Top Ten Items to Donate this Holiday Season

The holidays are natural time of giving – to our friends and family, but also to those who are less fortunate. Many neighborhoods, churches and communities sponsor donation events to help others, but sometimes – if people don’t have organizations that come together like this, it can be difficult to know where exactly to start.

Giving is a personal choice and generally there are no wrong answers if the intention is in the right place but here are the top ten items (in no particular order) to consider donating during the holiday season:

Computers: Just because the newest model is on the shelves, doesn’t mean your old computer doesn’t still have usefulness. Goodwill is a great place to look for donating your computer or peripherals. Dell Reconnect is a recycle program that will help find a new home for your old computer (don’t forget to swipe that hard drive clean). 

Video Games: Like computers, new video games are constantly changing. If you or your family has a game or two or seven that aren’t getting used – consider boxing them up for donation. 

Books: Despite the digital world in which we live now, books are still a favorite gift item. If you’ve gone ‘full digital’, now is the time to make a trip to the used book store! 

Kitchenware: How many sets of mismatched dishware, silverware or glassware are hidden in your cabinets? Gently used kitchenware can be donated at most Goodwill centers. 

Cellphones: You’ll never win the technology race – eBooks, mp3s, computers…and phones. Unused cell phones have become one of the fastest growing types of trash in America (aka “e-waste”). Instead of discarding your old phone, recycle or donate it – but like any old computer, be sure to remove any personal data! 

Household items: If you’re purging your basement, closets or storage container, items like lamps, picture frames, vases, baskets – these are just some of the items that will always sell at Goodwill. 

CDs: Like books, CDs have also graduated to the next technology/medium – though plenty of people still like their CD players whether in a stereo system or their car. If you’ve got your CDs saved to a hard drive or migrated to mp3’s – give your old CDs a new life by donating them! 

Gift Cards: Did you know that billions in holiday gift cards go unused each year? BILLIONS. You can donate unwanted gift cards – with any unused amount on it – to your local Goodwill. 

Textiles: Textiles include clothing items like suits, pants, shirts and dresses. These donations are the largest by volume that Goodwill receive and sell – clean out those closets! 

Bikes: Used sporting goods stores and thrift stores take larger ticket items like bikes. As your children outgrow their bikes, consider giving another child a thrill of a lifetime with their very own bike. 

Sanford & Son is committed to helping the community year round. To help you make your donation, at your request, we will ensure that your donations are delivered to Goodwill. We hope this list is helpful and wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season!