Spring is finally here, Indy. The temps are warming, the windows are opening, and if you’re anything like us, you’re starting to spring clean like your life depends on it.
If you’re amassing heaps of unwanted stuff in the process, why not make sure it goes toward helping your fellow Hoosiers? Here are a few places around town where you can donate everything from food to clothing to cars.
With seven donation barns and five ministry locations that all accept drop-offs, donating to Wheeler Mission is simple. Just keep in mind that food, furniture, and appliances are not accepted at the donation barns and must be donated at the shelters or store. If you don’t have much to donate but still want to give back, the organization also maintains several Amazon wishlists of needed goods.
Coburn Place helps families who have fled domestic violence heal and get a fresh start. This group doesn’t accept clothing but has a variety of other needs, including household goods, appliances, food, and personal care items. Make sure you make an appointment before dropping off your goods; you won’t be allowed in the gate without one.
This group accepts children’s necessities and clothing (size preemie to 14/16Y), which are then donated to families in Indianapolis and surrounding counties. With 10 donation locations, Lambswear has collected and distributed over 24,000 bags of free clothing since 2013.
Exodus Refugee helps refugees build self-sufficient lives for their families here in Indiana. Your gift of furniture, school supplies, cleaning items, and much more can be donated by appointment at the org’s Indianapolis office.
Help children from newborn to age 18 expand their reading opportunities by donating books to Indy Book Project, which distributes them to community centers, schools, and other locations that serve youth. You can also shop for and gift specific books from the group’s Amazon wishlist.
Popsie’s Pantry supports individuals and families living in the northwest quadrant of Indianapolis who experience food insecurity. It’s the perfect option for a quick and easy donation opportunity with things you already have at home: Current top needs include pasta, peanut butter, baby wipes, and paper towels.
The Julian Center provides domestic abuse survivors with free items needed to start a new life. The group accepts donations of gently used clothing along with household goods including linens, furniture, books, toys, and small appliances. Free furniture pickups are also offered — schedule your pickup at least two weeks in advance by calling 317-802-9612.
SVdP offers several drop-off or pickup options to make donating as easy as possible. Donations are given first to community members who reach out to the org through the helpline, and then are funneled to the Mission 27 stores, which provide additional revenue for the 30th Street food pantry and Changing Lives Forever program.
This group operates a free pantry for birthing folks and parents with young children. If you’ve got extra baby supplies on hand, such as unexpired car seats, pack-n-plays, bottles, and detergent, you can drop them off at several churches in the area to be donated.
Did we miss a donation center that’s close to your home or your heart? Let us know.
