Donations Do And Donts
Goodwill Industries of Alberta really makes a difference in your community. We work hard to turn your donations of new and gently used clothing and household items into opportunities for people with disabilities. We do this by accepting these donations and selling them in our stores.
Throughout Alberta you will find 13 Goodwill retail stores and 21 donation centres. Each facility is staffed by Goodwillians who believe We are Family.
We care about each other and work to achieve employment success for Albertans with disabilities. Only with support of our community is this possible.
What Donations Goodwill Accepts
It may surprise you that Goodwill accepts some items and not others. However, you have to take into account that Goodwill facilities are sometimes limited by space or a smaller staff. If you choose to donate any of the following items organized by category theyre likely always welcome.
Your donations can not only provide great bargains for Goodwill shoppers, but youre also helping the environment a great deal by recycling and repurposing, rather than throwing away.
Games Toys Books And Other Entertainment Items
Are you cleaning out an elderly parents house and find an excess of board games and other entertainment items? Goodwill is always looking for these items.
- Board games: As long as the board game isnt missing too many pieces or elements, this is a great thing to give Goodwill.
- Electronic games, consoles, and games: Did someone in your household upgrade their gaming system? Goodwill would love any older items.
- Books: Books dont require batteries, updates, or any additional installation. As long as theyre in decent shape, donate them to Goodwill.
- Toys for all ages: Some children grow tired of toys quickly. Donating toys to Goodwill provides opportunities for families to buy new toys at better prices.
- Records, CDs, music players, and more: Recently inherit a house full of stuff? Dont feel like going through old records and CDs? Give them to Goodwill.
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Items We Cannot Accept
It’s hard to say “no thank you” to a donation when those donations help to fund Goodwill programs. However, we do need to refuse some items for being non-recyclable or containing hazardous materials. Other times, the item must be refused because it costs more to transport, repair or refurbish than it can be sold for in our stores. Our donation attendants are trained to know what we can and cannot accept and will help guide you to other possibilities for donations we cannot use.
Beginning November 1, 2021, Goodwill will no longer accept donations of furniture or large exercise equipment. Those items will no longer be available for purchase, effective December 1, 2021.
We CANNOT accept the following items:
- Furniture
- Desks or other office furniture
- Tables of any kind
- Dressers, bookcases, entertainment centers, etc.
Thrift Store Shoes To Complete Your Look
When youre shopping at Goodwill, you never know what youll find. Take a walk through the clothing racks, furniture area, and shelves of books, and youll get lost in the treasures you might find. When shopping for shoes at a thrift store, you wont be disappointed with the selection. You can find shoes for kids, women, and men at our Goodwill stores.
Finding a pair of shoes to complete your look is like putting the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. The best part about finding shoes at a thrift store is the unexpected discovery. Many shoppers meander over to the shoe rack after shopping for clothing or furniture. When they find the perfect pair of flats or heels to go with the clothing theyre buying, it makes their shopping trip even more successful.
Here are some shoes you might find at a thrift store like Goodwill.
- Mens Dress Shoes
Look for high-quality mens dress shoes. Many times, mens work shoes are donated without the laces, but you can find laces for less than $10.
- Hiking Boots
If youre heading out on a hiking adventure and dont want to buy a brand-new pair of hiking boots, you can find them at Goodwill. Youll definitely look the part with a pair of hiking shoes.
- Womens Vintage Heels
Add a pair of vintage heels to your wardrobe. Youll find a great selection at Goodwill if you keep your eyes open. They tend to go fast!
- Brightly Colored Sandals
- Womens Fall Boots
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Small Electronics And Communication Devices
Many people are guilty of holding onto electronics longer than necessary. They think theyll plug them back in and fire them up sometime soon, when in reality, these electronics just sit unused. Dont throw them away, even if it seems tempting. Many electronics, though outdated, can still serve a purpose for those on a budget or in need.
- Office computers: If you recently upgraded to a new laptop or otherwise have no use for a desktop monitor, send it over to Goodwill.
- Personal computers: Likewise, if you dont have anyone in your family eager to take over your old laptop, donate it to Goodwill. That being said, be sure that you do not hand over any personal documents or information with the computer.
- Consumer electronics: Goodwill accepts a wide variety of other electronics, such as camcorders, remote controls, tape players, and more.
