PORTLAND, Ore. — With the new year fast approaching many are cleaning out their homes of items they no longer utilize. Instead of tossing those items consider donating them to organizations that help those in need.
Here's a non-exhaustive list of organizations that are taking donations:
211info is a private community based nonprofit organization funded by state and municipal contracts, foundations, donations and community partners in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It serves Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties in Washington and the entire state of Oregon.
They are currently accepting any winter gear donations such as but not limited to: warm and waterproof adult items for outdoor sleeping, jackets (all sizes), hats, gloves, socks, tents, tarps, sleeping bags, hand and feet warmers, blankets, towels, men’s & women’s clothing, thick socks, new underwear, waterproof/resistant hats, gloves, boots, shoes, gift cards, and toiletries (deodorant, razors & shaving cream, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrushes, dental floss, mouthwash, soap & body wash).
- The non-profit is partnered with many other organizations across the Portland metro area. Any of the partnered locations listed here will gladly take donations.
The Union Gospel Mission provides over 194,000 meals each year to those that are experiencing homelessness and those in need. From providing food boxes to meals they also provide a space with coffee and snacks, clothing, hygiene items, referral services and cold weather shelter to the houseless.
The nonprofit is seeking gently used and re-sellable furniture, appliances, clothing and more. They can pick up your items for free. They ask that you review their donations guidelines before calling to schedule a pickup.
Their drop off donation hours are:
- Tuesday through Saturday anytime between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Located at:
- 11611 SW Pacific Highway Tigard, OR 97223
Rose Haven is a day shelter, as well as community center, that serves women, children and gender non-conforming folks who are experiencing abuse, homelessness or any other life challenges. They believe in providing resources and a safe space to empower those that comes into Rose Haven.
The organization is seeking gently used supplies and clothing. There is a more detailed list here. They take two bags per donor but if contacted in advance they have no problem accepting any donations. They also accept donations to their Amazon wish lists as well as monetary donations at this link.
Their drop off donation hours are:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays anytime between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Located at:
- 1740 Northwest Glisan Street, Portland
Share is a nonprofit organization that believes in supporting the Clark County community by building relationships, advocating for equitable access to housing and food stability while empowering every individual to grow and thrive.
They are accepting donations of high-need items such as non-perishable as well as fresh food, outdoor supplies, personal hygiene items, household items, seasonal clothing and monetary donations.
Their drop off donation hours are:
- Mondays and Fridays anytime between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Located at:
- Clothing and household goods can be dropped off at the shelter at 900 West 12th Street, Vancouver
- Furniture can be dropped off at 915 West 13th Street, Vancouver
Please note for any food donations there are separate hours and locations listed here.
Open House Ministries is a faith-based community organization helping families experiencing homelessness by providing shelter and intervention through faith many different programs.
The nonprofit is seeking clothing, household items, furniture, hygiene products, non-perishable pantry items and fresh produce.
Their drop off donation hours are:
- Tuesdays anytime between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Thursdays anytime between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Located at:
- 2306 Northeast Andresen Road, Vancouver
The Giving Closet serves individuals and families from a variety of different backgrounds empowering them with resources. They also have a free community store where shoppers shop for free items based on their needs.
They are currently seeking winter items and have a list of items they don't accept listed here.
They ask for you to place your items in bags or boxes under 20 lbs. Grouping similar items together and labeling them is helpful for the organization.
Their drop off donation hours are:
- Fridays anytime between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Located at:
- 1740 Northwest Glisan Street, Portland
PACS is a faith-based organization made up of staff, volunteers, donors and community partners who work together to provide food, low-cost dental care and low-cost clothing/household items to individuals and families.
They are accepting donations of high-need items such as non-perishable as well as fresh food, outdoor supplies, personal hygiene items, household items, seasonal clothing and monetary donations.
They accept donations by appointment only and ask that you review their donations guidelines before calling to an appointment at the number 503-252-8500.
