As spring unfolds, many of us welcome the tradition of spring cleaning—a time to refresh our living spaces and declutter our homes. This season presents a perfect opportunity to give your gently used items a new purpose by donating them to those in need. Not only does this practice free up space in your home, but it also fosters a spirit of generosity within our community.
Why Donate Your Gently Used Items?
Donating items you no longer need extends their lifecycle, reduces environmental waste, and supports individuals and families facing economic challenges. Organizations like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles (SVDPLA) accept a wide range of items, ensuring they reach those who can benefit most.
When you donate to SVDPLA, you’re doing more than just decluttering. Your donations go directly toward helping those in need through our programs, including:
- The Cardinal Manning Center, which provides shelter and support services for unhoused individuals.
- The Los Angeles Thrift Stores, where proceeds from sales fund essential services and programs.
- Direct Assistance, where furniture, clothing, and household goods are distributed to those in need at no cost.
By giving your items a second life, you’re making a real difference in the community while keeping usable goods out of landfills.
Preparing Your Items for Donation
To ensure a smooth donation process, consider the following steps:
- Clean and Inspect: Ensure all items are clean and in good condition. Avoid donating items that are broken, stained, or excessively worn.
- Organize and Pack: Place smaller soft goods in bags and hard goods in boxes, separating the two. This organization facilitates easier handling and distribution.
- Label Appropriately: Clearly label your donation packages, especially if arranging for a pickup service.
Commonly Accepted Items
While acceptance policies may vary, SVDPLA typically welcomes donations of:
- Clothing and shoes
- Furniture
- Household items
- Electronics
- Books and toys
- Blankets
- Outdoor furniture and goods
- Vehicles (cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles)
It’s advisable to review specific guidelines or contact the organization if you’re uncertain about an item’s suitability for donation. View our full list here
How to Donate to SVDPLA
SVDPLA offers several convenient options for donating your items:
- Free Pickup Service: Schedule a free truck pickup by calling 1-800-974-3571. We do all kinds of large item pickups! Have an estate you want to donate? We’ll certainly pick that up for you! Does your organization have a lost and found you want to donate? Wonderful—we’ll take that off your hands! Contact us to discuss how we can help.
- Vehicle Donations: We also accept vehicle donations, including cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles. Donating your vehicle is a great way to support our mission, and we make the process easy with free towing. To learn more or to start your vehicle donation, click here.
- Drop-Off Locations: Bring your donations directly to our thrift stores. We have donation bins conveniently located at the front of our stores for a quick and easy experience. We also offer a drive-up ramp for larger donation items. If you need assistance, our friendly store employees are always available to help! Both thrift store locations offer free onsite parking:
- Los Angeles Store: 210 N. Avenue 21, Los Angeles 90031
- Long Beach Store: 2750 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach 90804
Store Hours
- Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Donations are Tax-Deductible
Yes, all donated items are tax-deductible! We provide a receipt at the time of your donation for your records.
Impact of Your Donations
Every item you donate to SVDPLA directly supports our mission to assist low-income individuals and families in need. Proceeds from our thrift stores fund various programs, including food pantries, shelters, and community outreach initiatives and more throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara counties, extending our support to their surrounding communities. Our efforts aim to uplift those facing hardships, providing essential resources and services to promote self-sufficiency and well-being.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This spring, as you declutter and organize your space, consider the profound impact your gently used items can have on others. By donating to SVDPLA, you’re not only refreshing your home but also contributing to a network of support that strengthens our community.
For more information or questions about donating, please visit our website or call us directly at 1-800-974-3571. Together, we can make a meaningful difference this spring season.
