Samurai swords, urns with ashes, broken dishes, and stained clothing and sheets are some of the items local thrift stores have rejected. These types of donations will get tossed or set aside.
The most sought-after items for resale are clothing, shoes, household items, books, linens, stuffed animals and collectibles.
Amanda Stevens, public relations and communications manager of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, says the organization hopes that people will "treat Goodwill like a good friend," donating only items you’d pass on to a loved one.
"The store has a policy against selling torn and stained items," she said.
But "old" isn’t necessarily bad. Some items are wanted for their retro appeal. These include ’80s boomboxes, oversize headphones and vintage clothing.
Shopping at thrift stores is budget-smart and environmentally responsible because the establishments intercept items that might otherwise end up in the landfill, Stevens said.
Erin Tait, a 34-year-old Hawaii Kai resident, regularly shops at Goodwill Industries.
"I find the best bargains. You just need to look through all of the stuff," he said.
Tait said he has bought clothing, hats, picture frames and other items.
"I found these brand new Nike sneakers for $6," he said, pointing to his feet.
Thrift shop sales also benefit a variety of charities, and donations to the stores can be tax-deductible.
"More than 90 cents of every dollar generated from the sale of donated items directly supports Goodwill’s mission of helping people find jobs to reach their full potential," Stevens said.
Proceeds from the Savers stores benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawaii. People can drop off goods at the store or call one of the nonprofits to schedule a pickup.
"When people have the items picked up at their home, the specific agency receives the profits from those items. Profits from items dropped off at the store are split equally between the three agencies," said Cassie Ieremia, store manager of Savers in Waipahu.
Large furniture and appliances are not accepted.
Stevens said that when making donations, inventory the items so proper documentation can be provided when filing for a tax deduction.
Tip: Make sure jacket pockets, purses and suitcases have been emptied and contain no valuables.
GIVE AWAY YOUR STUFF
Cleaning out your closet and cupboards? Here are some drop-off locations:
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF HAWAII
www.higoodwill.org
>> Beretania, 1075 S. Beretania St., 521-1798
>> Kaimuki, 3638 Waialae Ave., 737-3284
>> Kapolei, 2140 Lauwiliwili St., 792-5100
>> Pearl City, 98-019 Kamehameha Highway, 488-1230
>> Surplus Store, 1297 Kaumualii St., 845-7071
>> Wahiawa, 823 California Ave., 621-6054
>> Waipahu, 94-144 Farrington Highway, 677-9521
SAVERS
www.savers.com
>> 94-300 Farrington Highway, 671-0071
>> 1505 Dillingham Blvd., 842-0061
SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORES
www.salvationarmyhawaii.org
>> Honolulu, 322 Sumner St., 522-8400
>> Kailua, 638 Kailua Road, 261-1756
>> Wahiawa, 435 Kilani Ave., 621-7083
>> Waipahu, 94-925 Waipahu St., 671-0102
To donate…
… prom gowns and formal dresses:
>> www.thebellaprojecthawaii.org
>> www.fisherhouse.org/houses/house-locations/hawaii
… professional attire:
The Dress for Success Program accepts clothing to help women go on job interviews. Items accepted include coordinated, contemporary skirt and pant suits; crisp blouses, blazers and jackets; shoes, jewelry, handbags, new undergarments, unused cosmetics and pantyhose.
Donations can be dropped off at the YWCA of O‘ahu, 1040 Richards St., at the loading-zone parking in front of the building between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Call Kehau at 695-2603.
