The following is a list of our 5 favourite organizations you can support with your donations, plus all the information you'll need to get started, including which household items are appropriate and the causes those items will help support. Check out CREB's Declutter for a Cause blog for more options!
Books Between Friends
Description: Books Between Friends sells used books, with proceeds supporting several local organizations, including B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs, Bethany Care Society, Calgary Cerebral Palsy Association, and Veterans Food Bank of Calgary.What you can donate: Any books in good condition.
How to donate: Deliver donations to #14, 3434 34th Ave. N.E.
Calgary Dream Centre
Description: The Calgary Dream Centre is a faith-based recovery organization that offers specialized programs for both men and women to help them through addiction.What you can donate: Clothing, household items, recreation gear/equipment, certain food items, toiletries and more – a full list is available here.
How to donate: Contact the Calgary Dream Centre.
Calgary Drop-In Centre
Description: The Calgary Drop-In Centre is an emergency shelter that also provides essential care and health services, employment training and housing supports.What you can donate: As part of its Free Goods Program, the Calgary Drop-In Centre accepts furniture, household items, clothing, and computers/electronics. See their list of needed items here.
How to donate: There are several options for donating - check them out here.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Description: Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home and building supply stores that accept and resell new and used building materials. Funds generated by ReStores are used to fund Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta home building projects.What you can donate: A variety of appliances, building materials, furniture pieces, tools and household goods – a full list of acceptable items is available here.
How to donate: Drop off your donation at any of the three Calgary ReStore locations or schedule a curbside pickup.
Mustard Seed
Description: The Mustard Seed assists individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.What you can donate: Men's and women's winter coats and boots, gloves, toques, men's pants, work boots, construction pants, and safety glasses.
How to donate: Drop off donation items at the Mustard Seed Downtown, the Mustard Seed Shelter or the Mustard Seed Resource Sorting Centre – addresses and hours are available here.
So before you jump right to tossing out your declutter items, revisit the pile(s) and second guess if someone in need could use it or if it could go toward an organization that would help those in need. You already did the hard part of decluttering, and now you feel refreshed with your clean space - consider paying it forward! It always feels good to give back!
