In my last blog post I went over the recycling pile, one of four piles that you should make in the major step of separating all the items in a space to start spring cleaning. The third and probably the most rewarding pile that you should make while purging your home of items is for donations.

Do you have items that are still useful, but no longer useful to you? This could include furniture, clothing, home decor or unwanted gifts. Consider donating! There are an endless number of organizations that could benefit from your generous donations. You will feel great because you have more space and you will feel awesome because you helped someone less fortunate than yourself. Based in Philadelphia or the surrounding area? I have a special list just for you. For those of you that do not live near Philadelphia, there are some of these organizations are nationwide. There are also other organizations that mirror what those listed here do.

Furniture:

Philadelphia Furniture Bank

Any furniture donations go directly to Philadelphia residents in crisis. These are people that have a place to live, but may not be able to afford basic furnishings such as a bed or sofa. They encourage that donors drop-off donations at their facility to avoid trucking fees, but if you do not have a way to get your donations there they will do their best to schedule a pick-up in your area. Bonus, all furniture donations are tax-deductible.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Nationwide)

Habitat ReStores accept both small and large donations which range from furniture, to appliances and building materials. They then sell these items in their store and the proceeds help fund Habitat for Humanity projects all over the world. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Uhuru Furniture and Collectibles (Philadelphia)

This organization is a non-profit store and economic development project of the African People's Education and Defense Fund (APEDF). The mission of the APEDF strives to develop and institutionalize programs to defend the human and civil rights of the African American community and to address the grave disparities in education, health, health care and economic development of the African community. They accept donations of furniture, appliances, collectibles, artwork, household items, pianos and even running vehicles. They have the ability to pick-up donations and all donations are tax-deductible. 

Clothing:

Goodwill (Nationwide & Canada)

Donations made to Goodwill help fund programs for youth, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities and criminal backgrounds. Goodwill helps to train people for careers ranging from banking to health care. Donations to this organization are also tax-deductible.

Narenj Tree Foundation (Norristown, PA)

Providing emergency humanitarian assistance to displaced communities is the mission of Narenj Tree Foundation. Currently they are sending full containers of essentials including clothes to help victims of the war in Syria. Their donation center in Norristown is collecting donations for refugees in need.

Dress for Success (International)

This non-for-profit organization provides women with a network of support, professional attire and development tools so they can feel empowered and achieve economic independence. 

When you are finished donating the goods that can help those less fortunate it is time to tackle the last pile to complete your spring cleaning purge. In my next blog post I will be discuss the last pile - items to be relocated.