The holiday season is upon us, and as we gather with loved ones to celebrate, it’s also a time to reflect on the spirit of giving. While you’re busy preparing for festive gatherings and shopping for gifts, don’t forget that it’s also the perfect time to clean out your home and help those in need.
Instead of letting your gently used items go to waste, consider donating them to local nonprofit organizations. In this blog post, we’ll explore some great local options for donating items this holiday season, beyond the well-known Goodwill.
Note: This article was originally published in December of 2023 and has been updated with new links and information for 2024!
Great Organizations to Donate to in the Portland Metro Location
Portland Rescue Mission
Address: 111 W. Burnside St., Portland, OR 97209
The Portland Rescue Mission is dedicated to providing food, shelter, and recovery services to individuals experiencing homelessness. They gladly accept donations of clothing, blankets, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene products. Your contributions will directly impact the lives of those in need, helping them find warmth and comfort during the colder months.
Community Warehouse
Address: 3969 NE MLK Jr Blvd., Portland, OR 97212
Community Warehouse focuses on helping families transitioning out of homelessness or living in poverty. They accept donations of essential household items such as furniture, mattresses, and kitchenware. Your gently used furniture and household goods can provide a family with a fresh start and the comforts of home during the holidays.
Dress for Success Oregon
Address: 1532 NE 37th Ave., Portland, OR 97232
If you have gently worn professional clothing, then consider donating it to Dress for Success Oregon. This organization empowers women by providing them with interview-appropriate attire and career development resources. So, donate here and help women in need build self-confidence and secure employment.
ReStore (Habitat for Humanity)
Address: Multiple locations in the Portland metro area, including 10445 SE Cherry Blossom Dr, Portland, OR 97216, and 6100 SE 111th Ave, Portland, OR 97266.
Bring your new and well-maintained home improvement items, including furniture, appliances, building materials, and more to ReStore. The proceeds from sales at ReStore locations go towards funding Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing initiatives.
Baby Blues Connection
Address: P.O. Box 31909, Portland, OR 97231
Baby Blues Connection supports mothers and families struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Donations of baby items like clothing, diapers, and baby gear help make a significant difference in the lives of new mothers and their infants during the holiday season.
Oregon Food Bank
Address: 7900 NE 33rd Dr., Portland, OR 97211
As we celebrate the season of plenty, let’s not forget those who struggle to put food on the table. Consider donating non-perishable food items to the Oregon Food Bank. Help ensure that families in need have access to nutritious meals during the holidays.
SCRAP PDX
Address: 1736 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205
For the crafters and artists in Portland, SCRAP PDX is a hidden gem. This nonprofit organization accepts a wide range of art and craft supplies, from fabric and paper, to beads and buttons. By donating your surplus materials, you’re not only helping reduce waste, but also supporting local artists and educators who rely on affordable supplies for their projects.
Friends of Trees
Address: 3117 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
If you have gardening or landscaping equipment, or even native plants and trees you’d like to donate, Friends of Trees is the perfect place. This environmental nonprofit organization focuses on tree planting and restoration projects in the Portland area. By donating your gardening items or native plants, for instance, you’ll be contributing to the greening of the city and the preservation of natural habitats.
Rebuilding Center
Address: 3625 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
The Rebuilding Center, located in North Portland, is a nonprofit organization that specializes in salvaging reusable building materials. If you have surplus construction materials, tools, appliances, or even furniture that you no longer need, consider donating them here. Overall, taking your items here will help reduce waste, support affordable housing initiatives, and promote sustainability in the community.
Assistance League of Greater Portland
Address: 4000 SW 117th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005
Bring your donations to Assistance League of Greater Portland, where they run a thrift shop that accepts donations of clothing, household items, and more. As a result, you help support their philanthropic programs, which include providing school clothing to children in need and other community initiatives.
Animal Aid, Inc
Address: 5335 SW 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97221
A nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and providing medical care for cats and dogs, Animal Aid Inc takes donations of pet supplies including food, blankets, toys, and more.
Transition Projects
Address: 665 NW Hoyt St, Portland, OR 97209
Transition Projects is a nonprofit organization that works to transition people from homelessness to housing in the Portland area. To this end, they accept donations of hygiene items, clothing, blankets, and other essentials to support houseless individuals.
Raphael House of Portland
Address: 4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Raphael House of Portland is a domestic violence agency that provides shelter and support to survivors and their families. IN particular, they are looking for donations of gently used household items, including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and clothing. So, give today and help families in crisis rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
Free Geek
Address: 1731 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Free Geek is a unique nonprofit that’s dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing affordable technology and digital education to folks in need. For example, if you have old computers, laptops, peripherals, or electronic accessories, Free Geek can refurbish and distribute these items to vulnerable people and recycle the rest responsibly.
Bikes for Humanity PDX
Address: 3366 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
Bikes for Humanity PDX is dedicated to providing bicycles to underserved communities. If you have old bikes and bike-related items, then donate and help people access transportation and gain independence.
Impact NW
Address: 1785 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Impact NW is a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness. In particular, they accept donations of clothing, household items, and other essentials.
Rose Haven
Address: 1740 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209
Accepting donations of various items including clothing, personal hygiene products, school supplies, and more, Rose Haven’s mission is to provide assistance and resources to women, their children, and non-gender conforming people. In addition, check out their website to learn more about their programs and services.
Second Edition Resale
Address: 1050 NW Saltzman Rd., Portland, OR 97229
Second Edition Resale is a quality secondhand shop featuring men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as household items. Purchases and material donations support the Cedar Mill & Bethany Community Libraries.
This holiday season, take the opportunity to rightsize your home while making a positive impact on your local community. Let’s come together and make this season truly special by giving back to others. Donate your gently used items to these organizations and bring warmth, comfort, and hope to those less fortunate as a result.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with the rightsizing process, then reach out to us for a free thirty-minute consultation. We would love to partner with you to assist with your next project. Our non-judgmental team can help remove clutter, make decisions, and above all, create peace in your home or office.
Finally, we want to say happy organizing! We wish you and your loved ones a great start to the New Year.