Choosing Where to Donate
This post was originally published in the Kingsport Times-News on January 6, 2019. Click here to see a PDF of the article.
Happy New Year, readers! Whether or not you made New Year’s resolutions, you may have a goal to get more organized. I heartily endorse this goal! But I also firmly believe that for most of us, what we really need most is to declutter. If you’re ready to take a serious look at all of your belongings and shed the clutter, you will likely have many items to donate. This requires making a decision about where to take them. In order to help readers make a decision about where to donate their clutter, I sent the same questions to Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity, and The Salvation Army. I have summarized their responses below.
Goodwill Industries
What is your organization’s mission?
Our mission is to provide employment services for those in need.
What donations do you accept or not accept?
We accept clothing of all sizes, household items, furniture, books, CDs, jewelry, linens, musical instruments, pictures, tools, small appliances, toys, office/school supplies, and vehicles. We cannot accept hazardous materials, large appliances, used carpeting, construction materials, wet/torn mattresses, water heaters, TVs, computers, monitors, auto parts/tires, car seats/baby beds/strollers/walkers, and pianos.
Are there ways that people donate that are problematic for you?
We ask that people drop off donations only during open hours. If you have furniture or large items you wish to donate, please call to make sure we can accept your donation or to schedule a pickup.
If items are sold, how is the money distributed?
Donated items are inspected, sorted, and priced by our employees and then sold in our stores. Ninety-three cents of every dollar supports training programs for people with disabilities or people with disadvantaged circumstances. Program graduates gain new skills to become competitive, find jobs, and live independent, fulfilling lives.
What do you wish people knew about your organization? Any common misconceptions?
Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Charity Watch, an organization that evaluates philanthropic organizations, gives Goodwill an “A” rating. Occasional internet rumors sometimes surface with false information. Goodwill Tenneva is an autonomous locally controlled non-profit overseen by a volunteer community board of directors. “Goodwill Tenneva is committed to operating with integrity and providing excellent stewardship,” said Wally Boyd, board chairman. “Our local Goodwill dedicates itself to providing employment and support services to local people who need help, and always in an ethical and forthright manner.”
Why should people donate to your organization?
Goodwill believes that work enhances the dignity and quality of life, and that the power of work instills hope. Donating to Goodwill will help local people in need of training and employment. Goodwill strives to handle all donations with respect, in an ethical and efficient manner.
Holston Habitat for Humanity
What is your organization’s mission?
Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. OUr mission is to put God’s love into action. Holston Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) brings people together to build houses, communities, and hope. Habitat will serve our 300th family in 2019. Since organizing in 1985, Habitat has built, refurbished or repaired 272 homes in Carter, Sullivan and Washington Co, TN and Bristol, VA, providing 400+ adults and 600+ children the opportunity to live in a safe affordable home. With the financial support generated by the ReStores, Holston Habitat will build 6 new Habitat homes and offer up to 6 external home repairs in 2019.
What donations do you accept or not accept?
The Habitat ReStores in Johnson City and Kingsport accept household items (working appliances, furniture, home decor), building materials (cabinets, lighting, flooring, hardware, windows, plumbing) and tools. The ReStores do not accept clothing.
Are there ways that people donate that are problematic for you?
We request that people drop off donations only when the ReStores are open.
If items are sold, how is the money distributed?
All money generated by donations to the ReStores in Johnson City and Kingsport stays in Carter, Sullivan and Washington Counties, and Bristol, Virginia to underwrite construction costs.
What do you wish people knew about your organization? Any common misconceptions?
Habitat homeowners buy their homes through our 0% interest mortgage. Habitat does not give away homes. A common misconception is that only Habitat homeowners can shop at the ReStores but ReStores are open to everyone who wants to shop, donate or volunteer.
Why should people donate to your organization?
The donations provided to the ReStores provide over 30% of the funding needed to build 6-9 new, energy-efficient homes each year. Each donation provides a hand up, not a hand out, that helps local homebuyers build a home for their family.
The Salvation Army
What is your organization’s mission?
The Salvation Army is part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible and motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to preach the gospel and to meet human needs in Jesus’ name without discrimination.
What donations do you accept or not accept?
We accept just about anything, including the kitchen sink. We accept jewelry, stereos, lighting, car items, baby items, diapers, home health items, and vehicles. We cannot accept expired car seats, older cribs, or recalled items.
Are there ways that people donate that are problematic for you?
All items should be in working condition. If refrigerators and freezers barely run, tell us so we can price accordingly. Vehicles must be in running condition. We simply do not have room for large items like pianos and pool tables. We do not accept old televisions or hazardous products.
If items are sold, how is the money distributed?
We serve Sullivan and Hawkins County, TN and Scott County, VA. After overhead costs, we apply funds to social services. Last year, we provided 6,711 nights of emergency shelter.
What do you wish people knew about your organization? Any common misconceptions?
When someone donates here, they are helping one of their neighbors who is hungry, homeless, in need of clothing, assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities, or a child who needs help building character. Call for pick-ups in advance, especially during summer. Donations are generous gifts, but there is a cost to make those items available. We do our best to keep prices favorable.
Why should people donate to your organization?
We care for both soul and physical needs. We provide for the needy of every stripe. Everything we sell comes from donations. Our motto, “Doing The Most Good” means all our resources, money and time where they will be most effective. We also take donations in time from our helpful volunteers!