Where to donate items that furniture bank does not accept

Furniture Bank accepts donations of gently used furniture and household items to help furnish homes of individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and displacement. We accept most types of household furniture including soft items like sofas and mattresses, provided they are not ripped, stained or showing signs of infestation. Here is a list of the furniture donation items and household goods that we accept, and what we mean by ‘gently used’.

Below is a list of organizations accepting donations for items that we are unable to accept. We hope this guide helps you out when it’s time to get rid of your old stuff in an ethical manner:

Books

  1. Value Village: Value village accepts hard and soft cover books, and magazines. There’s bound to be one in your area, click here to find out!
  2. Children’s Book Bank: Children’s Book Bank accepts donations of new and gently used books for kids aged 12 and under. They must have no rips, stains or colouring marks, no missing pages or covers. Their priority and accepted books can be found here.
  3. Toronto Public Library: Toronto Public Library accepts donations of books that can be sold in their “Book Ends” stores. They must be in either English or French, in very good condition, and less than 5 years old.  They do not accept donations of magazines, encyclopedias, or textbooks.

Baby items & toys

  1. New Mom Project: New Mom Project aims to support new families in the Toronto area by providing basic baby necessities and additional items as available. They accept donations of baby clothes, toys, diapers & wipes, as well as several types of baby furniture. Items must be in full working order and meet current safety standards. Their list of accepted items can be found here. New mom Project has a drop off locations throughout the Toronto area – check out their facebook group for more information
  2. Value Village: Value village is another great option to consider donating baby items to. They cannot accept donations of Car Seats, Cribs and other related items. Their list of accepted items can be found here. Check out their closest location to you.

 

Sports equipment

  1. Play it Again Sports: Play it Again Sports may be interested in purchasing your used sports and exercise equipment. While this isn’t exactly donating it, you are helping to divert these items from ending up in the landfill, and also making them available at a lower price for others to use.
  2. Value Village: Value village accepts donations of many types of exercise and outdoor equipment. Check out their closest location to you here.

 

Musical instruments

  1. Girls Rock Camp Toronto: – Girls Rock Camp Toronto is a non-profit organization that builds self esteem through music creation. Female musicians offer music instruction and coach bands during practices. Girls Rock Camp Toronto is always in need of musical equipment to keep campers rocking – in particular, small keyboard amps, and portable PA systems. If you have something to donate, email girlsrocktoronto@gmail.com.
  2. Paul Hahn & Co: – If you have a Piano that has been maintained over the years and can be easily tuned, you may be able to donate it. Paul Hahn & Co facilitates donations to many charitable institutions, but places a special emphasis on finding pianos for the students of Dixon Hall Music School and the Regent Park School Of Music. To determine if a piano is suitable for donation, the piano must be tuned and assessed by a Paul Hahn & Co. technician. A charge of $250 + HST is collected for this service, with mileage charged for assessments outside of Toronto. Paul Hahn & Co cannot accept donations of pianos that have not been assessed and tuned by one of their technicians. Click here for more information on donating a piano.

 

Major appliances and building materials

  1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore: A ReStore is a retail store concept that accepts donations of overstocked, seconds, used, discontinued items and salvageable building materials donated by manufacturers, stores, contractors and individuals. Items can include a new and gently used furniture donation, building materials, appliances, cabinetry, sinks, countertops, household and décor items. The ReStore then sells those items to the public at a reduced cost, typically 50-80% percent off the original retail value. Habitat does operate a pickup service for larger items that you are unable to drop off. Click here for a list of accepted items, and click here to find a ReStore in your area.

 

Health and mobility items

  1. Red Cross Canada’s Health Equipment Loan Program (H.E.L.P) – Red Cross Canada’s Health Equipment Loan Programs empowers thousands of people each year to live more independently. HELP also plays an important role in the diversion of used equipment otherwise destined for landfill. Accepted items include wheelchairs, walkers, and bath benches, check out a more comprehensive list of items they do and do not accept here.

 

Donate today

Furniture Bank accepts furniture, kitchen items, housewares, artwork, TVs and any other items you expect in a home.
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