Man, screw this place. I tried taking a huge box of games and puzzles, everyone of which was bought within the last few years, the boxes are all in good shape, I know the puzzles are complete, games are complete, etc. (we're strict about our kids taking care of their stuff and picking up after themselves). They said they only take unopened games and puzzles... So it just so happens the items I'm donating are what they have restrictions on...basically go buy these items brand new and drop it off to them or they won't take it. I figured with Christmas coming up it would be a good gesture to drop off a bunch of things kids would like, but because they've been opened they're not good enough for Goodwill... I had this happen with a bunch of furniture (apartment grade furniture but in really nice shape) we attempted to donate once when a friend of mine was moving. ONE drawer handle was loose on a dresser. They saw it and were flapping it around and said they couldn't take it. I said all you need to do is get a Phillips screwdriver and tighten it (we didn't notice loading it up). They refused. So we left and hauled it all to the dump. This was in Nashville and I figured it was just the workers at that location. Nope, it must be a Goodwill thing. If it's not mint with the price tag still on it or furniture with a fresh coat of Pledge they don't want it. I'm done trying to donate to them...that even sounds insane typing "trying to donate". So I guess the best thing is to actually donate directly to a church. Anyone else experience this when going out of your way to donate stuff?
That's asinine, I can't recall the story very well but heard of other people having goodwill turn them away for stuff like that. I tried donating some mop buckets from work to salvation army and got turned away cause they didn't have the space for them, middle of summer and they're warehouse was full with no people to help sort.
That has to vary by region/store. Wife and I were in one in Baltimore today, a rather large one, and they had a whole bunch of opened/pre-played games like that for sale.
Our GW has used games and books, etc. Do you have other places around that take donations of goods like that Moparguy ? We have several here locally that are non profit (unlike GW) and raise money for missions...less picky than GW.
The goodwills in our area take anything. Used clothing, games, puzzles, dishes, cookware, etc, etc. Find another place that will show some gratitude for you bringing it in to them. Around here, we have St. Vincent DePaul that operates like a goodwill but nowhere near the prices that goodwill charges.
Another vote for St. Vicente DePaul or another faith based charity other than Good will that pays upper management Huge $$$$
Another idea is to donate things like that to nursing homes and assisted living. I did this after my wife passed away and they were very happy to receive.
I tried to donate an old bedroom set they insisted the one dresser was a 60's era stereo. Even after I opened the drawers and door on it, they said they don't take stereo's. I dropped it off at the Restore
Here our GW is picky and the prices are crazy! I picked up one item that I almost bought a few Christmases prior, knew the store, the brand, and the price. Price tag was more than what they sold for. We have a Church here that is far more productive and used by the people.
Yup....the prices on goodwill stores have shot through the roof in our area in the last few years (pre-covid).
Sadly I gave up on them and my experience was before Covid. But we still have the church in town that makes good use of donations, and its the weirdest thing where I live since there are not dept or big box stores here (except walmart, which everyone uses too), used items from other than wally world are taken and appreciated. It was not this way in Colo.
We have Salvation Army here. They're reasonable on both ends. There is a local pantry/soup kitchen/clothing and furniture place. Both good options..... Your senior center might take stuff, or know where to bring it. Were always taking stuff down to one place or another, our stuff or others because they know we go there.
