6 places to donate gently used clothing, furniture and other household items in York Region

By: Ryan Boyd, Up Hub summer student

As an older brother, I’m very familiar with going through my old wardrobe to sort out any unwanted clothes and accessories. Although these items often ended up in the possession of my younger brother, it taught me about the importance of passing on necessities to people who need them. Just because something doesn’t serve your needs anymore, doesn’t mean that it can’t be valuable to someone else. These things have the potential to give back and uplift people in your community.

Donating your gently used clothing, furniture and other household items is one of the best and easiest ways to support those in need. Here are six places in York Region where you can donate your gently used items and make a difference (make sure to call the location before you arrive to confirm that your items are suitable for donation).

1. The Salvation Army Thrift Store (various locations)

Address: 130 Davis Dr., Newmarket
Website: www.thriftstore.ca
Phone: 905-830-1656

11300 Yonge St., Richmond Hill
Website: www.thriftstore.ca
Phone: 905-787-8993

9293 Markham Road, Markham
Website: www.thriftstore.ca
Phone: 905-472-6506

The Salvation Army is an internationally recognized charitable organization. Salvation Army founder, General William Booth, created the Household Salvage Brigade, responsible for collecting unwanted household items in order to assist those in need.

Note: There are some items they are unable to accept due to sanitary and health and safety concerns. These items are outlined on their website and include: used mattresses and box springs, sofa beds, used wall-to-wall carpets, hazardous materials (e.g. paints), propane tanks, barbecues, infant equipment (e.g. car seats, cribs and strollers), tires and auto parts.

2. Stretch Thrift Outlet (various locations)

6 The Queensway South, Keswick
Website: www.stretchthrift.ca
Phone: 905-722-1011

26602 Highway 48, Sutton
Website: www.stretchthrift.ca
Phone: 905-476-1225

With two locations in Georgina, Stretch Thrift Outlet accepts the following donations: housewares, kitchen items, clothing and textiles, shoes, bedding, sporting goods, small appliances, and electronics.

3. H&M (various locations)

1 Promenade Circle, Vaughan
Website: www.hm.com
Phone: 905-886-7242

1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan
Website: www.hm.com
Phone: 905-760-1769

The Swedish fashion giant have donation bins in many of their stores worldwide. They accept clothing, home textiles, tablecloths, dishcloths, curtains, and cleaning clothes.

H&M has also recently launched Rewear, a digital platform that allows Canadian users to buy and sell used garments directly between consumers, inlcuding listings from any brand, not just H&M.

4. Second Chance Clothing and More

31 Wood Dale Rd., Vaughan
Website: www.secondchanceclothingandmore.com
Phone: 416-818-3974

Second Chance accepts donations of clothing and accessories. A portion of sales from every transaction goes towards charitable organizations, fundraising events, their “Give Back” and “Pay it Forward” social media challenges, and other projects throughout the year.

5. Care & Share Thrift Shop

33 Ringwood Dr., Stouffville
Website: www.stouffvillethrift.ca
Phone: 905-640-1410

Care & Share Thrift Shop supports donations of a variety of accessories, including clothing and textiles, electronics, books, housewares, indoor furniture, and décor.

6. JRCC Furniture Depot

1416 Centre St., Unit 6, Vaughan
Website: www.jrccfurnituredepot.org
Phone: 416-222-7105 ext. 500

The JRCC Furniture Depot is a non-profit program through the Jewish Russian Community Centre (JRCC) that supplies families and individuals in need with free furniture. They accept donations of gently used furniture from the surrounding community. Their inventory includes items that are essential for establishing new homes, including tables, chairs, desks, mattresses, and sofas.