With spring in full swing, it’s time to say “out with the old.” It’s the season of rebirth, so why not give new life to like-new or gently used items? We’ve rounded up a few San Jose organizations that accept donated items while helping locals in need.

Hope Services accepts donations of clothes, homegoods, and more. | Photo by Autumn Kelley, Hope Services

📦 Large Hauls

If you’ve got a lot to give, like clothing, furniture, appliances, entertainment + toys, these organizations provide reused goods for those in need at affordable prices.

The Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Martha’s Kitchen, and PARCA accept car donations — to name a few. 🚗
Donate DAV offers donation pickups for “nearly anything.”
Bay Area Furniture Bank accepts furniture — like tables, chairs, and dressers. 🪑
Habitat for Humanity ReStore will take furniture, appliances, tools, lighting + other housing materials. It also offers donation pickups.

🍽️ Kitchenware

Hope Services accepts gently-used cooking + baking supplies.

🍼 Childcare

Santa Maria Urban Ministry accepts baby shoes + clothing to provide resources to parents in need.

📎 Office + School Materials

RAFT is always accepting new materials that can be used in classrooms — like pens, staplers, straws, scrap wood, and more.

The Unicorn Thrift Shop raises money for Uplift Family Services. | Photo via @unicornthriftsj

👕 Clothing

CityTeam is seeking donations of clothing, diapers + hygiene items for individuals experiencing housing insecurities.
Sacred Heart Community Service provides quality clothes, shoes, and accessories to families dealing with emergency situations.
Unicorn Thrift Store accepts clothing, small appliances, and homegoods for resale. 👚 (Thanks Lita K. for this recommendation.)
Have professional outfits? Donate them to Dress For Success so they can properly distribute clothing to those who are searching for careers.

💻 Technology

Goodwill of Silicon Valley has technology recycling centers for bigger donations like TVs, printers, and computers.
If you have usable tech like laptops, smartphones, or digital projectors, the World Computer Exchange collects technology for educational use.

💪 Blood

Don’t have much to get rid of this year? The American Red Cross is always in need of blood if you are able to donate.