De-cluttering? Here’s where to donate unwanted items in Delaware County

Whether Delaware County residents are sprucing up their homes or wardrobes after the holidays – out with the old, in with the new — or de-cluttering while doing some early spring cleaning, they will hopefully be kind to Mother Earth and keep their unwanted items out of landfills by donating their discards, rather than throwing them out. Remember that old saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Often, people throw out items that could be reused, repurposed and appreciated, simply because they just don’t know what to do with them or where to bring them, or who is and isn’t accepting donations during the pandemic.

Although Delco residents can hold a yard sale or turn to the many consignment shops in the county to consign no-longer-needed items, or sell on the myriad of online and social media buying and selling sites, some people find it easier, quicker, and more convenient to drop off their donations, which often has the added bonus of benefiting a favorite charity.

Here are some local places that will happily accept donations:

BABY ITEMS

• The Delaware County Pregnancy Center, 2508 Edgmont Ave., Chester, accepts new and gently used infant clothing and other baby items, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. Donors should call to schedule a drop-off appointment at 610-872-2229 or visit https://dcpcchester.org
• The Mother’s Home, 51 N. MacDade Blvd., Darby accepts new and gently used baby and maternity clothing and baby items. Mother’s Home is a residential shelter, providing a safe haven for vulnerable, pregnant homeless women in crisis and their newborns, encouraging the women to celebrate the joy of new life and help them to prepare for their future and the future of their child. To get more information on drop-off times and items accepted, call 610-583-4663, e-mail d.corcoran@motherhome.org or visit http://www.mothershome.org.

BOOKS

• In addition to many local nursing homes and rehab facilities that may accept books, as well as most thrift stores, The Media-Upper Providence Free Library Book Sale is currently soliciting donated books, record albums, DVDs, CDs, puzzles and games for the Spring 2022 sale at the library.
  Book donors can drop off their items at the library, 1 E. Front St., Media, in the specially marked bins to the left of the main entrance on Jackson Street. Donations may be left 24 hours a day, from 10 am on Monday to 4 p.m. on Saturday. People planning to make a large donation, can contact the library at 610-566-1918 or  librarysalemupl@gmail.com so that staff can have extra bins available.
• The Friends of the Lansdowne Library also accept donations of used books, DVDs and CDs, year round. The Friends maintain six large bookshelves at the library, 55 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, to sell the donations to benefit the library. For more information, or if unsure what to donate, call 610-623-0239.
• One other channel to donate used books is at local, Little Free Libraries around town. The nonprofit Little Free Library’s mission is to inspire readers, build community, and expand book access to all people through a global network of volunteer-led libraries. The libraries depend on the community to keep them stocked with books. Those who are not sure of their neighborhood Little Free Library locations, can visit http://littlefreelibrary.org and plug in their zip code. All the local sites of Little Free Libraries will appear. In a quick check, Upper Darby, Media, Springfield, Ridley Park and other municipalities of Delaware County all had multiple Little Free Library locations.
• The Amvets Post in Morton also collects donations of items like light books, current magazines, games, toiletries, CDs, DVDs, pens and pencils, and more to ship to active military serving and give them support from home. They also accept financial donations to ship the donated items. All donations can be dropped off at AMVETS Post 118, 211 N. Morton Ave, Morton or VFW Post 928, 1805 Mac Dade, Blvd., Folsom. For questions about donations, call Harry Mirra at 610-543-2082. Another channel for small hand-held games, as well as books, board games and magazines are local teachers and recreation centers, including senior centers.

BUILDING MATERIALS

• Habitat For Humanity accepts donations of new or gently-used building materials, furniture, home goods, and appliances. Although its ReStore location closed in Delaware County, Habitat For Humanity still has retail stores in nearby Philadelphia and Chester County and will pick up any donation for free. According to the ReStore, the pick-up team is courteous and professional, and will pick up donations of any size. Donors can also can also drop off their tax-deductible donations, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The closest ReStore are located at 2318 Washington Ave., Philadelphia and at 1853 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. To schedule a pick-up or get more information, visit https://www.habitatphiladelphia.org/restore/donate or call 215-765-6000.

BUSINESS ATTIRE

• The Wardrobe at 62 Marshall Road, Lansdowne, accepts “professional” work clothing and accessories on Tuesdays from 12-2 p.m. The Wardrobe supplies clothes to people experiencing barriers to employment and independence and clothing insecurity. While the clothing is available for sale, it is also free to anyone referred, and The Wardrobe consultation experience is priceless. The Wardrobe, formerly named Career Wardrobe, needs more clothes to reach its goal and asks the community to donate “professional” clothes that no longer fit or are no longer suitable for their current career. For more information on The Wardrobe and its mission, visit http://www.careerwardrobe.org.
• Neumann University, One Neumann Drive, Aston, created Wardrobes For Work to help local men and women who are entering or re-entering the workplace by offering them free professional attire to wear to interviews or while beginning a new career. There are no strings attached or lengthy forms to fill out. Groups and organizations that serve individuals who are in need of the attire – for their own personal use are encouraged to visit the Wardrobes for Work website and complete the “Group Needs” Request Form, which will assist volunteers with compiling the appropriate type of clothing and sizes to best meet the identified needs. The form can be found at https://neumannpublicsafety.com/donation-programs. Although presently on hold due to the pandemic, Wardrobes For Work hopes to continue when it’s safe again to operate.  For more information on donating to this effort, call 610-358-4528 or e-mail mcnichod@neumann.edu.
• Although it’s located in Chester County, Wings For Success also serves people in Delaware County so that they can have work-appropriate attire while searching for and beginning a job.  Since its founding in 1998, Wings For Success has helped more than 14,000 women obtain the clothing, advice, and employment preparation needed to become self-sufficient.  To donate clothing, shoes and accessories to Wings For Success, and to find out more about the organization, visit https://wingsforsuccess.org.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

• Goodwill accepts used computer equipment. For details, visit https://www.goodwillde.org/accepted-donations.  Also, the Providence Animal Center accepts both working and non-working laptop computers and tablets. If they are not working, Providence Animal Center can recycle them for money to care for their pets. Apple products are especially preferred. Providence Animal Center, as well as most animal rescue organizations will also accept gently used sheets and towels and newspapers. Donations can be left in the enclosed area on the left-hand side of the main building. Check their website for more details: http://providenceac.org.

EYEGLASSES

• The Lions collect used eyeglasses to help those who cannot afford them. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have been collecting glasses for reuse for more than 80 years.
  According to the Springfield Lions, “Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in developing countries lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to lend their support to the Lions Recycle for Sight Program.
  If you should have used eyeglasses and hearing aids and would like to donate them, there are 12 collection points in Delaware County.
  The following Yellow and Blue painted mail boxes with the Lions’ emblem on sides are located at Saxer Avenue, Springfield, in front of Rite Aid Pharmacy; Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center at Marchese Opticians; M&T Bank, 11 E. Hinkley Ave., Ridley Park, out front; ACME, Folsom, in front; ACME, Clifton Heights, out front.
  Additional drop-off locations include cardboard boxes outside Springfield Library on the upper and lower levels; Sharon Savings Bank, Saxer Avenue, Springfield; Moore Eye Institute, Springfield Medical Building next to Springfield Hospital; St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 400 Lynbrooke Road, Springfield; America’s Best Eyeglasses, 1140-2 Baltimore Pike, Olde Sproul Village, Springfield; and Cassey Optical, Springfield Shopping Center.
  Additionally, there is an old mailbox on Concord Road in the Village Green Shopping Center, as well as a box near the entrance at the Aston Township Community Center where glasses can be deposited.
  In the Media area, donation boxes for eyeglasses can be found at Cycle Sport, 801 N. Providence Road; County Beverage, 119 S. Monroe St.; Upper Providence Twp. Hall, 935 N. Providence Road; Media VFW, 11 Hilltop St.; WF Beardsley Silver and Goldsmith, 19 Jackson St.; Vision Care of Media, 45 E. State St.; Helen Kate Furness Free Library, 100 N. Providence Road, Wallingford; Rose Tree Crossroads Eye Care, 1315 N. Providence Road, Media; Media Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St.; Court Diner, 143 E. Baltimore Pike.
  So far in 2022 , the Springfield Lions Club alone has collected 800 pairs of glasses.  The eyeglasses are given to an agency which sorts the glasses according to prescription and ensures that they are sent to locations outside the U.S. where they are distributed to people who can use them. To learn more about the Lions’ mission and eyeglass collections, visit https://www.lionsclubs.org.

CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS,  FURNITURE AND MORE

• The Family Promise of Delaware County Thrift Store is located at 245 Upland Road, Brookhaven, in the basement of the former Our Lady of Charity Convent. All proceeds benefit local Delaware County families experiencing the trauma of homelessness. The Bargain Basement Sale is held on the second Friday and Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations can be dropped off during these times. Family Promise of Delaware County accepts in-season women and children’s gently used clothing, household items, decor, dishes, seasonal decorations, pots, pans, silverware, toys, lamps and small appliances. For more information on donating, visit http://www.familypromisedelco.org or call 484-480-6756.
• CityTeam, 634 Sproul St., Chester, accepts donations of small household items, clothing, diapers, and gently used toys Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donors can drop off their donations in the vestibule at the entrance with the blue awning. CityTeam restores lives and rebuilds communities through innovative programs that provide food, shelter, clothing, training and spiritual transformation. For more information, visit http://cityteam.org or call 610-872-6865.
• The Life Center of Eastern Delaware County, 6310 Market St., Upper Darby, accepts donations of clothing and shoes. The homeless shelter prefers items that still have tags. Donors are asked to ring bell when dropping items off, as staff is there at all hours. For more information, call 610-734-5770.
• Denis’ Pantry, opened in 2020 and located at Llanerch Hills Chapel,1216 Myrtlewood Ave., Havertown, benefits the nonprofit Grands Stepping Up (GSU),, an organization that supports local grandparents and kinship guardians, who are raising their grandchildren primarily due to the opioid epidemic, incarceration, mental health, death, or chronic illness. GSU offers private and community support and assistance to grandfamilies because they aren’t able to receive the same services or assistance from government agencies, as foster or adoptive parents often are. Denis’ Pantry is open to drop off donations from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. With the pantry now in full operation, Grands Stepping Up accepts new and gently used clothing, toys and books, baby gear, and furniture like cribs, rocking chairs, and small household goods. For more information on Grands Stepping Up, or to find out specifics on donating, visit https://grandssteppingupinfo.com or call Chelsea Barnes at 267-600-7493, Karen Barnes, 610-355-6362, or Llanerch Hills Chapel, 484-995-3409.
• Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop, although technically not in Delaware County, is located close enough to its border to be a convenient place to donate items. Located at 804 County Line Road in Bryn Mawr, the shop is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sunday. The shop accepts donations of clothing, books, household items, furniture, toys, jewelry and more. If a donor has more than five items, Bryn Mawr Thrift Shop will even pick up if needed. If dropping off, donors are asked to bring donations around back to the Glenbrook Road entrance. For more information, or to arrange a pick-up, call 610-525-4888 or visit https://www.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/bryn-mawr-hospital-foundation/thrift-shop.
• The Transition Town Media Free Store at 350 W. State St., Media, is on a temporary break due to the pandemic until at least Feb. 5. However, when it reopens, the store accepts small working appliances, books, art work and other home décor, small pieces of furniture, lamps, rungs, toys, jewelry, tools and tool boxes, knick-knacks kitchen items, baby items, craft and office supplies and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sundays. Donation drop-offs can be made only during open store hours. The Media FreeStore is a project of Transition Town Media and relies on donations from the community, as well as volunteers to staff and organize the store. The community is welcome to come and take what they need for free. For more information, visit http://mediafreestore.com. To find out re-opening date, visit the “Media Free Store” Facebook page.
• Although the Media Free Store, located on the ground floor of First Church Media, does not accept donations of clothing, the First Church does accept donations for its Clothing Closet, located on the upper floor of the church. The Clothing Closet that offers free clothing to those in need. Donations are accepted every day, from 3-5 p.m. For information, call 610-566-3172 or visit https://www.firstchurchmedia.org
• Goodwill has five locations that accept donations in Delaware County — Ridley Township, Lansdowne, Havertown, Chadds Ford and Swarthmore. Items accepted include small appliances, stereos, cars, RVs, boats, motorcycles, text books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture, housewares, computers, records, CDs, tapes, video games, exercise equipment, toys, shoes and much more. To find out specific information about donating during the pandemic, visit Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County’s website: https://www.goodwillde.org.
• Harry’s Hands to Help and Heal is based at the First Presbyterian Church of Glenolden, 2 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden. Harry’s Hands serves as a safe haven for anyone at risk for committing suicide and for the family members and friends who are left to navigate life after a loved one succumbs to suicide. The organization, not only holds support groups, but also assists spouses, children and families impacted by suicide and mental illness with food, clothing, necessities, resources, and always a sympathetic, caring ear. Harry’s Hands also advocates and serves as a voice for mental health in the community. Harry’s Hands to Help and Heal accepts donations of clothes, shoes, accessories and small household items. For more information, and drop-off times, visit https://harryshands.com or  call 610-724-4230, or email harryshands2020@gmail.com.
• The Salvation Army Thrift Store at 66 Chester Pike, Collingdale accepts donations of clothing, shoes and small household items 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For information about donating, visit 610-461-9102.
• Saint Alban’s Thrift Shop, located next to St Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, is open for donations of clothing, shoes, accessories and small household items, as well as consigning,  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. Friday. For questions about donating, call 610-353-6763.
• St. Denis Attic Treasures Thrift Nook of St. Denis Parish in Havertown accepts donations of clothing and small household items during normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. Although currently not accepting donations during the pandemic, the thrift shop should be re-opening soon. For more information about donating, call 610-446-0200.
• The Value Thrift Shop, 529 Oak Ave., Aldan, accepts only women’s clothing, kitchenware, household goods, and small and large furniture. The store will pick up large furniture. Sales benefit Alex’s Lemonade Foundation. Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information about donating, call 484-461-9777 or visit https://www.valuethriftshop.com.
• Saint Mark Lutheran Church Thrift Shop, 436 N. Oak Ave., Clifton Heights, accepts donations of new and used toys, household items and women and children’s clothing. The shop is open to the public, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month., but it always accepts donations. There is a bin outside of the door where donors can drop smaller items at any time. For all other donations, call the church office at 610-626-5295.
• GreenDrop operates several donation drop-off sites in Delaware County and welcomes tax-deductible donations of clothing, shoes, blankets, and bedding, as well as collectibles, kitchenware, toys, small appliances, electronics, and sporting goods. The donations are collected by GreenDrop on behalf of the American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, the National Federation of the Blind and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia. Green Drop sells the donations in the 2nd Ave Thrift Superstores, an affiliate company, as well as other thrift operators, to convert the donations into dollars for these organizations, to assist them in upholding their mission and programs for supporting American veterans, the nation’s blind and neighbors in need throughout Philadelphia. Donation sites include: 700 Reed Road, Broomall, in the Home Depot Parking Lot; 298 Pennell Road, Aston; 3101 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square; and 401 E. Baltimore Pike, Media, at the Getty Gas station. Hours of operation at all sites are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday. GreenDrop will also schedule home pick-ups and free home clean-outs. To arrange a pick-up or to find out more about GreenDrop and what items are acceptable, visithttps://www.gogreendrop.com/
• The Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop, 145 W. Springfield Road, Springfield, recycles used clothes, toys, and household items, making them available at low cost to the community. The thrift store is open for donating and shopping during the following hours: Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on dropping off donations, call 610-544-8113.
• Nana’s Attic Thrift Store has been raising funds to support the Delaware County Domestic Abuse Project’s (DAP) programs and services since 2002. Every volunteer hour, sale, consignment and donation support DAP’s free services to victims of abuse. The thrift shop accepts donations of books, toys, clothing, art, shoes, handbags, games, small furniture, household goods and more. Due to the pandemic, call the store first to arrange a donation drop-off. Nana’s Attic is at 1991 Sproul Rd., Broomall, in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center. For information about donations, consignments, or volunteer opportunities, call Nana’s Attic at 610-325-0768 or visit https://dapdc.org/nanas-attic.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

