New Year, New Home: Where to Donate Toys, Clothes, Furniture & More

Out with the old, in with the new! But what to do with all the old? Although there are plenty of nonprofit organizations in the Sacramento area that welcome your donation, why not focus on those that need it the most? Doing so keeps your giveaways out of the landfills and into the hands of someone who truly needs it.

This time of year, many people are decluttering their homes to start the new year off fresh. Whether little-played with toys, clothing that no longer fits, or furniture that just doesn’t work in your space, now is a good time to give your items a new home. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

There are many nonprofit organizations in Sacramento, Placerville, Roseville, and Davis which would benefit from your donations. Some pass on items directly to their clients, others operate thrift stores to raise money to fund their programs. Not every organization accepts every item, so it’s important to check ahead of time to see what they need. Following is a round-up of organizations in the greater Sacramento region where you can donate clothes, furniture, appliances, housewares, kid stuff, and more. 

 WEAVE

WEAVE has been supporting domestic violence survivors and their families since 1978. Today, their thrift stores help fund their crisis intervention programs. At their Sacramento donation center, they accept clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry and housewares. Large donations and furniture pickups can be arranged in advance.

American Cancer Society Discovery Shops

With locations in Auburn, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, there’s sure to be a Discovery Shop near you. While it varies from store to store, they generally accept high-quality, gently used clothing, jewelry, furniture, artwork, collectibles and other household goods. Best of all, proceeds benefit the fight against cancer.

Empower Yolo

This Woodland-based organization helps individuals and families affected by domestic violence through crisis intervention, community outreach, and educational programs. You can make a difference by donating your gently used clothing, shoes, and toiletries to help those in need. They also accept linens, cleaning supplies, and other household goods for clients starting over. 

Snowline Hospice Thrift

With locations in Placerville and Folsom, this nonprofit provides hospice service to the local community. Their thrift stores aid in that mission, with proceeds funding their services. They accept donations of clothing, books, handbags, jewelry, and home décor, among other items.

Wellspring Women’s Center

Located in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood, this organization supports vulnerable and low-income women and their children. They accept donations of new women’s and children’s clothing, toiletries, art supplies, and baby items. Check their list of needed items.

The Gathering Inn

Based in Placer County, The Gathering Inn is dedicated to helping those facing homelessness. They are in need of all types of items to support their community, including gently used clothing, shoes, towels, blankets, bikes, and household items such as kitchenware and small appliances. Donation centers are in Roseville and Auburn.

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Community Mercantile

The aim of this shop in Davis is to reduce waste and prevent everyday items from going into the landfill. They re-sell everything from small appliances to lamps, storage bins to flowerpots, all with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of consumer culture. They also have a “Library of Things,” mostly tools, that you can borrow. Their donation needs change so be sure to contact them ahead of time.

New Beginnings Thrift

This organization in Placerville helps formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter society by creating a safe, positive environment. Their thrift store helps raise funds for this mission. They accept gently used or new clothing, shoes, housewares, furniture, electronics, and small tools.

Saint John’s Program for Real Change

For more than 40 years, Saint Johns has been helping women and children break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty by providing housing, education and job training. Their Sacramento donation center accepts seasonal casual clothing, duffle bags, and suitcases in good condition.

St. Vincent de Paul

If you have a piece of furniture or an appliance in good condition you’d like to donate, St. Vincent de Paul not only accepts it, but they’ll also come pick it up! Appliances must be in working order and no older than 7 years old. They also accept drop-off donations of clothing and other items either at their donation center or at blue bin locations in Davis, Sacramento, Fair Oaks, and Folsom. Check their website for a list of items they do and do not accept.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

With locations in Sacramento, Davis, and Roseville, the ReStores help support the mission of Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for low-income families. Their stores are looking for new and gently used household goods, building supplies, furniture, lighting, and home décor.

Friends of the Sacramento Public Library

In Sacramento, the Friends of the Library operates The Book Den, an all-volunteer used book store. They are always in need of gently used books as well as magazines, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, comic books and more. Donations are accepted at their South Sacramento warehouse.

See all Sacramento homes available. 

Broad Room

This artist’s collaborative in Sacramento is dedicated to bringing art to all. They operate a free art supply closet and are always on the lookout for donated art supplies. Things they need most are canvases, paint brushes, drawing pads, and acrylic paint. Donations are accepted by appointment on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Loaves and Fishes

Known for their meal programs, Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento also collects clothing and other items for our unhoused community. This winter, they are in need of new kids’ shoes, new or nearly new shoes for adults, new coats for teens and adults, tents, tarps and sleeping bags. Drop offs are accepted at their downtown warehouse during the week.

Donation Pickup Services

If you’re unable to travel to a donation center, or just want to make things easy, consider contacting ReSupply. They offer pickups within 48 hours to deliver your goods to local charities, including furniture, clothing, and electronics. If there’s an item that can’t be resold for whatever reason, they will take it to be recycled. Note there is a fee associated with the service, but it’s much less than a traditional hauler, and all drivers are bonded and insured. 

Start the New Year With an Organized Home

A clean, organized home is a good way to start off the new year, but it’s even better when you know your donations are helping others. By donating clothing, furniture, toys, books, and household goods to local nonprofits across the greater Sacramento region, you’re reducing waste while supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference.