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 Comprehensive Guide to Donating In Northern Virginia

 

Benefits of Donating - 

Donating your excess stuff to needy charities accomplishes several worthwhile goals, and ways to “repair the world:”

  • Helps those in need

  • Diverts hundreds of tons from landfills each year

  • Gives you a tax-deduction

  • Allows products to be used to their fullest extent

 

General Donations:

  1. Salvation Army

    1. Schedule a pick-up truck - https://satruck.org/  - will come into your house

    2. Clothing, furniture (all sizes), cars, household goods, appliances, pots and pans, pictures/paintings

    3. Check “not accepted list” – includes anything damaged, unmatched sets, particleboard furniture

 

  1. Goodwill

    1. Recycles clothing it doesn't distribute; will pickup! – has donation value guide for tax deductions

    2. Donation center: 7031 Columbia Pike, Annandale 22003 / 703- 286-5176.  Hours: Monday- Sat. 9:30 am - 7:00 pm, Sun. 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

 

  1. His Hidden Treasures, 9264 Mike Garcia Dr., Manassas, Virginia 20109 (703) 966-9301

    1. Helps those transitioning from homeless shelters ; E-mail: info@HISHiddentreasures.com

    2. Send photo and information about your donation; will pick up.  Services all of Northern Virginia

    3. Accepts: will come into home for donations of wood furniture, antiques and vintage pieces, household kitchen items, lamps and decor. Upholstered items in LIKE NEW condition, no mattresses.

 

  1. Brother's Brother Foundation. 2730 Prosperity Ave #110, Fairfax, VA 22031.  (703) 992-9210. BBF sends product contributions to those in need in 58 countries and furnishes supplies for 343 medical and humanitarian hand-carry mission trips. Some medical supplies, books, NEW personal care products, NEW clothing

 

  1. Green Drop (gives to Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Red Cross, National Federation of the Blind and Society of St Vincent de Paul) via GreenDrop (7210 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306);  www.purpleheartpickup.org/  Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 6 pm; Sunday 10 am to 6 pm

    1. Schedule a Pick-up – They accept:

      1. Clothing - men’s, women’s, children and infant clothing including formal wear

      2. Household Items - Cosmetics and toiletries (unopened), eyeglasses/sunglasses, knick-knacks, antiques,  jewelry, luggage, instruments, area rugs, seasonal decorations, towels and bedding

      3. Kitchenware, Games/Toys, Small Appliances, Electronics, Sporting Goods, Books CDs and Videos, Small Furniture less than 50 lbs.

      4. For Home Clean-Out – large volume donations – email Home-Clean Out Concierge - concierge@gogreendrop.com (include name, phone, address and description of service needed) or call 1-888-944-3767

        1. All items must be tightly bagged or boxed; label for whichever charity you want credited

        2. Leave by the curb by 7 am – pick-up is anytime between 7 am – 7 pm

        3. They aren’t allowed to enter the home – we need to pack and take outside

  2. Homestretch - empowers homeless families with children in Virginia to attain permanent housing and self-sufficiency – helps set up new apartments.

    1. Send photos of the items to donate to info@homestretchva.org. – Helps to determine if the items will work in the units and if there is space to keep them until they are needed.

 

  1. Fairfax County Public Schools- http://fsweb.fcps.edu/donatetofcps/DonorRegistration.cfm Phone: 571-423-1206; jay.garant@fcps.edu; krryan@fcps.edu

    1. Art equipment and supplies, AV equipment, books, furniture, musical instruments, photography equipment, prom wear, school supplies, science and sports equipment and supplies, electronics

  2. ​

  3. Lamb Center; 3160 Campbell Dr, Fairfax, 22031; Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 3pm; Saturdays, 8am - 12:30pm; Phone: (703) 691-3178;

    1. Need: personal care, hotel/trial size toiletries (shampoo, razors, lotions); laundry soap; paper and plastic food serving items;  Liquid Bleach & Lysol Spray, 55 Gal Trash Bags & 13 Gal Trash Bags with Drawstrings; clothing (Men and Women’s); sleeping bags; backpacks

 

  1. Doorways for Women and Families: 4600 Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203

    1. Women’s shelter. Call ahead to schedule a drop off time.

    2. Donations are only accepted at main office on an as-needed basis - need to be prearranged with Doorways staff - (703) 504-9400 or VFloyd@DoorwaysVA.org.

    3. Household Items (New, Unopened and Full-Size): Garbage bags, Paper towels, Laundry detergent (liquid or pods; no powder), Lysol wipes, cell phones

 

  1. A Woman's Choice; 6201 Leesburg Pike, Suite 220, Falls Church, VA 22044; (703) 538-4305 - info@donateforacause.org. Women’s health organization.

    1. Accepts: New and/or slightly used baby clothing from newborn to size 5 Toddler, maternity Clothes, baby accessories, cribs (with all parts and instructions), car seats (with all straps) and strollers

    2. Drop off Mon.-Fri., 10 am- 2 pm or by special appointment. Donate your vehicle at 1-888-638-1171

 

Animal Rescue:

  1. 4 Paws Rescue Team; (703) 715-6369.

    1. Accepts: Hand towels and sheets, cat litter and/or cat food, cat carriers, cat beds, small cardboard boxes (used as litter boxes at adoption fairs), cat toys, stamps, calling cards, gift cards.

    2. Donated items can be taken to any adoption fair.  Dates and locations are available at www.fourpaws.org or call 703-715-MEOW

 

  1. Fairfax County Animal Shelter; 4500 West Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030; Hours: Tues-Fri 12-7pm and Sat 10am-5pm; 703-830-1100

    1. Accepts paper towels; new Nylabone and Kong toys for cats and dogs, cardboard cat scratchers; toys; small animal supplies; towels and fleece blankets; pet beds of all sizes

 

Specific Items:

  1. Career Clothes.

    1. Suited For Change - 1010 Vermont Ave NW #450, Washington, DC 20005; 202-293-0351, Drop-off only, max of 12 items of clothing can be donated every Thurs. from 10am-4pm (Sat. curbside drop-offs by appointment only).  Professional business clothing -Women - Work-appropriate shoes, jewelry and accessories; Men - Full suits, sport coats, dress shirts and pants, ties, belts, dark colored dress shoes, unopened packages of socks in dark colors and undershirts

    2. Dress For Success - Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, 421 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC 20003, Hours: Closed now, 202-269-4805.   Women's business attire and accessories -Drop-off only

    3. Career Gear (men's business attire) c/o Strive DC, 128 M. Street, NW, Perry School, Suite 318, Washington, DC 20001, 202-484-1264, info@strivedc.org - Drop-off only.

    4. Jubilee Jobs. Helps unemployed apply for jobs.

      1. Used and new interview clothing. Men - dress shirts, ties, slacks, business suits, casual dress shoes. Women - blouses, dark-colored skirts, professional dresses, and casual dress shoes.

      2. Drop off at Washington, DC, office. To schedule drop off, contact Jacqueline Stewart, Jubilee Jobs Associate Director on (202) 667-8970 or jstewart@jubileejobs.org.

 

  1. Bikes

    1. Bikes for the World – make a $10 donation to defray expenses -

      1. Usable bicycle spare parts, components and accessories, including tubes, tires, wheels, chains, pedals, saddles, cables, helmets, pumps, locks, bicycle books/manuals, bike tools.

      2. Collection Schedule – go to website

    2.  Phoenix Bikes: Mentoring Youth. Recycling Bikes. Growing Community.  909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22204

 

  1. Books/Magazines –

    1. Fairfax County Public Library – drop off at any branch      

    2. Arlington County Public Library –drop off at any branch -  for more info -

    3. INOVA Fairfax Children’s Hospital - for hospital waiting rooms –

    4. Vietnam Veterans of America – they will pick up boxed books -

 

  1. Building materials, working appliances and furnishings – Habitat for Humanity-

    1. Northern Virginia Restore-Alexandria, 869 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304; www.restorenova.org ; (703) 360-6700; info@restorenova.org

    2. Accepts furniture (no mattresses), sleeper sofas, appliances – pick-up available

    3. All items for pick up must be placed curbside, or in a driveway or garage 

 

  1. Career Clothes.

    1. Suited For Change - 1010 Vermont Ave NW #450, Washington, DC 20005; 202-293-0351, Drop-off only, Max 12 items can be donated Thurs.’s from 10am-4pm (Saturday curbside drop-offs by appointment).  Professional business clothing -Women - Work-appropriate dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry and accessories; Men - Full suits, sport coats, dress shirts and pants, dress shoes, unopened packages of socks in dark colors and undershirts

    2. Dress For Success - Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, 421 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC 20003, Hours: Closed now, 202-269-4805.   Women's business attire and accessories -Drop-off only

    3. Career Gear (men's business attire) c/o Strive DC, 128 M. Street, NW, Perry School, Suite 318, Washington, DC 20001, 202-484-1264, info@strivedc.org - Drop-off only.

    4. Jubilee Jobs. Helps unemployed apply for jobs.

      1. Used and new interview clothing. Men - dress shirts, ties, slacks, business suits, casual dress shoes. Women - blouses, dark-colored skirts, professional dresses, and casual dress shoes.

      2. Drop off at Washington, DC, office. To schedule drop off, contact Jacqueline Stewart, Jubilee Jobs Associate Director on (202) 667-8970 or jstewart@jubileejobs.org.

 

  1. Cars

    1. Wheels for Wishes – benefits Make a Wish Foundation.  

      1. Pick-up and free towing;  1-855-225-9474; donation form

    2. Purple Heart, Homestretch

 

  1. Cell Phones

    1. National Network to End Domestic Violence. 1325 Massachusetts Ave NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-4188- T: 202.543.5566

    2. Cell Phones for Soldiers. Provides free communication services and emergency funding to active-duty military members and veterans.

 

  1. Clothes Hangers

    1. Wire: dry cleaners accept wire hangers

    2. Plastic – thrift stores

    3. Falls Church Recycling Center

 

  1. Computers/Electronics – Best Buy, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Homestretch

    1. eAsset Solutions Computer and Electronics Recycling. 427 N Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046. (703) 534-5865. Wipes old data from electronics. Mon. – Sat. 10-5. Mostly free – but CRT Monitors and TVs carry a fee of $1/inch of screen size. Accepts:

      1. Printers; New or Used Toner/Ink Cartridges; Flat Panel Monitors, TVs; A/V Equipment; iPods, GPS, Digital Cameras; cell phones; VCRs, DVD/BluRay; batteries, cable wires

    2. Staples. Trade-in for a store cards; accepts donations of electronics – see website for list. No appliances, kitchen electronics, TVs.

    3. Best Buy. Trade-in for store cards; accepts donations of rechargeable batteries, wires, cords, cables and plastic bags – see website for lists

 

  1. Crafts –

    1. UpCycle Creative Reuse Center; 1712 Mt. Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301; 703.731.8238

      1. Promotes artistic expression, experiential learning, environmental awareness and community engagement through the recycling of reusable materials. Hours:  Wed: 3-6p, Sat: 10a-1p

      2. Wish List: buttons; sea shells; craft wood; feathers; corks; glass jars with lids (especially baby food jars and medium sized, spaghetti sauce sizes); beer bottle and plastic caps

 

  1. Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids:

    1. Lions Club.  Merrifield Lions Club, Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge at 8421 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax, VA.

    2. Vision Centers: Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, BJ's Optical, Target Optical, Sunglass Hut

    3. Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington Low Vision Learning Centers

      1. 233 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002

      2. 105 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

 

  1. Household Hazardous Waste:

    1. Fairfax County –

      1. I-66 Transfer Station; 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, 22030; Sun.-Sat. - 7 am-4 pm

      2. I-95 Landfill Complex, 9850 Furnace Road, Lorton, 22079; Mon.-Sat.-8 am-4 pm, Sun. 9am- 4 pm

    2. Arlington County  - Water Pollution Control Plant (Gate 3), 530 31st Street S., Arlington 703-228-6832

 

  1. Medical Equipment.

    1. Used hme .com.  Free online listings to sell used Mobility Scooters, Powerchairs, Stairlifts, Wheelchair Accessible Conversion Vans, Lifts, Daily Living Aids, Portable Ramps, Bariatric Equipment

 

  1. Musical instruments – local school music departments

    1. Mason Community Arts Academy-

      1. Instruments in the Attic Donation Program. Donate gently used instruments with financial contributions toward maintenance and repair

      2. 4260 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-993-9889; academy@gmu.edu

 

  1. Old cell phones – Staples, Office Depot, Shelters

 

  1. Papers – Shredding

    1. Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program.  See website for schedule and locations. 

      1. Sponsors one secure document shredding event in each supervisory district per year.  Open to residents of Fairfax County - documents from businesses will not be accepted.

      2. Shredding events go from 8 am-12 pm

    2. Arlington County – Earth Products Yard, 4300 29th St S, Arlington, VA 22206. See website for dates.

    3. Office Depot - $1/lb.

    4. Staples, UPS Store (fees)

    5. Community Shred-it Event - call 888.750.6450 for dates

    6. Shred-it Washington, https://www.shredit.com/en-us/paper-shredding-washington ; fee-based service.  850 E. Gude Drive, Suite H, Rockville, MD  20850; 888.750.6450. Secure Drop-off Service: $75 minimum charge, up to 6 boxes; Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm;  $10 per addl bag/box, max 10 boxes/bags per

 

  1. Plastic Bags: Do not put plastic bags in your recycling trash containers as they cause damage to the recycling facility machines. Recycle plastic bags by taking them to a local grocery store

 

  1. Scrap Metal:

    1. Falls Church Recycling Center, 217 Gordon Road, Falls Church, 22046,

      1. Scrap Metal - items must be small enough to self-load into the container. No non-metallic items, air conditioners with refrigerant, or other hazardous material. Acceptable items include: Siding, Bed frames, Fencing, Chairs, Shelves, Tire rims, Ladders, Pipe, Microwaves, Coat hangers

    2. Fairfax County -I-66 Transfer Station Complex; 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, 22030

 

  1. Toys/Stuffed animals

    1. Black Student Fund, 3636 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202-387-1414

      1. Accepts: School supplies, toys, office supplies, clothes, etc.

    2. Homestretch/ 370 S. Washington St., Suite 400, Falls Church, VA 22046/ (703) 237-2035

      1. Accepts: cars, computers, household items, and furniture.

      2. Picks up donations from houses, apartments, and businesses in Northern Virginia, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm., call or e-mail to arrange a pick up: info@homestretch-inc.org.

      3. Items can also be brought to the Homestretch office in Falls Church.

    3. Women’s shelters, Purple Heart, Goodwill, Salvation Army

 

  1. 1-800-Got-Junk - Clean-out service

    1. 1-800-468-5865. Online booking. Book a no-obligation appointment or in-Person Price Quote online or call 1-800-468-5865. Offers same-day service, price based on volume

    2. Removes items from wherever they’re located (even yard or basement)

 

  1. Wedding Dresses.

    1. Brides Across America. Gifts weddings and wedding gowns to our military & first responders.

    2. Brides Against Breast Cancer. Gowns are sold at a discount, proceeds go toward breast cancer research.

    3. Angel Gown program turns donated wedding dresses into free beautiful burial gowns for infants who pass away during their hospital stay.

