There are hundreds of worthy organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. These are a few organizations that I’ve worked with and recommend:
Greater DC Diaper Bank
The Greater DC Diaper Bank’s mission is “to empower families and individuals throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia by providing a reliable and adequate source of basic baby needs and personal hygiene products.” The Greater DC Diaper Bank accepts donations of disposable diapers (open boxes are fine), unopened and unexpired baby formula and baby food, new bottles and pacifiers, wipes, laundry detergent, toiletries for adults and children, and more. They also accept gently used potty training seats, baby bathtubs, and soft-sided front carry baby carriers. There are over 160 drop off locations in the region.
KindWorks
KindWorks, located in Bethesda, Maryland, accepts donations of new or gently used furniture and housewares which help legal refugees and others who are in the process of starting over. Additionally, they deliver meals to members of the community who are experiencing food and/or housing insecurity. They also accept donations of laptops which they refurbish in house for community members in need.
Green Drop
I love how easy it is to donate goods and furniture through Green Drop. You schedule a pick up online and they will remove everything from your home and email a tax receipt. Your donation supports organizations like the Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Habitat ReStore
Habitat ReStores accept donations of furniture, appliances, housewares, and building materials in good condition for resale in their home improvement stores. Proceeds support Habitat’s mission to “build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.” When I changed some of the hardware in my home, I was please to find a place that could make good use of it.
Christ Child Opportunity Shop
There are many treasures to be found at Georgetown’s Christ Child Opportunity Shop but it is also a wonderful place to donate or consign antiques, housewares, jewelry, and décor. The shop supports the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the Christ Child Society which “is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization dedicated to meeting the material, educational, and emotional needs of children and families, regardless of race, color, gender, or beliefs.”
thredUP
thredUP is the easiest solution I’ve found for reselling clothing and accessories. If your items sell, you receive a credit for the thredUP online store. If they don’t sell, thredUP sends the items to companies that upcycle and recycle the material. You simply mail in your items and they take care of the rest. I love the company’s mission to solve the fashion waste crisis through reuse and recycling.
Level the Playing Field
Level the Playing Field offers donation drop off sites for new and used sporting equipment throughout the greater Washington D.C. area and Baltimore. Your donation supports the organization in redistributing sporting equipment to “expand access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities.”
If you have resources to add to this list, please contact me.