- Office equipment: Have other office equipment, such as printers, fax machines, or small copiers? Goodwill takes those, too.
- Telecommunication devices: Likewise, if you have old cell phones, pagers, handsets, headsets, or answering machines, these are great for people looking to start a new business on a budget or those working for a nonprofit.
Strappy Sandals And Heels
Photo: Charity Newsweek
Though they may not always be the most comfortable, they are stylish and can have a slimming effect on your feet. This style shoe for both heels and flats have been popular on and off the last few years so you shouldnt have much trouble finding a great second-hand pair and your local Goodwill.
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Footwear Trends Made For Summer Fun
Ready to spice up your style for summer without updating your entire wardrobe? Why not start with a new-to-you pair of shoes? At Ohio Valley Goodwill, our ever-changing shoe selection means you can find a variety of footwear options every time you shop. The best part is that all our shoes are priced affordably, so you can rock the latest trends for much less!
Check out some of the top summer shoes you can find when you shop at Goodwill:
Flip flops from Ohio Valley Goodwill
Summer flip-flops from Goodwill!
Tools And Outdoor Items
Many people love spending time outdoors or completing home improvement projects but may not want to spend extra money to do so. Goodwill is a great candidate for these old items.
- Hammers, drills, and accessories: This is great for handymen and women on a budget as well as other nonprofits looking to renovate.
- Woodworking, sewing, painting, or other hobby-related items: If items like these are taking up space in your home or cabinets, turn them over to Goodwill.
- Lawn tools or accessories: As long as these items arent hazardous, theyre great for Goodwill.
- Outdoor décor: Help others freshen up their outdoor spaces with décor donations.
- Outdoor furniture: As long as your furniture isnt filthy or falling apart, its a great thing to give Goodwill. If it is falling apart and Goodwill won’t accept it, read our guide on where to get rid of old furniture for free.
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When You Shop At Goodwill You Help Your Neighbors
You can also feel great when you shop at Goodwill. Not only are you getting high quality merchandise at low prices, you are also helping your neighbors in need. The dollars you spend support life-changing Work and Training programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages. Last year over 70% of Goodwills revenues came from the sale and recycling of Donated Goods.
At checkout, Round Up your purchase to the nearest dollar to further support the Goodwill mission. Rounding up to the nearest dollar helps provide critical funding so that we can assist people in getting back to work and gaining greater independence.
How To Know If Your Old Shoes Are In Good Enough Condition To Donate
Shoes can pile up in a closet. Whether you’ve emotionally grown out of a pair or just need to downsize for the sake of simplicity, you can donate your shoes. Tossing them in the trash can, even if you think they’re not good enough for anyone else to walk a mile in, is harmful to the environment. And just wasteful. With that in mind, it’s good to have an idea of how to know if a shoe is in good enough condition to donate before deciding upon its ultimate fate.
The good news is, no matter what condition your shoe is in, its fate doesn’t have to end in a landfill. Let’s say the sneakers you’ve trudged through mud in, ran a marathon in, and slip on for a grocery store excursion have been worn down. Let’s say we’re talking holes here. The truly worn in and worn out shoes won’t be in good condition to donate. However, you can recycle shoes through programs that accept shoes that are falling apart.
The shoes that you’re cutting back on, like the red pair of tennis sneakers you don’t wear because you have another pair in white that you wear more frequently, will most likely be accepted as donations. Most guidelines by organizations that accept donations ask that shoes be “new or gently used.”
The shoes should be new or gently worn, meaning no holes. And you probably shouldn’t have run in a marathon in the shoes you’re hoping to donate. If your shoes are still in quality condition â no holes, and you’d still wear them â they’re eligible for donation.
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How Much Is Tax On Shoes In Ohio
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Larger Electronics And Other Devices
If you think you own outdated electronics, such as early flat screens, Goodwill would love to have them. The wise use of electronics, as well as recycling programs, is an important part of being environmentally conscious.
- Flat-screen TVs: Flat-screen TVs are a great electronic to donate because theyre relatively inexpensive for someone on a budget to set up. They also take up a small amount of space compared to other television sets, which are not accepted.
- Stereos, radios, and speakers: Did you go through a DJ phase? Feel like your devices are outdated? Theres likely someone out there who would love your old stereos, radios, or speakers.
