We all have that dreaded pile somewhere in the house. You know the one…
It sits there forever and you’re not sure what to do with it. You’ve probably kept it around “just in case” you need it one day.
But you and I both know, that we just need to get rid of it.
Goodwill is one of those “everyone wins” opportunities. You donate items to help your local community and get the opportunity to declutter your life piece by piece.
You’re helping to fund opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages. Goodwill, in turn, uses those funds from items bought at the store for job training and placement of those individuals.
Check out this donation impact calculator. It will help you determine just how much you could be helping people in your community by donating things you will likely never use.
On the flip side of donation, you can be super frugal and do some great repurposing with items that have been donated by others. You’ll save a ton of cash and help others while you spend.
Having two young boys, I’m big on prepping and self-sufficiency. Goodwill has been one of those hidden gems you can’t stop shopping at.
Here are my best finds at Goodwill – like a true thrifter.
Preparedness Items You Can Find Second Hand
- Clothes – Focus on high-quality, durable items that will hold up well. Buy in the off-season for extra savings.
- Bedding (Blankets, sheets, towels) – Some of these are good as new.
- Shoes – If you see a pair in great shape that is only a size or two ahead of your kids, pick them up and set them aside for later.
- Activities (Books, board games, toys) – Non-electronic activities will be important during a power outage. Grab some of these on the dollar to keep your kids entertained.
- Cooking utensils – Manual can openers and pots/pans that would be good on fire are perfect at Goodwill.
- Candles – Can you ever really have enough? Make some fun candle holders go with them.
- Old jars – canning jars, baby food jars and other small jars for remaking candles can be easily found.
- Multi-purpose tool – Screwdriver, bottle opener, scissors, and other multi-purpose tools are in abundance here.
- Baby supplies – bottles and reusable diapers can be found at nearly all Goodwill locations.
- Sewing items – safety pins, thread, and needles are a must for every prepper.
So many of these items can be used for more than what first comes to mind. You can use t-shirts and towels as first aid items or even as diapers. Candles that are half used can be melted down to make new candles. If you have a big stock pot, it can be used to wash clothes.
All of these survival items can be purchased at Goodwill, plus so many more. So before you head to your local big box retailer to spend big cash, think about heading to Goodwill instead.
This post is made possible by Element Associates.
Emmie O says
I agree! But i do think it’s important to remember that Goodwill isn’t the only thrift store. There are many others that do equally good work and don’t have the name recognition that Goodwill does. In many cases, these smaller stores have MUCH better prices, which can save even more money. And they have a higher need for your donations as well.
I think the point is to re-think what our society and culture has taught us, and jump out of that box. Find a good thrift store that meets your needs, and give back what you don’t need any more.
It’s win-win all around!
Erica Mueller says
No doubt! There are tons of great thrift stores, some local and some national.
Max says
Good point! Did you know that some thrift stores donate 100% of their proceeds to charitable organizations like W.E.A.V.E. and that goodwill is being forced to take down their title of non-profit. Did you know that Goodwills c.e.o. makes over $800,000 a year?
Jillian says
That’s So True. I just learned that about Goodwill. It’s Sad the Money Really doesn’t help People in the Community. There was a Big House Fire Family lost Everything. And Goodwill Did Not Help Donate Anything. ? Sad. I’m Not being mean, Just Honest. The Word needs to go Out and the Big People needs to Fix it. I just Want them All to Really Truly Help. Do the Right thing.
jack says
Actually I will not donate to any of the “BIG NAME” thrift stores. When 90% of their profits are going to pay the ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF and the last 10% goes to keep the lights on then whatever is left over goes to their programs to help others that does not sit well with me. Please research the company before donating. You can google search any charitable organization and see exactly where their money goes. Always do this before donating. Red Cross is another that pays it’s administrative staff oodles and oodles amounts in salaries!! Just my 2 cents worth!
Jeffrey says
I have found numerous items suitable for preppers at Goodwill. I have purchased two backpacks, good ones, not the kind for kidskids to take to school. They make great bug out bags to keep in each car. I paid less than $10 for each one.
Emily says
These are all great items to find second hand, and I agree with Jeffrey. Backpacks and other carrying bags can be found for next to nothing. Use these used backpacks to pack your emergency packs in. You will spend less money and feel prepared for the worst.
Suzanne Gorrell says
Goodwill is not a charity at all and gives not one red cent back to the community. The ceo gets so rich because it is a buswiness that has 100% of their goods donatede.They probably have goodwill to those thqat donate.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-hrabe/the-worst-corporation-in-_b_1876905.html
Cheryl says
Salvation Army does so much good for the homeless and needy in our county.
ClaireElla says
There are some thrift stores in my town staffed completely by volunteers that give all proceeds to local animal shelters. If you’re looking for the nicest products overall, typically, just look for stores in the nicest parts of town. One of the ones I go to regularly for clothes (about half with the tags still on) is 1/2 from the nicest country club in town. I get new men’s RL shirts for $3.49 and upcycle them into dresses. I also got a new TH polo shirt and turned it into the cutest tennis dress for summer (I didn’t wear it to play tennis, but it was certainly cute in the grocery store!)
Eileen says
Just let’s enjoy recycling. Everyone likes a bargain. Saves money and production. What’s not to like ???? Kindness is a warm hug. X