries
    Per IRS Publication 529, a tax deduction cannot be taken unless donated items are in good used condition or better. 
    15555 Kuykendahl Road, Houston, TX 77090 | (281) 885-4555
    FREE furniture pick-up by calling (281) 885-4545

    Mission: “We provide free assistance for people who are struggling to meet their basic needs in the form of financial assistance for rent and utilities, food, clothing…”

    -What they do take: Hygiene products, clothing, and furniture. (Items in usable/clean condition, suitable for resale) 

    -What they don’t take:
    Broken, torn, or stained items; paint, chemicals, or hazardous waste products,  mattresses, box springs, or car seats.  

  10. Women’s Shelters
    The Women’s Home – 607 Westheimer
    Houston Area Women’s Center – 101 Waugh Dr
    SEARCH – 2505 Fannin
    Mission of Yahweh – 10247 Algiers Rd
    Star of Hope Mission – 419 Dowling St
    Montrose Counseling Center – 401 Branard St

    Missions:
    “The Women’s Home builds communities that strengthen women and support families as they reclaim their stability.”

    “The Mission of Yahweh offers many life-changing programs focused on ending the cycle of homelessness and dependency.”

    -What they do take: Gently used clothing and household items, craft materials, books, diapers, feminine hygiene products, cell phones, purses, transportation passes, and cosmetics.

  11. Salvation Army
    The Salvation Army is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation.

    Schedule a pickup or drop-off at one of their many locations around Houston.

    Mission: “The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever, and however we can.”

    What they do take: Vehicles, boats, appliances, clothing, furniture, household goods, typewriters, games, CDs, and lawn mowers.

    What they don’t take: TVs more than 5 years old, gas appliances, wood furniture with major cosmetic damage, chemicals, paints, or recalled items.

  12. Walmart
    They are partnered with Lions Clubs International to take used prescription glasses and sunglasses donations.

    Mission: “Across the globe, Lions are rolling up their sleeves and taking action. With over 1.4 million members, we’re the largest service organization in the world. And we’re as dedicated to helping those in need today as we were over 100 years ago when we first began.”
  13. Recycling Centers – for everything not listed above!
    These depositories may be used by the public free of charge.


    Locations:
    North – 9003 N Main 77022
    Northwest – 14400 Sommermeyer 77041 
    Northeast – 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028
    Southeast – 2240 Central Street 77017
    South – 5100 Sunbeam 77033
    Southwest – 10785 SW Freeway 77074

    What they do take: Furniture, tree waste, stoves, refrigerators, up to five automobile tires (rims not accepted) per month, #1 – 5 and #7 plastics (not toys, packing materials, flower pots, styrofoam, plastic bags, or plastic furniture), newspapers and magazines, clear and colored glass bottles and jars, used motor oil, tree waste, cardboard

    What they don’t take: Household garbage, more than ten tires from an individual, and large quantities of building materials, trash from commercial haulers or brought in a commercial vehicle (business or rented commercial)

We are excited to continue refreshing this post with any of your favorite donation places! Feel free to comment with ones we should add!

16 Comments

  • Leanne says:

    Where to donate used king size mattress in houston TX?

    Where to donate broken shoes in houston tx?

    • Meggie says:

      Hey Leanne! There are ways to recycle old mattresses but they cannot be donated for hygiene reasons! And if shoes are broken they would need to be repaired before donating which fall in to the category of clothes donations. If those shoes have lived out their life then that may be it for them and donating isn’t an option. Cheers!

  • Michelle Feagin says:

    I have a walk-in tub that is no longer needed. It’s 2 years old and in perfect working condition. Do you know where I can donate it?

  • Lace Smith says:

    I have a 55″ color tube tv that is in great working condition and looks good, I also have a reclining sofa and loveseat that has been peeling after 6 months of purchase. The recliners and the lights and the vibrator works perfect on both of them. I don’t want to put them out on the curb, because they are still useful, I current have sofa and loveseat covers on them and it looks nice. I am trying to find a way to donate them to someone that would like them.

    • Meggie says:

      Houston Furniture Bank or Purple Heart are best places to start for furniture! You can also try selling on Facebook Marketplace or Let it Go app!

  • Nino R. says:

    I used to be an 8th Grade Math Teacher. I have accumulated a lot of old tests and teaching materials. Where can I donate them? Thank you!

    • Meggie says:

      Thank you for teaching our kids! I would start with the district/school you used to teach in. As curriculum is ever changing it would be best to see if it can still be used! If outdated it may be time to recycle.

  • Teri says:

    We have unused car oil filters for a car we no longer have. Do you know of a place they could be donated?

  • Brenda says:

    Hello Meggie,

    Is there a place to donate clothes that are not in good enough shape to donate? I heard there is some place you can take them and they use them for other things, like ropes.

  • Mary says:

    Where can I donate sheets and used children’s sports equipment? We’re downsizing.

    • Meggie says:

      Most animal shelters will accept used blankets and towels! You can also donate sheets in complete sets, be sure to label! Children’s sports equipment depends on the equipment and condition, I recommend checking with sports leagues!

  • Laturvis Gladney says:

    Where to donate items that will not be sold but givin away to woman and children that are in need

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