Giving with Dignity in Mind: What to Know Before You Donate

At Welcome Home Thrift & More, donations help serve the local community, and we’re grateful for the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors. But not all donations are equal. Some well-meant items are too worn or damaged to use. When that happens, time, effort, and money go toward disposal rather than helping people in need.

Because of the nature of our work and the communities we serve, people have many perceptions about what donations should look like. We’ve compiled answers to frequently asked questions to help you decide what to give.

“If people are desperate, they shouldn’t be picky.”

Being in need shouldn’t mean settling for whatever is available. Everyone deserves clean, safe, and functional items they can feel good about using.

We aim to offer dignity through quality. That’s not about being picky—it’s about treating people with respect.

“Can I donate clothes with stains or holes?”

If you wouldn’t wear it or give it to a friend, please don’t donate it.

We regularly receive clothing that’s stained, torn, or has strong odors. These items can’t be used and often have to be thrown out.

Please donate items that are clean, in good condition, and ready to wear.

“Why won’t you come inside and move the furniture?”

Most of our team are volunteers. We’re not insured to enter homes or move heavy items indoors.

If you’ve scheduled a pickup, please have your items ready at the curb, in a garage, or another accessible space.

“I’m donating it. You should take it.”

We’re grateful for every donation, but we sometimes have to say no. We get it: some items are donated because it’s easier than paying to discard them. But when we receive broken, dirty, or incomplete items, we have to pay to dispose of them, and those costs add up.

That money could be used to support local families. Please donate clean, complete, and useful items.

“Why can’t I drop off donations when the store is closed?”

Items left outside after hours are often damaged by weather, can blow away, or are otherwise unsecured. That means your donation may never reach someone who needs it. It also does not allow us to determine what we can and cannot accept.

The best outcome is to bring items during store hours so we can receive and process them properly. You may also call us to arrange a time outside regular receiving hours.

“Do you throw a lot away?”

We try not to. We’re careful with what we discard. If something is still usable but not right for our store, we do our best to redirect it to shelters, partner nonprofits, or other reuse channels.

But some things are simply at the end of their lives—too damaged, unsafe, or below standard to pass on. In those cases, we discard them. Thoughtful giving helps reduce waste, lower costs, and ensure usable items reach those who need them.

Giving Thoughtfully

Every donation shapes someone’s experience. When you donate with care, you help us serve with dignity.

Thanks for being part of a community that gives with thought, purpose, and respect.