The Best Donation Centers Near You: Where Your Items Can Help Others

When you declutter or complete a cleanout, many items still have life left in them. Instead of the landfill, donations give your belongings a second purpose while helping people in need.

Here's our guide to donation options in the communities we serve.

Why Donate Instead of Dispose?

Benefits for You

• **Potential tax deduction** — Keep receipts for qualifying donations
• **Feels good** — Knowing items help others
• **Reduces waste** — Less environmental impact
• **May reduce cleanout costs** — Donations don't go to the dump

Benefits for Community

• **Helps those in need** — Affordable items for families
• **Supports nonprofit missions** — Thrift sales fund programs
• **Creates jobs** — Donation processing employs local workers
• **Strengthens community** — Resources stay local

Alaska: Juneau & Douglas Area

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Best for: Furniture, appliances, building materials, home improvement items

Accepts:

• Furniture (good condition)
• Working appliances
• Cabinets and fixtures
• Building materials
• Tools
• Paint (unopened)

Does not accept:

• Mattresses
• Clothing
• Broken items

AWARE Shelter

Best for: Household items, women's and children's needs

Accepts:

• Household goods
• Kitchenware
• Linens and towels
• Women's clothing
• Children's items
• Toiletries (new)

Contact them first for current needs.

Salvation Army (Juneau)

Best for: General household donations

Accepts:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Housewares
• Books
• Toys
• Small appliances

Limited pickup service available.

St. Vincent de Paul

Best for: Household items, clothing

Accepts:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Household goods
• Books and media

Check current hours and capacity.

Tips for Juneau Donations

• Call ahead — Capacity is limited
• Drop-off during posted hours
• Consider pickup services for large items
• Weather-protect donations during transport

Tennessee: Mount Juliet, Old Hickory & Hermitage Area

Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Wilson County)

Best for: Furniture, appliances, home improvement

Accepts:

• Furniture (good condition)
• Working appliances
• Building materials
• Fixtures and hardware
• Tools

Goodwill (Nashville Metro)

Best for: General household, clothing, electronics

Multiple locations near Mount Juliet/Hermitage area.

Accepts:

• Clothing and shoes
• Furniture
• Electronics (working)
• Books and media
• Housewares
• Sporting goods

The Salvation Army (Nashville)

Best for: Furniture, clothing, household

Pickup available for larger items.

Accepts:

• Furniture
• Mattresses (in good condition)
• Appliances (working)
• Clothing
• Household items

Room in the Inn

Best for: Items supporting homeless services

Accepts:

• Men's clothing (especially)
• Toiletries
• Bedding
• Specific items (check current needs)

Local Church Thrift Stores

Many churches in the Mount Juliet/Hermitage area operate thrift stores:

• First Baptist Church thrift
• Community church resale shops
• Check local listings for hours

What Donation Centers Typically Accept

Almost Always Accepted

• Clothing in good condition
• Furniture without major damage
• Housewares and kitchenware
• Books, DVDs, CDs
• Toys (no recalls, working)
• Sporting goods
• Art and décor

Sometimes Accepted (Call First)

• Mattresses (must be clean, unstained)
• Large appliances
• Electronics (working only)
• Exercise equipment
• Large furniture pieces

Usually Not Accepted

• Broken items
• Stained or torn textiles
• Recalled products
• Hazardous materials
• Building materials (except ReStore)
• Car seats (expired or unknown history)

Maximizing Your Donation Impact

Prepare Items Properly

• Clean items before donating
• Include all parts and accessories
• Test electronics to confirm they work
• Wash clothing and textiles

Get a Receipt

For tax purposes:

• Request a receipt at drop-off
• Document item descriptions
• Take photos for your records
• Save receipts with tax documents

Consider Timing

• Avoid drop-off right before closing
• Call ahead for large donations
• Ask about special collection drives
• Some items are seasonally needed

When Professional Cleanouts Help with Donations

SpaceBack coordinates donations as part of our cleanout service:

• We know which organizations accept what
• We have relationships with local centers
• We handle transport and drop-off
• We can provide donation documentation

This is especially valuable when:

• Volume is large
• You're not local (estate situations)
• Time is limited
• Physical ability is a concern

The Bigger Picture

Every item donated is:

• One less thing in a landfill
• One more resource for someone in need
• One more sale supporting nonprofit missions

It's a win all around.

Need help with a donation-focused cleanout? We prioritize keeping usable items out of landfills.