I am regularly asked for suggestions on worthy charities to donate second hand furniture, electrical items, clothing, baby stuff and other random items to.  I have been asked three times in two days, so I thought I might write a blog post with a couple of ideas, for everyone to share!

Firstly, a great place to start is Brisbane born charity GIVIT – Goods For Good Causes.  GIVIT work with over 1000 front line charities, connecting people with new or quality second hand goods to people in need.  GIVIT operate all over Australia, and you can take a look online to see what is needed, such as work boots, toothbrushes, bunk beds, a microwave, a musical instrument, chairs, tables and more – check out the list of urgently needed items here or sign yourself up for the weekly GIVIT list.
Follow GIVIT on facebook or twitter

Another great option is RizeUp (one of the founders of AssistaSista) a Gold Coast based group of community volunteers who work together to help survivors of domestic violence to rebuild and repair by bringing hope and restoring faith.  Through the RizeUp Facebook they facilitate donations of clothing, furniture, non-perishable food items, toys and other essential and non-essential comfort items.
Follow RizeUp on facebook to find out what they need.

There is also My Friends’ Place, who offer a friendly ‘hand up’ to women experiencing homelessness, or at risj of homelessness after domestic violence, abuse or assault.  Located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, they use the power of their facebook page to ask for specific items to furnish houses for women – follow them here.

If you have broken, unwanted, surplus or redundant electrical items – don’t throw them in the bin!  Donate them to Substation33 who will recycle, reuse or repurpose them to create jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged jobseekers in Logan. They accept computers, printers, copiers, mobile phones, games consoles – anything with a plug or battery.  Incredibly they are able to recycle 96% of everything they receive.   Located at 31 Mary Street, Kingston, they will happily accept your donation Monday to Friday.  Give Tony and the team a call today on 3826 1533 or email info@substation.com.au – they might even be able to collect it from you!

Women’s Legal Service host an annual fundraiser pop up shop in May each year and would love your quality women’s clothing, accessories and shoes – contact Natalie for more info.

 Suit of Change is a social initiative, that collects and distributes pre-loved and gently worn suits, business shirts, trousers, ties, shoes, belts, cufflinks and partners with non-profit organisations to help low income job seekers get a job. Read my full Suit of Change blog post.
Mark collects from his shop Wil Valor Showroom 7/41 Park Rd, Milton, all year round.

Dressed For Success Brisbane and Suited for Success accept quality and gently worn corporate clothing to give people a fresh start. Follow Dressed For Success on facebook or twitter

Depending on what you are trying to donate, the next places I would consider is contacting your local homeless or domestic violence shelter direct.  Here are three contacts in South East Queensland:
Pindari Shelter – men, women and youth crisis centre ph: (07) 3832 1491
Chisholm House – domestic violence shelter for women and children (Northside)
Ipswich Women’s Shelter – crisis accommodation for women and children in Ipswich
Anglicare Southern Queensland provide accommodation and support to single women, women with children and young people who are homeless or at risk at becoming homeless.

Please note, that these shelters may not need what you want to give them, so please pick up the phone and ask first!

Grant the Polite Guy also runs regular Homeless BBQ’s, so depending on your items and the time of the year, he might be able to distribute your items.  Get some inspiration on what Grant is doing to help others here on his blog.

And finally, if all of these options don’t work out for you, consider donating your items to your local charity thrift shop.  Select a cause or organisation that resonates with you – many of the large charities accept second hand goods, and sell these items to fund their mission.

Lifeline – locations in Brisbane City, Nundah, Wilston, West End, Stafford, Bulimba, Toowong and many, many more.
Salvation Army – locations are Alderley, Lutwyche, Spring Hill and more
RSPCA – New Farm, Moorooka, Sherwood, Strathpine
Vinnies – enter your postcode on this link and find your nearest store

One small charity shop that I like is Yesterday’s Thrift Shop supporting Brain Injury Association in Rosalie Village, 39 Nash Street, Paddington.  You can pull up in the car park out the back, donate your goods and go – too easy!

Have I missed your favourite off the list?  Please tell me – I would love to know about others, and I am very happy to add to this list.