Goodwill Donation Centers in Phoenix | 602-513-8444

One of the largest and most well-known organizations is Goodwill. Now, these guys have been taking some heat in the social media world in the Goodwill vs. Salvation Army battle.

Some say Goodwill is for-profit and the CEO makes too much money, while SA is non-profit and their employees make squat. A little looking into will teach you that yes, the CEO of Goodwill makes a nice chunk of change but Goodwill also used more than 87% of the revenue generated from donated items to fund programs in their communities. That's $.87 of every dollar. That's not too shabby.

So maybe their executives make more money than those at SA, they are still making a huge positive impact in our community.

That 87% is spent on Goodwill education and tools that train, mentor and teach people the skills they need to find and keep a job. Their mission is to “enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.”

Their efforts have helped employ almost 300,000 people. That's just the tip of the iceberg, they also help with assisted living, issue emergency clothing vouchers and recycle tons of computers, 280 tons actually.

Don’t let the echo chamber fool you, Goodwill is a great organization to support.

Summary

Their cause: Employment

Locations: 89 locations plus donation boxes

Pickup: Free

Accepted Items: Almost anything

Salvation Army Throughout Arizona | 1-800-SATruck

Unlike Goodwill, the Salvation Army is faith-based. It is “an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible.

Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Their mission while poetic lacks focus. But if you look into their programs, you will see they attack poverty and try to assist “those imprisoned by it.” A noble cause.

A lot of SA’s work is through partnerships like the one it has with the Dallas Cowboys, and most of their projects are funded through monetary donations rather than by the sale of donated items. You know the Red Kettle Campaign. The peeling of the handbells is everywhere during the Christmas season. And it's pretty effective too because they usually raise over 100 million dollars a year.

That doesn’t mean your donated items don’t help make a difference. The Salvation Army used $.88 of every dollar spent at their thrift store to invest in social service programs and centers.

Summary

Their cause: Poverty

Locations: Only 30 across the Valley

Pickup: Free

Accepted Items: Almost anything

HALO is known throughout Arizona as Helping Animals Live On. They are animal advocates and care for the pets that they rescue. They also are a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to help animals find good homes.

They also have a donation center to allow their animal rescue service to remain in business. While a majority of their donations are coming from a couple different sources, the HALO Thrift Boutique is interested in your items that can be put to good use. You can find out more information on how to donate your items by contacting them directly. Another option is going to their thrift store and dropping off your selected items in person. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, all persons entering the store must wear a mask.

All of the items that are worth donating to their Thrift Boutique are often sold for 4 dollars per item. Their boutique is also run by friendly volunteers that are working with HALO. Each item sold is another day that helps animals find good homes and affordable medical care.

Summary

What donations do they take in: Clothing, shoes, purses, accessories, furniture, and home decorations.

Their cause: All donations that are sold help fund the HALO Rescue Center

Locations: 11649 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite F Phoenix, AZ 85020

Pickup: No

Accepted items: Almost anything

Arizona Humane is a non-profit local group that's not affiliated with other humane societies. They are dedicated to the services of saving, rescuing, and helping unwanted animals find a good home. They are solely dependant on donations to run their organization and have 3 thrift stores to help cover their growing expenses for their humane center services. They are asking that Phoenix residents donate to their center. Luckily they have a pickup service but it is limited to a minimum amount.

This includes 6 large bags or boxes of items with at least one large piece of furniture. The items do need to be usable since they are being resold at a very low price. Nothing worn or torn as drivers will inspect all items that will be rejected if they don't meet acceptable levels. They also accept items that are brought into their store locations. Check their website for the addresses and further donating info.

Summary

What donations they take in: Books, mattresses and box springs, futons with or without mattresses, bed pillows, televisions, TV entertainment centers, electronics and appliances, office equipment and furniture, baby cribs, strollers, and car seats, propane and gas tanks with fuel, medical devices and equipment, building and construction equipment, pianos and organs, desks, dishwashers, and built-in microwaves

Their cause: To help provide employment and services to their Humane Center

Locations: Sunnyslope Campus, Mesa Thrift Store, Cave Creek Thrift Store

Pickup: Yes, but with a minimum amount required.

Accepted items: Almost anything used or not working

St. Vincent De Paul Organization in Central Arizona | 602-266-HOPE (4673)

Another religious organization, St. Vincent De Paul “is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing individuals and families in our community.”

Last year they provided more than 1 million meals in their dining halls and delivered over 400,000 food boxes to needy families. They use the revenue from their thrift stores to fund programs that focus on homelessness prevention as well as medical care and dental clinics.

Summary

Their cause: Homelessness

Locations: Less than 10 across the Valley

Pickup: Free

Accepted Items: Almost anything

Big Brother Big Sisters Pickup in Phoenix | 602-230-8900

Big Brother Big Sister “provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”

One of the ways BBBS raises money is by placing donated items in their partner thrift store, Savers.

While Big Bro/Sis has a significant impact on the lives of tons of kids their donation centers are scarce in the Valley. If you happen to live near one of their few centers, then this would be a great place to drop off old items.

Summary

Their cause: Mentorship

Locations: Only a handful

Pickup: Free

Accepted Items: Almost anything

Teachers for Teachers Donation Center in Tempe |Single Location in AZ |Donation Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9:30-4:30 Saturday: 8:30-3:30 | (480) 751-1122

Teachers for Teachers started out as a small garage shop and has grown into a superstore for teachers in the Tempe area.

Teachers are able to get supplies for their students and classrooms at super low rates thanks to donations.

T4T wants that “anyone who works closely with students to have access to a wide selection of materials, resources, and training that will enhance and expand the learning process.” As such they are typically looking for school-related items, such as folders, binders, writing utensils, paper. But they also need things like carpet squares, fabric, and other creative learning supplies (think empty ice cream tubs.) T4T has opened its own thrift store in Tempe where other donated items like household goods, clothes, and accessories can be purchased to raise money for more classroom supplies. If you're looking for other donation centers in Tempe, Arizona see our roundup here.

Summary

Their cause: Educational supplies

Locations: 1 in Tempe

Pickup: Free

Accepted Items: Household items, clothes, and accessories, furniture and toys.