You've finally done it. You've successfully taken on the task of clearing out unwanted items from your closets, cabinets and basement. From appliances to clothing and everything in between, it feels good to round up what no longer serves you to make room for what does. What feels even better? Donating those items to organizations who can get them in the hands of those who could use them.
While there are plenty of options to choose from, we've rounded up a short list to get you started.
IN THE IMAGE | intheimage.org
With a mission of providing hope, dignity and respect through the best shopping experience money does not have to buy, In the Image (ITI) seeks to help people on some of the worst days of their lives by offering a welcoming environment to shop clothing and household necessities, at no cost.
ITI accepts items ranging from linens, kitchen items, small appliances, games, toys and books to clothing, accessories, shoes and other miscellaneous basics. They even accept certain types of materials for rags! Of course, ensure your new or gently used items are free of pet hair and are freshly laundered so they're ready to be enjoyed by those who receive them.
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | grwrc.org
The Business Boutique at Women's Resource Center is all about helping women make the right first impression by providing the participants in their programs with gently worn, high quality professional clothing and accessories appropriate for job interviewing.
The Business Boutique looks for items like two-piece suits, blazers, purses, dress pants, blouses, jewelry, skirts, lightweight cardigans/sweater sets and coats that are currently in style (three years old or less). Also accepted are brand new bras and hosiery. Donation drop-offs are currently by appointment only, so be sure to schedule a time to swing by with your professional clothing items.
INCLUSIVE OTTAWA COUNTY | linktr.ee/inclusiveottawacounty
Inclusive Ottawa County seeks to identify and uplift the voices of historically excluded groups and serve as a bridge to resources; create space that's safe for people to educate and be themselves; as well as provide resources, such as food, clothing—and eventually financial assistance—to underserved community members.
Items to consider for donation include: Food, hygiene products, new or used clothing in good condition, books and seasonal items. Inclusive Ottawa County—currently located at at 4950 32nd Ave, Suite A in Hudsonville while renovating their future community center—is open Sundays from 2-5 p.m., Mondays from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., and various dates for scheduled events.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY KENT COUNTY | habitatkent.org/restore
Habitat Kent's ReStore sells new and gently-used building materials and home improvement products to the community at discounted prices. Proceeds from the sales at ReStore go right back into the community, helping to fund Habitat's homebuilding and vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Ideal items to donate to ReStore include: appliances, cabinets, doors, electrical supplies, fasteners, furniture, hardware, housewares, lighting, lumber, plumbing, reclaimed wood, supplies, tile, tools, upholstery, wallpaper, windows and more. Habitat Kent also offers a Material Recovery Program, perfect for homeowners who are starting a home improvement project and want to donate salvageable materials. Donations can be made in person or can be scheduled for pickup.
If you're still stuck on figuring out how to clean house and get organized, revisit our past article "Home Organization Essentials: Tips and Tricks from an Expert"
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor of West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Feb/Mar '23 issue of West Michigan Woman.
