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The average American household hordes thousands of items. Only a slim perecentage of these are actually put to use. Look around you: if you decide it’s time to get rid of unneeded objects, consider donating them - and not only clothes and toys; even cell phones and school supplies can find their way to much needed use.
Turn your trash into treasure: the following are organizations who willingly accept second hand items for donation to those in need.
1. BIKES
WHO Bicycles for Humanity
WHAT Bicycles for Humanity donates bikes to people in underdeveloped areas of Africa, providing access to important resources such as water, hospitals and schools.
DROP SITES Bike collections are organized by the nonprofit’s local chapters in the US, Canada and Australia.
2. CELL PHONES
WHO Hope Phones
WHAT Hope Phones calls for donations of phones - functioning or not - while also providing for shipping and collection supplies. The donated devices are recycled or refurbished, and the cash value is driven towards funding mobile technology for a variety of causes, primarily for communities in need in far-flung, poverty-stricken regions. Alternatively, the old devices are used to outfit healthcare workers in underserved regions.
DROP SITES Free collection and shipping supplies provided via the website.
3. BOOKS
4. SUBWAY CARD CHANGE
WHO MetroChange
WHAT MetroChange is the purveyor of kiosks at Subway stations across New York, where MetroCards can be swiped to transfer their value to one central fund. The accumulated donations are transferred to charity once a month.
DROP SITES Subway stations in NYC.
5. OLD GLASSES
WHO Lions Club International
WHAT An international mega club of volunteers, Lions Club International is on a mission to generate positive change and give back to the community. Among their inspiring projects, Lions Club collects millions of glasses every year, and donates them to children and adults in need.
DROP SITES Any of the 2,895 collection sites worldwide.
6. ELECTRONICS
WHO Dell Reconnect
WHAT The lovechild of Goodwill and computer giant Dell, Dell Reconnect is an electronics recycling program that enables everyone to donate old computers and computer accessories such as monitors, keyboards and mice at participating Goodwill centers. The old devices are restored if needed, and donated to the community via Goodwill.
DROP SITES Enter your zip code and find drop off locations in your area
7. SCHOOL SUPPLIES
WHO Develop Africa
WHAT An organization involved in the support of education, small businesses, microfinance and career training in Africa, Develop Africa collects school supplies that are new or in very good condition.
DROP SITES Donated items should be mailed to the headquarters in Tennessee.
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