The Ultimate Twin Cities Guide to Getting Rid of Stuff Responsibly Part Two: Mission-specific charities

When you're organizing or downsizing your home, it's easy to get stuck on certain items. You know they don’t belong in the trash, but you’re unsure how to get them into the right hands—whether it’s donating to a good cause or recycling responsibly. From old electronics to furniture, art supplies to household hazardous waste, finding the right place to take these items can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this Twin Cities-specific guide to help you declutter with confidence, ensuring your things find a new life, help someone in need, or are properly recycled.

This post is part two of a series where I'll break down the best options for donating and recycling in the Twin Cities. In this first installment, we focused on thrift stores, but In addition to thrift stores, several nonprofits in the Twin Cities metro area accept a variety of donations to support their missions. Check them out below!

1. Bridging

1. What they accept: Gently used furniture, household goods, and home decor, along with clothing and linens.

2. Cause: Bridging provides essential home furnishings and household items to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness or crisis situations. Their mission is to help these individuals create a stable and welcoming home environment.

3. Location: 201 W 7th St, Roseville, MN

4. More info: Visit their website for donation guidelines and store hours.
   

2. Animal Humane Society

1. What they accept: Towels, blankets, sheets (used for bedding), pet food, toys, leashes, and other pet supplies.

2. How donations help: Bedding provides comfort to the animals in their care, and food/supplies help maintain the welfare of pets awaiting adoption.

3. Drop-off locations: Golden Valley, Woodbury, Coon Rapids

4. More info: Animal Humane Society
   

3. People Serving People

1. What they accept: Household items (towels, sheets, kitchen supplies), baby supplies (diapers, formula), new or gently used clothing, hygiene products.

2. How donations help: Supports families experiencing homelessness by providing them with essential items during their stay.

3. Location: 614 3rd Street South, Minneapolis, MN.

4. More info: People Serving People
   
   

4. My Very Own Bed

1. What they accept: New mattresses, bed frames, bedding (sheets, comforters, pillows).

2. How donations help: Provides beds to children transitioning out of homelessness, helping them get a fresh start in a new home.

3. Location: Minneapolis-based.

4. More info: My Very Own Bed
   

5. Free Bikes 4 Kidz

1. What they accept: Gently used or new bicycles, bike parts, helmets.

2. How donations help: Refurbishes and donates bikes to children who might not otherwise have access to one.

3. Drop-off events: Held at various locations seasonally.

4. More info: Free Bikes 4 Kidz
   

6. Dress for Success Twin Cities

1. What they accept: Professional women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories (must be clean and in good condition).

2. How donations help: Provides professional attire to women looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, empowering them with the right wardrobe for job interviews and careers.

3. Location: 1549 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN.

4. More info: Dress for Success
   

7. ArtScraps (ArtStart)

1. What they accept: Fabric, yarn, paper, wood scraps, paint, art supplies, and various other materials that can be reused in creative projects.

2. How donations help: ArtScraps focuses on creative reuse and upcycling, making affordable art materials accessible to the community. Donations are resold at low prices to educators, artists, and families. The funds support ArtStart’s eco-arts education programming, which fosters environmental awareness through the arts.

3. Location: 1459 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul, MN.

4. More info: ArtScraps
   

8. Textile Center’s Garage Sale

1. What they accept: Fabric, yarn, thread, sewing notions, and other textile-related materials.

2. How donations help: Donations support an annual garage sale that raises funds for the Textile Center and provides affordable materials to artists and hobbyists.

3. Location: 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN.

4. More info: Textile Center

By donating to these local non profits, you’re not only decluttering your space but also supporting causes that make a difference in the community. In the next blog post, we'll dive into other local spots to know about as you declutter your home. Stay tuned!