The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to celebrate than by helping those in need? If you’re looking to declutter your home, give back to your community, and promote sustainability all at once, donating your gently used items is a wonderful way to make a positive impact. Whether you have clothing, furniture, household goods, or other items, there are local organizations in the Portland area that would be grateful to receive them.
This year, we’re inviting you to join us for our “Ask the Organizer” event, “Giving Back,” where you’ll hear from local groups that are seeking in-kind donations. At this free event, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about each organization, their causes, and how to donate your rightsized items to those in need.
Why Donate This Holiday Season?
Generosity has numerous benefits—not only for the people who receive your donations but also for you. Here’s why giving back this holiday season is a win-win:
Support Your Community: Donating items directly helps local organizations provide for individuals and families who are struggling, especially during the colder months. Whether it’s clothes, food, or household items, your donations can make a real difference in someone’s life.
Declutter Your Home: The holiday season is the perfect time to sort through your belongings and clear out things you no longer need. By donating, you not only free up space in your home but also give new life to items that might otherwise be sent to the landfill.
Promote Sustainability: By donating instead of discarding, you’re making a positive environmental impact. Reducing waste and giving pre-loved items a second chance is one of the easiest ways to support sustainability efforts during the holidays and beyond.
Spread Holiday Cheer: There’s no better feeling than knowing that your items are being put to good use. Your donations can help make the holidays a little brighter for people in need, spreading love and goodwill throughout your area.
Where to Donate Your Items in Portland
At our “Giving Back” event, we’ll be connecting you with some incredible local nonprofits that are actively seeking donations. Here is a little bit more about the organizations that will be a part of our special guest panel:
Assistance League of Greater Portland
4000 SW 117th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005
The Assistance League of Greater Portland is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children, families, and seniors in the local community. They accept donations of gently used clothing, books, toys, and household items to help fill the shelves of their community outreach programs. Their largest initiative, Operation School Bell, provides new school clothes to children in need, ensuring they feel confident and ready for learning. Your donation can directly support their mission of providing practical, essential services to those who need it most.
Second Edition Resale Shop at the Cedar Mill Community Library
1050 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR 97229
The Second Edition Resale Shop is a volunteer-run thrift store that supports the Cedar Mill Community Library in Washington County. All proceeds from the resale shop help fund library programs and services. They accept donations of gently used clothing, books, household items, and accessories. Your giving not only helps sustain a local library, but it also makes a difference in providing resources for the community.
Schoolhouse Supplies
4916 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230
Schoolhouse Supplies is an organization that provides free school supplies to Portland-area teachers and students in need. They accept donations of new or gently used school supplies, as well as educational materials, books, and classroom materials. By donating to Schoolhouse Supplies, you help ensure that teachers have the resources they need to create enriching learning environments, especially for students from underserved communities who may not have access to the supplies they need for academic success.
Rose Haven Day Shelter and Community Center
1740 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209
Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children, and gender non-conforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home, and other disruptive life challenges. They break the cycle of homelessness by providing meals, clothing, first aid, mailing addresses, hygiene, restrooms, showers as well as educational programs and guidance through medical and social services. By meeting basic needs and building trust, they empower their guests to explore long-term change.
Additional Resources for Giving in the Portland Metro Area
For even more donation resources and ideas on how to give back this holiday season, check out some of our past annual “Giving Back” blog posts from 2023 and 2022. We list additional local organizations that also accept donations.
Join Our “Giving Back” Event and Connect with Local Nonprofits
Join us for our virtual “Giving Back” event on Wednesday, December 4th. Not only will you find out where and how to donate your items, but you’ll also hear directly from these organizations about their missions and how your contributions can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Watch the replay of our “Giving Back” Zoom workshop here.
Together, we can make this season of giving a truly transformative one for those in need. Join us in giving back—it’s a simple yet impactful way to spread joy and warmth throughout Portland!