• Often, after an illness or death of a loved one, people have walkers, commodes, wheelchairs and other medical apparatus lying around their home, garage or basement that they really don’t know where to donate. Goodwill, local senior centers, and local VFWs will often accept donations of small medical equipment like walkers and canes. However, right here in Delaware County, there is Caring Hearts Lending Closet, located at The Blue Church, 940 Baltimore Pike, Springfield. This unique ministry provides reusable and single use equipment to anyone in need regardless of financial status, age, or circumstances. All of their inventory is donated. They accept everything from hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, adult diapers and shower chairs to toilet risers, vaporizers, IV poles, commodes, crutches, canes and more.
  Due to the pandemic, donors and those in need of medical equipment, are asked to call or email, call or text 484-463-7603 or chlendingcloset@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
• Providence Animal Center and other animal rescue groups will accept surgical supplies such as IV lines and fluids, gloves, suture material, gauze and such. Call any local rescue and inquire before dropping off items.

OFFICE SUPPLIES

• Teachers’ Teammates, located in Folcroft, provides resources for teachers in Delaware County to receive free or low- cost supplies for their classrooms. Teachers’ Teammates is a nonprofit built by people in the field of education and the residents of Delaware County who recognize that teachers must reach deep into their own wallets far too often to buy the basic supplies that their classrooms need. Sometimes families, teachers, or offices have these things in excess and may want to donate them to Teachers’ Teammates. The organization is always in need of notebooks, folders, glue, pens, pencils, sharpeners, hand sanitizer, wipes, small whiteboards, markers, rulers, pencil pouches, reading leveled books, earbuds, markers, crayons, copy paper and arts and crafts supplies.
  For more information, or to drop off, e-mail info@TeachersTeammates.org/,  call 610-331-8972 or visit http://teachersteammates.org.

These are only a few of the many organizations in the area accepting charitable donations. Another option to donate unwanted and unneeded items is to give them directly to those in need by posting in one of the many Facebook free groups, such as “Free Stuff in Delaware County PA” or “Free Stuff and Wanted Items in Delco” or “Free Items in Delco” or “Pay It Forward Free Stuff in Drexel Hill/ Delco/ Surrounding Areas” or many others.
Almost 100 percent of the unwanted clothing and items in any given household are recyclable. In addition to being good for the environment and helping others in need, donating items clearly will make the donor feel good about him or herself, for getting rid of clutter in their home and for helping a worthy cause.