    4. Fairy Tale Brides on a Shoestring. “Empowering women one dress at a time.”  Sell used wedding gowns and bridal accessories at discount; proceeds go to women’s charities (Suited for Change, Victims’ Rights)

 

  1. Textile Recycling: what to do with worn out, torn and stained cloths and linens

    1. Clothing Recycling Company.   703-912-9797. Number of drop off locations throughout Metro DC area. CRCOreceipt@Gmail.Com

    2. Planet Aid. 6730 Santa Barbara Ct, Elkridge, MD 21075. (410) 796-1510.  Proceeds from sales fund sustainable development projects that help the poor internationally.

      1. Yellow Dropoff Bin Locations:

        1. Discount Zone Gas Station- 6401 Columbia Pike,                Annandale 22003

        2. Annandale Shell               - 7413 Little River Turnpike, Annandale 22003

        3. Kmart/John Marr Dr.-  4251 John Marr Dr., Annandale 22003

    3. Animal Shelters – for linens, towels, blankets

 

  1. Yarn

    1. Group that knits/crochets blankets, hats, mittens, scarves for various charities around the world including Syria, Nepal, Afghanistan and the U.S.  If you have any yarn you don't need, we'd love to have it!  www.wool-aid.org. (Via Next Door – Francis Downey)

Sale Outlets:

  1. Amazon.com - Trade-In Program

  1. Bookfinder.com  

  2. Craig’s List - https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/

  1. Decluttr - www.decluttr.com (DVDs, games, books, cds, legos, cell phones, other tech)

  1. Ebay - https://www.ebay.com/

  1. Facebook Marketplace - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace

  1. Freecycle - www.freecycle.org (free)

  1. Letgo - https://us.letgo.com/en

  1. NextDoor - https://nextdoor.com

  1. OfferUp - https://offerup.com/

  1. Replacements - https://www.replacements.com

  1. The RealReal - www.therealreal.com

  1. ThredUp - https://www.thredup.com/

 

Consignment Shops

1. Wardrobe Rescue –(mid-level designer clothing like Jones of New York and J. Crew - unsold merchandise is donated to Women Giving Back).. 134 Church St NW, Vienna, VA 22180; (703) 242-6265

2. Fashion Exchange Consignment – (upscale designers like Chanel, St Johns, Lily Pulitzer, Banana Republic)-.  6663 Old Dominion Dr., Mc Lean, VA 22101. (703) 760-0808

3. Consignment Boutique (designer and moderate labels) - -141 Church St NW, Vienna, VA 22180.  (703) 281-0759

4. Purple Goose (children’s clothing and toys) 2005 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301. (703) 683-2918

5. Auntie Te’s Consignment Boutique - - 2931-B Eskridge Road / Fairfax, VA 22031, (703) 321-9363

6. Treasure Trove –- benefits INOVA Fairfax Hospital - Springfield TT- 6416 Clairton Blvd, Springfield, VA 22150; Annandale TT - 7010 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003; McLean TT - 1317-B Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101

Tax Deductions:

  1. The IRS says that the fair-market value of used clothing and household goods is the price that buyers would pay for them in a consignment or thrift shop. Keep in mind that for a tax deduction, the IRS allows taxpayers to report only donated items that were of good quality or higher when they were donated.

  2. For any non-cash contributions totaling over $500, you will need to complete and attach IRS Form 8283 to your next tax return. For more deductibility information, consult an accountant and/or go to: http://www.irs.gov/charities/contributors/index.html

 

Estate Sale Online Auctions:

  1. MaxSold. One week auctions, they do cataloguing, photography, marketing, online postings, and coordinate final pick-up in 4-5 hour window. Fees – 30% of gross sales, plus fee - $700 if they do it all, $300 if you do everything but the online marketing.  https://maxsold.com/

  2. Everything But The House. Another online auction site, seller gets 50% - 85% of gross depending on item sales, additional fees to move items to warehouse, donate, or remove trash range from $1,000 - $4,000. Have an expanded market as they will mail items to auction winners. https://www.ebth.com

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