Non-profit thrift shops welcome donations to help their organizations raise funds for services and to provide employment for their workers, which often includes people with special needs. While there seems to be a Goodwill at every intersection, some would rather donate to other thrift shops that might specialize in certain types of goods or benefit a specific nonprofit.
Listed below (in alpha order!) are a few options with their basic information. Some thrift shops carry only the finest goods while others (such as Goodwill or Deseret Industries) will take almost anything as their processing centers allow them to sell items by the pound or recycle them. Taking a walk through their stores or websites can help identify which drop-off site is best for your items.
Deseret Industries Thrift Shop has locations in Mesa, Glendale, and Tucson that provide jobs for many in need, and they are generous in what they accept. www.deseretindustries.org
Flo’s on 7th is located in the Melrose District of Phoenix and benefits Florence Crittenton’s services for young women in Arizona. They appreciate and have special sections for donations from designers. www.floson7th.com. 602-254-7861.
Goodwill is on the nearest corner, and is one of the few stores who accepts mattresses and children’s car seats along with everything else. They do not balk at items that may need to go straight to recycling (or the trash). www.goodwillaz.org.
St. Vincent de Paul has seven locations in the Valley and ten more in greater Arizona. One of the best when pick-up’s are needed – no long wait. Calling 602-266-4673 for a pick up is quicker than registering on the website for a pick up. www.stvincentdepaul.net
White Dove Thrift Shoppe benefits Hospice of the Valley and has four locations in the Valley. They take medical equipment and nicer items but no children’s toys, strollers, car seats, or mattresses. www.whitedovethrift.org. Pick up only of furniture or large items. 602-274-3683.
Special thanks to NAPO-AZ member Debbi Bertolet of Organized Inside and Out for contributing these resources.