We at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey are deeply grateful for the donations that we receive, because the income from their sale goes to support our programs. Goodwill is proud of our role as a recycling pioneer -- keeping textiles and household goods out of landfills since our founding in Brooklyn in 1915. Together with our donors, we have transformed the simple act of cleaning out a closet into a model of environmental stewardship.

Benefits: Our donors not only benefit the persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment whom Goodwill serves. They also benefit themselves. Because we are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, donations to Goodwill are tax-deductible. Donors receive tax receipts upon request when they bring items to a Goodwill store or attended donation center. They can contact donations.department@goodwillny.org about how to get a receipt for bin drop-offs.

Donation Locations: You may bring donations to any Goodwill store or donation bin. To find the site nearest to you, use the two zip code locators on the “Find Goodwill” page of our website, http://www.goodwillny.org/findgoodwill.aspx. You may also call (718) 777-6320 for further information. Goodwill no longer does individual pickups. The cost of transporting donations has risen to higher than the income from their sale, income that is needed for programs.

What We Take: Goodwill appreciates greatly the time and effort our supporters take to donate. However, there are some items we cannot take. Broken, nonworking or out-of-date merchandise does not sell, and costs us money to dispose of. Furniture and other large items take up more space than is available in many of our stores. Large appliances run a high risk of damage when they are moved. Hazardous and perishable materials present health risks. Weapons are illegal to sell. And safety issues have abounded with baby equipment and furniture, children’s jewelry, children’s clothing with metal or drawstrings, and toys, leading to frequent recalls and strict resale regulations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The lists below detail what we are able or not able to accept. If you have any questions, please call or email us.

Accept:

• Clothing
• Shoes
• Accessories
• Handbags & luggage
• Jewelry
• Clean domestics – e.g., curtains, linens, bedspreads, blankets, area rugs
• Books, except old encyclopedias & old marked-up textbooks
• Sports & other trading cards
• Records, CDs, videos & DVDs
• Small working electronics – e.g., CD & DVD players, game systems, radios
• Computers & peripherals
• Working digital televisions
• Small working appliances – e.g., blenders, mixers, microwaves, toasters, toaster ovens
• House wares – e.g., dishes, glasses, flatware, utensils, vases, lamps
• Art – e.g., paintings, photographs, lithographs
• Antiques
• Collectibles, knick-knacks & decorations
• Sporting goods & bicycles
• Clean stuffed animals
• Automobiles less than 10 years old & in running condition

Cannot Accept:

• Anything broken, damaged or not working, except computers
• Furniture
• Mattresses & futons
• Analog televisions
• Large appliances – e.g., refrigerators, stoves, washer-dryers, air conditioning units
• Large exercise equipment
• Automobile parts of any kind – e.g., tires, rims, hubcaps
• Bathroom & kitchen fixtures
• Hazardous materials – e.g., paint, household chemicals, insecticides
• Perishable items – e.g., food, medicine, out-of-date cosmetics
• Gas-powered equipment – e.g., gas grills, lawnmowers
• Medical equipment, except walkers & wheelchairs in good condition
• Prescription medicines
• Baby equipment or furniture – e.g., strollers, car seats, carriers, cribs, play pens, play yards
• Toys, except collectibles, antiques & clean stuffed animals
• Children’s clothing with metal, painted appliqué or drawstrings
• Children’s jewelry
• Unsafe children’s items – e.g., puzzles & games with small pieces
• Weapons – e.g., guns, knives, swords, ammunition
• Recalled items

Please give today — the need for Goodwill has never been greater.