giving back
These 11 charities in Dallas will pick up your donations from home
Whether the kids have flown from the nest, it's time to move, or it's starting to look like a hoarders situation, hauling those items you don't want or need anymore can be a hassle, especially in the summer heat.
But for numerous charities in the area, it's a great opportunity to give someone a helping hand, and they're not just happy to take items off donors' hands, they'll send a truck to the front door, load up the items, and be on their way. It takes just a few clicks to get a Dallas-area service to come knocking and drive off with a load that otherwise (if one's being honest) would stay right where it is.
Here are 11 options that will save a lot of time, energy, and, most importantly, money.
Salvation Army
At this charity, Dallasites need only enter their ZIP code here, enter the number and type of items they want to donate, and schedule a pick-up. The Salvation Army Family Stores accept clothes, books, household items, chairs, couches, and miscellaneous things.
Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity
This nonprofit accepts appliances, cabinets, doors, electrical supplies, flooring, hardware, tools, and several other items. But they will only take items from the first floor of homes and buildings, garages, or driveways. They will not accept items that require using stairs, take long distances to collect, or involve any obstacles.
The Arc of Texas
This organization supports Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and accepts clothes, household items, and vehicles. To schedule a pick-up, contact the Dallas office at 214-337-8900 or arctxdfw@reuseit.org.
North Texas Food Bank
The North Texas Food Bank, which serves a 13-county region and provides more than 190,000 meals a day, schedules pick-ups for canned-food drives that collect at least 250 items. For more information, head to the organization's donation page, register the food drive, and then request pick-up.
Vehicles For Charity
Want to get rid of a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or RV? Regardless of condition, this group accepts donations from across the country. Donors can choose the state from which the vehicle is being picked up and then select a charity to receive it.
Car Donation Foundation
This national organization's initiatives include Wheels For Wishes, which supports local chapters of Make-A-Wish, and Vehicles for Veterans, which benefits veterans living with post traumatic stress disorder, experiencing homelessness, or living with a disability from their their service.
Dallas Furniture Bank
The Carrollton-based Dallas Furniture Bank offers furniture pickup. Items should be free of rips, tears, stains, and pet hair. They’re looking for essential items such as sofas and loveseats, upholstered chairs, coffee and end tables, dining room tables and chairs, and more. The store won't accept items broken beyond repair or are in a condition that could affect hygiene or health, such as smoke-filled furniture.
National Kidney Foundation
This organization will take cars in any condition off your hands, and they can even pick up your donation when you aren't home. To donate, first provide some contact information and details about the vehicle, including make, model, and year.
Cars For a Cure
From the American Cancer Society, Cars For a Cure explains in a very thoughtful way what one car donation can mean. A car donation could cover the cost of up to 24 rides for cancer patients, to and from treatment; support 24 calls for expert information; fund personalized information kits for newly diagnosed patients; and more, according to the organization's website. To schedule a pick-up, just fill out a form and choose an available date.
DonationTown
This site accepts general donations based on ZIP code. Scheduling a pick-up is as easy as entering your ZIP code, choosing a charity in your area, and setting a date.
PickUpMyDonation
Another catch-all option allows folks to donate, even if they don't have a charity in mind. PickUpMyDonation sends pick-up requests to partner agencies based on location, but if an affiliate isn't close enough to for a visit, the site will contact all charities operating locally to find one that will take items off donors' hands. Note that organizations will only schedule pick-ups for larger donations because of resources.