Charities Will Pick Up Items for Donation

If you’re looking to get rid of an item in good condition and want to make a donation, then a not-for-profit thrift organization may be your best bet.

Several offer home pick-up services and place few restrictions on what they will accept. Thrift stores sell donated items to raise money for a charitable organization. However, they need items with life left in them, not things that belong in the trash. If in doubt about an item, ask when you call to make pick-up or delivery arrangements.

The three organizations that regularly pick up items in North County are Goodwill, the Salvation Army and Disabled American Veterans.

Goodwill (632-7850) offers a weekly pick-up service, but the wait may be longer than a week depending upon when the call is placed. Items from clothing to home furnishings can be boxed or bagged and there is no minimum or maximum amount required. Drivers, however, will not accept bulky items, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, building materials or furniture in need of repair. Donations are also accepted at Goodwill shops in Oceanside and Escondido.

The Salvation Army (753-7277) home pick-up service accepts most items, including appliances such as portable dishwashers and building materials. They do not, however, accept mesh playpens, firearms or combustible or flammable items such as paint.

Those wishing to donate to the Disabled American Veterans (941-3671 or 433-5404) can usually have their items picked up within a week. Donors are asked when they call for pick-up service that items be in reasonable condition. Most donations are clothing, books, kitchen appliances, couches and bed frames. While used water heaters aren’t accepted, most other items are.