Dec. 02, 2024 | CREB

Give back this holiday season: Organizations accepting used goods this December

With the end of the year also comes time for decluttering and downsizing to let a new chapter begin feeling lighter and refreshed. If you find extra clothes, toys or sporting goods in good condition in your decluttering process, please know that they can be loved by someone else.  

Here are 10 organizations in Calgary and area you can donate to:

1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home improvement outlets that accept and resell new and used furniture, home décor, appliances and building materials, with all proceeds going towards funding Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Alberta home building projects.

To donate, you can request an item pick-up here. Companies looking to donate items can also request an item pick-up here.

2. Calgary Donations / MOMS Canada

The Calgary Donations Program helps fund the work of MOMS Canada, a non-profit organization that helps single moms and their children.

They accept clothing and shoes in wearable condition, accessories such as ties, sunglasses or hats, as well as kitchenware, home décor, small electronics, sporting gear, bikes, musical instruments, hand tools, and more. See the full list of acceptable donations.

To donate, you can easily schedule a pick-up here.

3. Calgary Drop-In Centre’s Free Goods Program

Funded by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, this program provides lightly used goods such as furniture, clothing, computers and household goods to low- and no-income Calgarians.

The program has capacity for items of all sizes and can accept items shipped or donated in person at 3640 11a St. NE, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learn more about the program and accepted items here.

4. Diabetes Canada

Diabetes Canada accepts donations of clothing and textiles, small household items, home décor, shoes and more items, to raise money for diabetes research and support programs.

To donate, find a donation bin near you, or schedule a pick up.

5. The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed is a non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984.

They’re currently accepting donations for all seasons of men’s and women’s new or gently used and laundered clothing, footwear, backpacks, blankets and towels. Find a list of urgent items needed here.

All items are received Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 102-11 Ave SE.

6. Books Between Friends

Instead of letting your books collect dust, consider donating them to Books Between Friends, an organization dedicated to raising funds through book sales.

They support charities such as Alberta Guide Dogs, Calgary Cerebral Palsy, Calgary Remand Centre, and Calgary Veterans Food Bank.

Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please no ripped, tattered or torn books.

Learn how to donate here.

7. Calgary Flames Sports Bank

Low-income families face several barriers when it comes to accessing sports, such as the cost of fees and equipment. But for the past 10 years, the Calgary Flames Sports Bank has helped in tearing them down.

Currently, they’re accepting and prioritizing the following items for youth: basketballs, basketball shoes, soccer shin pads, indoor soccer shoes, soccer balls, hockey skates (adult 6 and up), neck guards, junior hockey jocks and jockey jills.

Check out which drop-off location is closest to you here.

8. May’s Toybank Ltd

May’s Toybank Ltd collects donations of children’s clothes and toys, as well as baby items, and redistributes them to families in need in Chestermere, Langdon and Strathmore.

You can schedule a donation pickup by calling 403-903-1973 or emailing maystoybank@gmail.com.

9. Dress for success Calgary

By providing no-fee programs, development tools and professional attire, this not-for-profit helps unemployed and underemployed women to achieve economic independence so they can thrive in work and life.

Dress for Success Calgary accepts suits, pants, blazers, dresses, and more. Find the full list of acceptable items here.

Items can be dropped off at 6516 1A St. SW Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check out their hours and holiday schedule here.

10. Electronics Recycling Association

Focused on reducing unnecessary waste and environmental impact, the Electronic Recycling Association retires and repurposes unwanted electronic and IT equipment.

They accept desktop and laptop computers, printers, computer peripherals, phone systems, software and assorted parts.

Book a pick-up here.

Tagged: Holiday