Trash to Treasure

There are probably a thousand things in your home that you don’t want anymore: that guitar you bought and never learned how to play; your kid’s first generation iPhone; the horribly uncomfortable chair in your living room. And while many of us don’t have extra cash laying around, most of us have plenty of extra stuff to donate to folks who could put it to good use. In honor of National Philanthropy Day on November 15, we compiled a list of places where you can donate some of those unwanted items. 

ELECTRONICS

InterAct partners with Cellular Recycler to collect used cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and video game systems. A portion of the electronics sales goes toward InterAct’s mission of rebuilding lives and ensuring safer futures for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. interactofwake.org

FURNITURE

The Green Chair Project takes upholstered chairs, dressers, sofas, dining tables and chairs—in good condition—to donate to those transitioning from homelessness. thegreenchair.org

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

A Raleigh family started DonateSport.org to provide sporting clothing and gear to children in need. The nonprofit accepts jerseys, warm up shirts, shorts, pants and jackets and equipment for all sports. Drop off your donations at WRAL Soccer Park. donatesport.org

BOOKS

Donate used books and audiobooks to any Wake County Public Libraries. The books will be sold online through a secondary vendor or at the libraries’ annual book sale. wakegov.com/libraries/pages/default.aspx

TIRES

Wake County’s Multi-Material Recycling Facilities accept unwanted tires; rims must be removed. wakegov.com/recycling/pages/default.aspx

BUSINESS ATTIRE

Donate your gently used business suits and other professional attire—including jewelry, briefcases and scrubs—to Dress for Success. The organization will pass it along to women looking to enter or return to the workforce. trianglenc.dressforsuccess.org

ARTS AND CRAFTS SUPPLIES

Art Intimacy partners with Neighbor to Neighbor’s Enrichment Arts Programs and Little Makers Academy’s STEAM Integration Initiative to increase artistic opportunities for children. Accepted donations include easels, poster paper, canvases, paints, brushes, crayons, sewing supplies and more. artintimacy.org

MEDICATIONS + MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Alliance Medical Ministry accepts wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, CPAP machines, canes, medical beds and more, as well as sealed, unopened medications, including over-the-counter medicines, allergy medicines and vitamins. alliancemedicalministry.org

APPLIANCES

Habitat for Humanity ReStores will take working, 10 years old or newer electric ranges and ovens, refrigerators/freezers, washers/dryers, dishwashers, water heaters and HVAC units. Free pick-ups can be scheduled if you have at least two large, qualifying items to donate. wakerestore.org

TOYS

Just outside Raleigh, Zach’s Toy Chest has several locations that accepts toy donations for infants to teens. zachstoychest.org

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Community Music School will take music stands, string instruments, guitars, electronic piano keyboards with built in speakers, brass and woodwind instruments. cmsraleigh.org

Philharmonic Association will also accept any orchestral instrument. philharmonic-association.org

FOOD

Donate unwanted food items to Helping Hand Mission, at any of their locations or at collection boxes in shopping centers within Raleigh, Cary and Garner. helpinghandmission.org