- VCRs, DVDs, and streaming devices: Though you may only use the internet and other devices to view shows and movies, many people still enjoy more old school options or look for ways to watch VHS tapes and DVDs.
- Projectors and classroom aids: Projectors and other similar devices may help out teachers on a budget.
- Tablets and E-book readers: Is your iPad so old you cant update it anymore? Donate it to Goodwill. It may become valuable to someone who really needs it but cant afford newer models.
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Housewares Dishes And Collectibles
Updating or redecorating? Going for a more minimalist look? Goodwill is a great place to send housewares, dishes, and collectibles.
- Knickknacks: Have a relative that wont stop gifting you with turtle figurines? Goodwill can likely never have enough.
- Dishes and utensils: If you no longer like your wedding dishes, for example, someone else may enjoy them.
- Lamps and similar items: If youre updating your space, new light fixtures are a great start.
- Collectibles: Some people thrift for specific items to add to their collections.
- Gifts and trinkets: Receive a gift that doesnt suit your aesthetic? Give it to Goodwill.
- Small appliances: No longer into your blender? Goodwill is a great place for it.
Were Much More Than A Thrift Store
One-of-a kind treasures that special pair of shoes maybe its just the everyday great prices on clothing, housewares, furniture, books and knick-knacks for the whole family.
No matter what youre looking for, youll find it at your local Goodwill store.
Goodwill carries name brand merchandise. Inventory on the sales floor changes daily so shop often.
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The Everyday Items You Should Buy At Goodwill For A Fraction Of What They Cost New: Plates Pants And Pillowcases:
Walking into a Goodwill store is a chance to stumble across an unexpected treasure, like a swanky little vase for the bookshelf or a cozy and colorful sweater that perfectly suits their style. But Goodwill is also an excellent resource for those functional necessities the bedsheets and spatulas and coffee makers that we use every day. Its also a place to find sharp duds for the office and athletic apparel for the gym.
So whether youre outfitting a new place on budget or outfitting yourself for a new job, swing into a Goodwill store to score great gently used clothing and housewares for a fraction of what they cost brand new even at cheap big-box stores. Watch for the color of the week and you can save an additional 50% off.
While the selection at any given store is ever-changing, there are some items that youre always likely to find. Look to Goodwill for these everyday staples:
Exercise Equipment And Sporting Goods
Donating exercise and sporting equipment is a great way to share health and wellness with others who cannot afford or choose to forego gym memberships.
- Exercise balls, bands, and weights: Help someone else meet their strength and fitness goals, especially if you have access to a gyms equipment instead.
- Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters: As long as these items are in working condition, others can enjoy them for years.
- Exercise machines and other equipment: Theres a good chance that a machine youre no longer using can be tuned up and enjoyed by someone else or even provide transportation to school or work.
- Sports balls and other equipment: Not only can gently used balls and other equipment be used by people in need, but its also a great opportunity for school programs to update their inventory, too.
- Jerseys and gear: Outdoor activities and sports gear can be fun for people of all ages.
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Embellished Heels & Cool Shapes
Photo: Livingly
No longer exclusive to runway brands, this season fast-fashion brands have already started molding the shape of the heels of their shoes into interesting shapes and textures. Wooden heels with geometric detailing will be in style this spring and well continue to see beautiful detailing in both narrow and block heels throughout the summer. If you search through your local Goodwill stores, theres a good chance youll find some shoes in this trend. I just found a pair of gorgeous brand-new Taryn Rose platform block heels for $14.99, and at regular retail price they cost upwards of $250!
What Is The Max Write Off Allowed For Charitable Donations
The amount you can deduct for charitable contributions generally is limited to no more than 60% of your adjusted gross income. Your deduction may be further limited to 50%, 30%, or 20% of your adjusted gross income, depending on the type of property you give and the type of organization you give it to.
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Employee Confessions: 23 Things I Will Never Buy New Again
I am a newer Goodwill employee and Ive learned some hard lessons in the last year that I dont want you to have to learn. It started when my roommates and I needed a nutcracker. Big box store price? $7. When I went to Goodwill across the street it was four for $1. Ouch. There are just some things you NEVER have to buy new. Its just bad for your wallet. But Im also an Earth-lover and believe that buying second-hand is one of the best things you can do to help the environment.
Here are 23 things Im never buying new again:
