De-Cluttering for a Cause

Do your 2020 New Year’s resolutions include getting more organized and supporting good causes? 

Many no-longer-needed items in your home would be considered blessings to those in need. Turn your extra piles into smiles for folks facing tough times. 

Here’s a list of local nonprofits accepting a wide variety of gently-used items. Your meaningful acts of kindness will truly help these charities meet the needs of those they serve. Please check individual websites and/or contact the organizations to double-check drop-off times or other logistical procedures that may change. 
    
Career Gear 
Provides professional attire and support to low-income men to help them enter the workforce
Donations accepted: Men’s suits, shoes, ties, accessories. See more here.
Drop-off Tues–Thurs., 10 a.m. -3 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 
7500 Bellaire Blvd. Ste BB20, Houston 77036
Contact: 713-778-9959

The Children's Assessment Center
Provides treatment and a safe haven for sexually abused children and their families 
Donations accepted: Medium-sized duffle bags and backpacks, gently-used stuffed animals and more. See a list here.
Drop off 8 a.m-5 p.m. Mon-Fri at main entrance
2500 Bolsover Street, Houston, 77005
Contact: 713-986-3300

Dress for Success 
Provides professional attire and support network to help women achieve economic independence
Donations accepted: Interview-appropriate suits, blouses, dresses, shoes, scarves, purses etc. See the list here.
Contact: Donations are accepted Mon- Fri ,9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and some Saturdays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Please call 713-957-3779 before donating as some hours may vary. 
3310 Eastside, Houston, TX 77098

This mom and her daughters love the way the Finishing Touch Ministry volunteers made their sparsely-furnished apartment feel more like a home. Previously, the lighting had been so dim that the girls were using flashlights to do their homework. 

Finishing Touch Ministries
Supports families in need by helping transform the interiors of their homes. 
Donations accepted: Furniture in good condition, rugs, queen/full/twin headboards, lamps, kitchen items, home décor accessories. See the full list here.
Contact: Submit an application describing the items you would like to donate. 

The Giving Gown 
Gifting a prom boutique experience to limited resourced teen girls 
Donations accepted: New and gently-used formal gowns (sizes 18-36 especially needed), dress shoes, jewelry, evening bags 
Note: Registration open to girls and helpers for March 25-28, 2020 Boutique Week
Drop donations at any Tide Dry Cleaners in the Houston area.
Contact: [email protected]

Gracewood Residential Services
Residential services for single mothers and their children
Donations accepted: Small furniture items, gently-used clothing (sizes infant through adult), never-worn undergarments, unopened toiletries, shoes, appliances, gift cards and more. See their list of accepted donations for more details. 
1617 Elmview, Houston 77080 
Contact: 713-988-9757 

Houston Area Women’s Center
Provides a safe place to stay and counseling for survivors of domestic violence and hosts a 24/7 crisis hotline for domestic violence and a 24/7 hotline for sexual assault 
Donations accepted: Currently, their most urgent needs include: new women's yoga pants, new men's athletic pants/shirts, new t-shirts, new sports bras, underwear and socks of all sizes plus art supplies, journals, DVDs and more. See more details here. Donations can be dropped off Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 1010 Waugh, Houston 77019.
Contact: Call 713-528-6798

This Houston Pets Alive! client, Cressida, is thankful to be getting some tender loving care and nice clean towels to make a comfortable bed.

Houston Pets Alive
No-kill shelter fostering animals that haven’t been adopted from municipal shelters
Donations accepted: Blankets, sheets, pillowcases, towels, pet food (can be open). See their Amazon Smile wish list for current needs and see more details here.  
Adoption Center: Daily, 12-7 p.m. 
2800 Antoine Dr, Ste 2854, Houston 77092
Contact: [email protected]; 713-492-2541

Medical Bridges
Provides medical equipment and supplies to underserved communities worldwide
Donations accepted: Everything from band-aids to x-rays; for example, syringes, gauze, crutches, wheelchairs and more. See details here.  
Donations can be dropped off at 2706 Magnet St., Houston, 77054, Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Contact: 713-766-6554 

Nehemiah Education Center
Provides education for inner-city students and helps their families gain resources to create a stable home. 
Donations accepted: Preschool educational supplies, backpacks, toys and gently- loved stuffed animals, books, art supplies, gently-used clothing (sizes infant through adult), never-worn undergarments, unopened toiletries, shoes and more. Drop off items Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 
5015 Fannin, Houston, TX 77004
Contact: 713-526-5015

RBI and RSI Sports inspires lots of happy faces by distributing sporting equipment to underserved communities including at this annual Christmas party supporting Natividad en el Barriod.

Recycled Sport Items (RSI) Recycles Baseball Items (RBI)
Collect and refurbish sports equipment of all kinds to give to Houston-area kids in need
Donations accepted: Sporting equipment such as cleats, balls, nets, bats, clubs, trophies and more. 
Contact: Call Bill at 713-552-1144 to coordinate pick-up or drop-off. See more information here.

ReNew H-Town
Helps sex trafficking survivors transition to independent living by decorating and furnishing apartments 
Donations accepted: Gently-used furniture, decorative items, art, bath and kitchen items, toys, books, DVD players and movies.
Contact: 713-553-1049 to coordinate donations

One can only imagine how wonderful the gift of a blanket is for homeless individuals. SEARCH creates opportunities to aid people in transforming their lives to break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. (Photo: Rhona Konig)

SEARCH Homeless Services 
Stabilizes, employs and houses homeless individuals and families
Donations accepted: New or gently-used clothing (the current priority is winter clothing/accessories), sleeping bags, blankets, reusable shopping totes, never-worn undergarments, unopened toiletries, shoes and more. See a list of most needed items here.
2015 Congress Ave., Houston, TX 77002
Contact: Before dropping off your donation, contact Volunteer Coordinator Molly Martin at [email protected] or 713-276-3063. 

Sole Loved 
Delivers new and gently-used tennis shoes to local children in need
Donations accepted: New or looks-like-new athletic shoes and cleats of all sizes.
Contact: [email protected]

Southwest Houston United Responds (SHUR)
Group of churches and synagogues formed in April 2018 providing support and repairs to owner-occupied homes still recovering from Hurricane Harvey
Donations accepted: Power tools and hand tools in good working condition. See an Amazon wish-list here.
Contact: Email [email protected] to schedule a pickup. 

The Star of Hope Van distributing clean clothes and blankets to appreciative recipients. Since 1901, Star of Hope has been giving emergency help and life-changing hope to desperate Houston neighbors in need of help including homeless men, women and children.

Star of Hope Mission
Supports Houston’s homeless men, women and children
Donations accepted: Gently-used or new clothing, shoes, hygiene products, luggage and more. In winter, the priority is jackets and coats, especially larger sizes plus new socks and underwear. See their donations list here.
2320 Lamar, Houston, TX 77003 (Donation & Distribution Center)
Contact: 713-748-0700

Volunteer Opportunities 
If adding volunteer opportunities to your life is another goal, you’re in luck. All of these groups have volunteer opportunities. Keep up the good work on those resolutions that are helping 2020 look like a much better year for many. 

Editor’s Note: Know of other local organizations accepting donations? Comment below or email [email protected].