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Where to Donate Your Gently-Used Items in LA

Dresses
(credit: Dan Kitwood, Getty Images)

Now that the holidays are over and you are surveying what may be a very large pile of goodies your kids received from generous relatives and friends, you are probably thinking about paring down. But what to do with all the stuff when you're ready to let it go? Assuming you're not in the mood for holding your own garage sale, here are a few places that will gladly take your unwanted items off your hands.

kwanza300
(credit: Jennifer Bastien)

Goodwill of Southern California

Multiple donation drop-off locations around SoCal
(323) 223-1211
More Info

Goodwill of Southern California operates dozens of retail stores and drop-off donation locations all over our region, and your gently-used toys and children's clothing are always welcome. They provide receipts for tax purposes, and can even provide a donation pick-up service for a discounted rate, through College Hunks Hauling.

kwanza300
(credit: ncjwla.org)

National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles Council Thrift Stores

Multiple locations around SoCal
(800) 400-6259
More Info

The Council Thrift shops gladly accept donations and provide receipts for tax purposes. You can drop off your items or you can arrange for a free pickup by scheduling online or over the phone.

kwanza300
(credit: SoCalMetro via Flickr.com)

Salvation Army

(800) SA-TRUCK
More Info

The Salvation Army operates thrift stores and accepts donations of children's toys and clothing, among many other things. You can drop off your items at one of their locations or schedule a pick-up online or by phone.

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(credit: marvistafc.org)

Mar Vista Family Center

5075 South Slauson Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 390-9607
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The Mar Vista Family Center runs programs for kids of all ages, including a preschool, and accepts gently-used toys and clothing. Drop-offs only.

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(credit: freecycle.org)

Freecycle

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For items that you want to keep out of the landfill but that you can't quite imagine donating (a pile of extra landscaping bricks? 20 empty kitty litter buckets?), consider posting it on your local Freecycle group. You must have a Yahoo account to join, which is free, and then you add yourself to the closest group to your area code. Then post that you have an item for pickup, and people will respond if they are looking for that exact thing. Members have donated furniture, clothing, extra parts for electronics, and anything that you can think of. The Northridge group is particularly active.

And if you prefer to have someone else do the work, but still reap the benefits of a cash sale, check out our list of Consignment Sales. If you have a lot of useful baby items, our recent feature on Baby2Baby.

Sarah Auerswald is the blogger behind MarVistaMom.com and Sarah's Blog.

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