Where to donate items in the South Plainfield area - and beyond!
Running out of storage space? This page provides information on local, regional, and national organizations that can make good use of your used (or unused) goods!
PLEASE NOTE: Charities that normally accept used goods may not be accepting them during the COVID-19 pandemic, or may have changed their procedures for donating. In some cases, these changes may not be posted on their websites. Please call or email organizations about their current policies before attempting to make a donation.
CAUTION: This list of organizations accepting donations of goods is offered as a starting point. The listing of any organization on this page is not an endorsement by the library, and we urge you to investigate any charity before making a donation. For your convenience, we have tried to provide direct links, where available, to charity reports by the Better Business Bureau (Give.org), Charity Navigator, and/or GuideStar [NOTE: Requires free registration for access]. You can also find information about charities on the American Institute of Philanthropy's Charity Watch and ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer websites. Please keep in mind that these groups use different criteria for evaluating charities, so we recommend that you check at least two or three before making a significant donation. Also, since new evaluation reports may have been added which did not exist when this page was created, please check the above sources for reports if we have not linked them here. Please consult our Charitable Giving Webfinder and the other Donor Resources listed below for general advice on making donations.
Donor Resources
See IRS INFORMATION NON-CASH DONATIONS for current IRS guidelines on determining value of donated property, vehicle donations, art appraisals, and more.
USED GOODS DONATIONS tips (Better Business Bureau)
DONATING GOODS tips NEW! (Charity Navigator)
CHARITABLE GIVING Webfinder
South Plainfield Recycling Program (Drop-Off and Curbside)
RECYCLING Webfinder
General Donations
- The Re-Use It Book UPDATED LINK! is a printable guide to area locations where Middlesex County residents can donate their unwanted goods for reuse. This page includes links to other Middlesex County recycling information. (2019, Middlesex County Improvement Authority).
- Boys & Girls Club of Union County - May take in-kind donations such as furniture, school supplies, games & athletic equipment, and electronics; please call your local club (Plainfield) to find out what they will accept: (908) 822-8672. [GuideStar Report. Boys & Girls Club of America is a BBB Accredited charity.]
- Goodwill Industries. There is a local page with a list of retail stores and donation bins in NJ & NY. Before donating, read the Donate Goods page, including the list of items accepted/not accepted.
- Salvation Army: Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) for Goods and Furniture or Vehicle Donations. Use the Location Search for the nearest facility. DO NOT LIMIT YOUR RESULTS TO FAMILY STORES, as this function is not working properly; instead, look through the general search results for stores. The phone number for the Plainfield Corps is 908-756-2595.
- Military Care Packages - Want to send a care package to our Service members overseas? The Department of Defense offers some general advice. See also Mailing Letters and Packages to Military Members and related links, and Operation Shoebox NJ, below.
- Freecycle (Groups in NJ) - A non-profit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. You can search a group for items you want to get. Once you join a Freecycle group, you can post items you want to give away (or get). Plainfield, Rahway, Somerville, and New Brunswick are the nearest groups.
- For additional advice & resources, see How to Get Rid of Stuff: Our A to Z Guide, from Apple Cores to Zillions of Books (Consumers' Checkbook; June 2021), and How to responsibly get rid of the stuff you've decluttered (The Verge; July 2021, updated December 2023).
- See also Clothing, Furniture & Household Goods, below.
- OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Local non-profit organizations, senior centers, child care centers or preschools, women's/family shelters, homeless shelters, houses of worship, prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Appliances, Hardware, Building Materials
- Contact one of the local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to ask whether they can use the items you want to donate. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield & Middlesex County is now part of Morris Habitat for Humanity.
- Habitat for Humanity's ReStore (Manville, NJ) - Accepts new or gently-used household goods and building materials; see the web page for additional details about what they accept and whether pickup is available. There are also Habitat Restores in Freehold and Randolph. Enter a zip code for other Habitat ReStore locations. Links to charity reports for Habitat for Humanity are listed below.
Baby Items
- Moms Helping Moms Baby Supply & Diaper Bank - Along with diapers and period supplies, MHM collects new and gently used baby items, which are distributed to families in need throughout New Jersey. Located at 223 Stirling Road, Suite E, Warren, NJ 07059; email: info@momshelpingmomsfoundation.org. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.] Member of the National Diaper Bank Network.
- Room To Grow - Accepts baby items (in excellent condition only) for families living in poverty, including clothing to size 5T, toys, books, bedding, towels, strollers, high chairs, baby carriers, bassinets, booster seats, potties, and much more. Drop-off location for large items is now in Bronx NY, but smaller items may be mailed. [GuideStar Report.]
- My Stuff Bags - Collects NEW children's items such as stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, small toys, school supplies, baby items, clothing, and more, for children rescued from severe abuse, neglect or abandonment; items are needed for all ages from infants to teens. Donations must be new, non-violent, and non-denominational; no food or candy, please. NOTE: Located in CA; no local chapters in NJ area. [BBB Report. Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Newborns in Need - Volunteers use their talents to provide knitted, crocheted, and sewn premature and full term baby items. Chapters also collect clothes, blankets, diapers and baby hygiene items to to be distributed in their local communities. NOTE: One NJ chapter in Burlingon County UPDATED LINK!. Click here for knitting & other patterns. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
Bicycles
- New Brunswick Bike Exchange - A non-profit organization run by the efforts of volunteers who collect, recondition, and sell used, quality bikes. Their mission is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle through cycling while raising money to support PRAB (Puerto Rican Action Board), a Human Services Organization in Middlesex County that provides a comprehensive range of essential services for children, youth, families and senior citizens. [Charity Navigator Report for PRAB. GuideStar Report for PRAB.]
- Pedals for Progress - Collects, repairs, and ships used bicycles to developing countries. Requests a minimum donation of $10 with each bicycle to defray costs of repairs and shipping; located in High Bridge, NJ. Also collects sewing machines. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Bikes for the World [NEAREST DROPOFF LOCATION IS NEWTOWN, PA (Bucks County)] - Aims to make affordable, good quality used bicycles available to low-income people in developing countries. BfW accepts bikes, bike parts & accessories, and portable sewing machines in working order. NOTE: A minimum $10 per item donation is suggested to helps supply donated items to families overseas. [Charity Navigator Report. Guidestar Report.]
Books
- Friends of the South Plainfield Public Library - At certain times of the year, the Friends accept donations of gently-used books, CDs, DVDs, and video games for their annual booksale; proceeds benefit the library. Donated items must be in good shape (no dirty or damaged books; no scratched or cracked CDs and DVDs). The Friends will NOT take encyclopedias or textbooks. Please call the library for more information: (908) 754-7885.
- Book Donation Programs - Information on some groups and organizations that handle book and magazine donations, including International Donations (2022, American Library Association). See also International Donation Programs; emphasis is on textbooks and academic journals (2024, University of Buffalo).
- Other options: Check with organizations in our General Donations list, as well as other local non-profit organizations, senior centers, child care centers or preschools, women's/family shelters, homeless shelters, houses of worship, prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Cars & Other Vehicles
IRS DONOR'S GUIDE TO VEHICLE DONATION (2015) [Link opens a PDF]
CHARITY NAVIGATOR'S GUIDE TO DONATING YOUR CAR
GIVE.ORG'S GUIDE TO CAR DONATIONS (2021)
- American Red Cross of New Jersey - Accepts many types of vehicles in any condition, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, RVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, heavy equipment, farm equipment, tractors and more; located in Princeton, NJ. [BBB report for American Red Cross. Charity Navigator Report for American Red Cross. GuideStar Report for American Red Cross.]
- Charity Car Donation Center - This site, operated by Melwood, processes vehicle donations for Arc of the United States, Easter Seals, Meals on Wheels Association of America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, United Cerebral Palsy, and other charities. [Charity Navigator Report for Melwood. GuideStar Report for Melwood .]
- Edison Wetlands Association - Accepts donations of your old car, boat, RV or plane through the Car Easy Donations / CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) website. Located in Edison, NJ. [GuideStar Report for Edison Wetlands. GuideStar Report for CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).]
- Habitat for Humanity - Accepts donations of cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, construction or farm equipment, or any other vehicle - running or not. Donations can be arranged online or with a toll-free phone call. [BBB report. Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- NJ Wheels for Wishes - Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, RV or boat to Wheels for Wishes, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. Donations can be arranged online or with a toll-free phone call. [Charity Navigator Report and GuideStar Report for Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey.]
- March of Dimes Foundation - Donate your car, truck, van, bus, boat or motorcycle to fund research on the causes of premature birth and birth defects. Donations can be arranged online or with a toll-free phone call. [BBB report. Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- National Public Radio (NPR) - Vehicle donations are coordinated independently by NPR member stations at the local level. Please contact the public radio station in your community for details on how to donate your car. Another NPR option is Car Talk's vehicle donation program. Charity Navigator Report on NPR. GuideStar Report on NPR.]
- Plainfield Area Humane Society - Donate your vehicle through the Car Easy Donations website or call 855-500-7433 (toll-free). PAHS's mission is 'to find a safe, loving and appropriate home for every homeless pet.' [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Southern Poverty Law Center - Donate your vehicle through the Car Easy Donations website or call 855-500-7433 (toll-free). 'The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.' [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
Clothing, Furniture & Household Goods
GIVE.ORG'S WISE GIVING GUIDE: THE CLOTHES OFF YOUR BACK (2016) [Link opens a PDF]
- FISH Inc. (Dunellen area) - Provides help for the poor, the elderly, the homeless, and those who 'fall between the cracks' of public assistance. Service areas include Dunellen, Middlesex, Piscataway, South Plainfield, Edison, and Highland Park. Needs donations of food, clothing, and other items. [Fish Inc GuideStar Report.]
- American Red Cross See GreenDrop, below.
- Becca's Closet - Collects and distributes formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming. Click here to find the nearest local chapters. [GuideStar Report.]
- Bras - See Underwear, below.
- Dress for Success of Central NJ - Accepts clean, new or gently-used women's business professional attire in ALL sizes; styles within 5 years. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Family Resource Associates - Clothing for children and adults are always needed, including shoes, accessories, suits and business clothes, as well as items for the home. No stains, tears, broken zippers, etc. please. Clothes are picked up from your home in the central and northern NJ area, including Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- GreenDrop - Tax-deductible donations of clothing and household items (tools, collectibles, kitchenware, toys, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments and sporting goods) are collected by GreenDrop (a for-profit company) on behalf of the American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Federation of the Blind, and others. See the List of accepted items before you donate.
- In Ian's Boots - Provides shoes and winter boots to those in need. Donations of NEW or GENTLY USED footwear may be mailed to their headquarters in Pottstown, PA. [GuideStar Report. Charity Navigator Report.]
- One Purse - Your 'gently-loved designer bags are processed for online resale by survivors of sex trafficking employed in The rePURPOSE Project work-therapy program. As the donated purses are sold, the proceeds fuel the program and employ more survivors.' Qualifying purses may be mailed to the organization in Orlando, FL. [GuideStar Report. Charity Navigator Report.]
- Pedals for Progress: Sewing Peace - Collects, repairs, and ships used sewing machines to developing countries. Requests a minimum donation of $10 with each sewing machine to defray costs of repairs and shipping. Located in High Bridge, NJ. See additional information on Pedals for Progress above. Donations of portable sewing machines are also accepted by Bikes for the World, above.
- Plainfield Area Humane Society - May accept clean used towels and blankets (not comforters) as well as pet supplies (listed below); call (908) 754-0300 or email contact@pahs.org for current information.
- Underwear: What to Do with Old Bras & Underwear NEW! - This post details various ways you can donate bras & underwear or recycle & upcycle your old undies; includes links to organizations that accept these donations. (2023, GoingZeroWaste.com; by Kathryn Kellogg, author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste)
- See also Food & Personal Care Products. Some food pantries collect clothing and household goods as well as food.
- Other options: Check with organizations in our General Donations list, as well as other local non-profit organizations, senior centers, child care centers or preschools, women's/family shelters, homeless shelters, houses of worship, prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Electronics
Electronics - General
See also: Cell Phones & Phone Cards, Computer Equipment
CONSUMER REPORTS: HOW TO RECYCLE OR DONATE YOUR OLD ELECTRONICS (2021)
More ELECTRONICS RECYCLING LINKS
- South Plainfield Recycling Program - Enter the item you want to recyle in the What Goes Where? box (or download the free app to your device) to find out whether it can be recycled, or if not, how to properly dispose of it. See also Middlesex County Electronics Recycling Information.
- Electronics Donation and Recycling - Information on major retailers and manufacturers with donation or recycling programs for mobile devices, computers, and TVs. (U.S. EPA; updated 2023)
- Recycling for Charities - Non-profit organization that recycles small electronics, including cell phones, cameras, iPod/MP3 players, iPads, and PDAs. A donation is given for each item received to the participating charity of the donor's choice.
Cell Phones & Phone Cards
- PLEASE NOTE: The South Plainfield Library no longer collects cell phones for recycling. For re-use/recycling alternatives, see the Middlesex County Re-Use It Book, and our E-Cycling links.
- Cell Phones for Soldiers - Donations of newer or gently-used cell phones and tablets from all wireless carriers and brands are accepted. 'Cell Phones For Soldiers uses proceeds from donated cell phones to purchase international calling cards for troops to call home and to provide emergency funding to veterans.' Click here for instructions & drop-off locations and shipping information. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Other options: Check with your cell phone service provider to see if they have any donation or trade-in programs that benefit charitable causes.
Computer Equipment & Accessories
CONSUMER REPORTS: HOW TO RECYCLE OR DONATE YOUR OLD ELECTRONICS (2021)
TEN TIPS FOR DONATING A COMPUTER (2016) [Archived page, some information may be outdated]
- South Plainfield Public Library - Support the library by bringing your empty inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges to the library for recycling. Through the Funding Factory Recycling Program, the library earns equipment or cash for qualifying cartridges. Every item received is inspected to determine whether it can be recycled or remanufactured.
- Digitunity (Cristina Foundation) - The Digitunity website makes it easy to find local charities or schools in your area that accept donations of used computers and other electronic hardware. [GuideStar Report.]
- Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) - See the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center's Back in Action and AT Reuse pages for information about assistive technology device exchange programs in NJ. Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any device that assists a person with a disability to live more independently or safely.
- Family Resource Associates - Donated computers are refurbished and given to children or adults with a disability. Monitors are only accepted with a computer, but computers can be donated without a monitor. Also accepts Speakers, modems, usb keyboards only and mouses. Computers must be brought to the Shrewsbury office; drop-offs must be scheduled. Phone (732) 747-5310 to find out if they are currently accepting computer donations. [Charity reports for Family Resource Associates are linked above.]
- Urban Renewal Corp: Computer and Electronics Recycling - 'All proceeds from recycling and refurbishing are used to help fund the programs administered by URTC for the homeless and economically disadvantaged.' Scroll down the page to Donate Your Equipment. Located in Kearny, NJ; arrange donations online or by phone. [GuideStar Report.]
- World Computer Exchange - Provides refurbished desktop and laptop computers to schools, libraries, community centers & universities in developing countries. You can donate qualifying computer equipment by mail, or drop if off at the nearest chapter (currently in Philadelphia PA and New York NY ). [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
Food & Personal Care Products
- South Plainfield Social Services Food Pantry - Please drop off new, unopened non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry at the library or the Senior Center. Personal care products, cleaning products, and other items may also be accepted; please call to find out current needs, (908) 226 - 7625. Cash and gift cards for local stores are also welcome.
- Community Food Bank of NJ and County Food Pantries Directory - Some of the food pantries listed here may collect clothing and household goods as well as food. Call individual pantries for info before you bring donations.
- Operation Shoebox NJ - Collects donated supplies such as non-perishable food items and personal care products to ship to U.S. troops based in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Middle East countries. Click here for drop-off locations and list of needed items. [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
Hair
- Locks of Love - Non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Ask your salon if it participates. If not, donations of hair can also be sent by mail. [BBB report. Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Wigs & Wishes - Provides free wigs to women and children undergoing chemotherapy, along with granting wishes to children battling cancer. Founded by Martino Cartier. [GuideStar Report.]
Medical Equipment, Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids
- Goodwill Home Medical Equipment & Supplies - Offers refurbished home medical equipment to individuals and families. Collects gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, hospital beds and much more. Makes equipment affordable for all and have no eligibility or prescriptions required. To donate home medical supplies in Philadelphia and South Jersey please contact Goodwill Home Medical Equipment, located in Bellmawr, NJ 08031; phone: 609-812-2210. In addition, all Goodwill donation centers accept medical equipment and supply donations. To find the Goodwill nearest you, visit www.goodwillnj.org.
- Lions Club: Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids - The Lions' Club collects used eyeglasses and sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription, for children and adults, as well as hearing aids. They currently have a yellow mailbox in South Plainfield outside the back door of Borough Hall. PLEASE NOTE: There is no longer a collection box in the library. [BBB Report . Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
Pet supplies
Best Items to Donate to an Animal Shelter NEW! (Charity Navigator)
- Plainfield Area Humane Society - May accept donations of pet supplies such as cat litter, pet food, cleaning products, laundry soap, and more. Call (908) 754-0300 or email contact@pahs.org for current information. [GuideStar Report.]
- For other local animal shelters and rescue/adoption groups that may accept donations of pet supplies, see Petfinder.com.
Toys
- The South Plainfield Public Library partners with South Plainfield's Social Services Department to help our community by setting up an Angel Tree [Link opens a PNG] during the holiday season, decorated with ornaments representing local families in need. Please be an 'angel' and donate a new toy or other gift for the holidays! Watch our website for updated details in late November!
- Toys for Tots - The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects NEW, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the local community. Watch the Borough of South Plainfield Facebook page and/or TapInto.net as the holidays approach for information about contributing toys locally. [BBB report. Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- My Stuff Bags - See listing above, under Baby Items.
- Second Chance Toys - Keeps plastic toys out of our landfills and puts them into the hands of disadvantaged children; accepts plastic toys that are clean, are in working order, and have no missing or small parts (cannot fit through a toilet paper roll). See the website for drop-off locations and FAQ. Based in New York, NY. [GuideStar Report.]
Travel: Frequent Flyer Miles, Foreign Currency, Hotel & Credit Card Reward Points
How to donate unused rewards miles and points (2020, CreditCards.com)
How to donate unused frequent flyer miles to charity (2023, Business Traveller)
10 Best Ways To Donate Credit Card Points And Travel Miles (2022, Forbes)
- American Red Cross - Uses frequent flyer miles and points from credit card, hotel, and other rewards programs to help volunteers and staff travel to critical areas. [Charity reports for American Red Cross are linked above.]
- Change for Good - Don't know what to do with leftover coins from foreign travel? You can donate unused foreign currencies to help UNICEF in its mission to help children. See also Change for Good: A UNICEF initiative since 1991 (UNICEF) and 10 Things You Can Do With Your Leftover Foreign Coins (2020, TripSavvy).
- Make-A-Wish Foundation of America - Uses your frequent flyer miles and hotel loyalty points (Best Western, Hyatt, Starwood) to help wish kids and their families travel to destinations around the world. [BBB report. Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
- Melwood - Uses Airline Miles to fly veterans and active duty military to treatment for PTS(D) and traumatic brain injury. [Charity reports for Melwood are linked above.]
- Miles 4 Migrants - 'Uses donated frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and cash to help people impacted by war, persecution, or disaster reunite with loved ones and start new beginnings in safe homes.' [Charity Navigator Report. GuideStar Report.]
Originally adapted in 2012 with permission from Where to donate? Morris County, NJ, Morris County Library.
