It’s a bittersweet life fact—kids grow up, and they grow fast. That cute onesie you bought when you were pregnant, her favorite wooden blocks, and even the book he demanded you read nightly—eventually, your baby will outgrow them all. Solution? Find places to donate them. Donating baby and children’s items is an excellent way to extend their lifespan, as well as teaching your kids the importance of charity and giving back.
But what are the best places to donate your gently used items? If you live in the Los Angeles area, these are some of the best options.
Council Thrift Stores
Created and run by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), The Council Shop is an institution that offers useful and near-pristine household items. Clothes, furniture, toy, and book donations are welcomed.
Address: Six locations in Burbank, Canoga Park, Fairfax District, Mar Vista, and West Los Angeles. Check directions here.
Number: 323-655-3111
Email: [email protected]
photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr
Goodwill Southern California
Undisputable leaders in the field of goodwill donations, the aptly-titled Goodwill Southern California has a century of experience providing for others across 80 different stores and loves to receive children and baby items.
Address: There are over 80 Goodwill donation centers. Take a look at the Goodwill Locator to find the closest one.
Number: 213-673-4875
Email: [email protected]
Union Rescue Mission
The oldest nonprofit rescue mission in Los Angeles, this inspiring institution focuses on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. Baby items—mainly furniture donations—are greatly appreciated.
Addresses: First location at 15918 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90603; second location at 280 E Arrow Hwy, 280 E Arrow Hwy, Covina, CA 91722.
Number: 213-673-4875
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles Mission
Los Angeles Mission is one of California’s most reputable Christian charities collecting donations. Keep in mind that any children’s clothes donations should be sorted and labeled according to size and gender. You can find all of their donation instructions here.
Address: 303 East 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Number: 213-629-1227
Email: [email protected]
photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr
Salvation Army
One of the most well-known places to donate, the Salvation Army is an international organization working towards the wellbeing of the unserved. Always open to receiving children’s items, odds are one of their many Southern California locations is bound to be near you.
Address: Multiple locations across LA
Number: 1-800-SA-TRUCK / 1-800-728-7825
Email: Depends on the location
Harvest Home LA
Harvest Home is a residential program in Los Angeles built to assist homeless pregnant women and their children. As such, it’s one of the best places to donate maternity and baby items, clothes, and toys. Just keep in mind you need to contact them in advance to arrange the donation pick-up.
Address: Physical location not available online for safety issues.
Number: 310-452-1223
Email: [email protected]
San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission
Always in search of gently used items, the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission accepts donation pick-ups of mostly all children and baby items, as long as they are in excellent condition, so make sure to check their instructions.
Address: 8756 Canby Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325
Number: 800-417-5678, 818-785-4476
Email: [email protected]
LA County DPSS Toy Loan Program
Described as a “library for toys,” the Toy Loan Program allows children to borrow toys to play with and return them as they would a book. It runs on donations, so if you have gently used toys, you can request a free pick-up.
Address: 2615 S. Grand Ave., 2nd Fl. Los Angeles, Los Angeles 90007.
Number: 213-744-4344, 213-765-6794.
Donating toys, clothes, and books not only helps families in need, but it also helps the environment. Swapping items with other parents is another excellent way to ensure that the things your kids have outgrown find a new home instead of ending up in the waste stream. Join our Facebook group to connect with other local families.
