Donate Your Gently Used Toys, Clothing, and Household Items to Help Others in our Community

Looking for the best place to donate clothes in Lakeland? Do you have kids toys you’d like to donate for a good cause? Prefer to donate your items to an organization that will reuse them to help others in our community?

We’ve got a list of donations centers in Lakeland where you can take your gently used and brand new items to be reused or resold to raise funds to support a specific cause. Almost all of the organizations listed here are local charities doing great work to help children, families, and those in need.

Full details and drop off locations can be found at the bottom of this post or by clicking the name of any organization.

Donation Reminders

• Charities can only use items that are new, unused, or nearly new. If you find something “gross” or unusable, chances are a charity will too.
• Clothing donations should be washed and clean without stains or tears.
• Toys should be in working order and have all parts.
• Try and deliver items in a way that is easy to sort through, most organizations rely on volunteer time to sort items for reuse.
• If you aren’t sure if an item can be reused – CALL and ask first. Phone numbers are listed at the bottom.

Furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Donate appliances, building materials, paint, furniture, cabinets, plumbing, lighting fixtures, windows, and more. Donated items are re-sold to the public at a fraction of the retail price and proceeds support Habitat for Humanity. Large item donation pick ups are available. You can also donate stained, ripped or worn-out clothing, towels, sheets and shoes to be recycled as insulation. (Only select appliances are accepted – call before donating).

Stuffed Animals

SAFE Chapter (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) – New and gently used stuffed animals are collected, cleaned if needed, and donated to local organizations that can use them.

Golf Clubs

The First Tee – Convert your old, unwanted golf equipment into a cash donation to The First Tee.  Clubs, golf balls, apparel, golf bags, range finders, etc. You will receive a free shipping label to send in your equipment, and in 3-4 weeks the First Tee will receive cash.

Eyeglasses

The Lions Club – accepts new, used, prescription, non-prescription, eyeglasses, safety glasses and sunglasses. Broken or incomplete glasses are not accepted. Deposit glasses in the eyeglass collection box at participating local Walmart Vision Centers and at locations around town. (There is not currently a donation box list however you can click here to find a club near you and inquire).

Books

The Lakeland Library – resells books, magazines, and DVDs. Drop off at the front counter in the Main Library. Many other local libraries also collect and resell donations to support library programs.

Bicycles

Pedal Power Bicycle Ministry at First Presbyterian Church – Collects used bicycles then restores and refurbishes to safe working order and gives away for FREE to Children and Adults in need. To donate a bicycle you can drop off at the Church main office Monday – Friday between the hours of 9 and 4.

Suitcases, Duffle Bags, and Luggage

The Bag Ladies Suitcase Ministry at First Presbyterian Church collects suitcases, duffle bags, carry-ons, etc. They clean, refurbish and decorate the bags and donate them to Heartland for Children for use by foster children in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. Donations can be dropped off at the church office at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Volunteers are always welcome,

Pet Supplies, Towels & Blankets

SPCA Florida – Used blankets and towels can be repurposed for animal crate beds. Wish list items include: Dog and cat beds,  Kitty supplies – litter, toys, food, treats; Dog supplies – dry puppy food, dog food, biscuits, Nyla Kongs, Peanut Butter for Kongs (regular, NOT sugar free), Dog Leashes, Collars & Easy Walk Harnesses.

Polk County Animal Shelter – Gratefully accepts all donations intended for the health and comfort of the animals housed in our shelter. Needed items include old towels and linens, dog and cat beds, pet toys, old dog and cat transport crates, bird and small animal cages, newspapers, etc. The veterinary staff is always in need of workable gently-loved medical equipment, bandages, and other medical supplies. You’d be surprised at what can be adapted to help the animals in our care.

Prom Dresses, Tuxedos & Fancy Accessories

Night To Shine – donate dresses and dress clothing for this special needs prom that happens each January at First Presbyterian Church. Drop off donations at the church, and click here to read more about this event.

Project Prom Polk – This teen run organization hosts a Project Prom Store during Prom, Homecoming & Graduation time each Spring & Fall. High school students in need can pick out formal wear and accessories at no cost in return for signing a pledge to celebrate alcohol/substance-free. Donations are accepted at the Project Prom Store when open and at the InnerAct Alliance office.

Clothing & Accessories

Top Buttons -The Boutique proceeds help fund the Wearing Confidence Program to promote positive body image, healthy self-esteem and modesty among young women. Donations accepted include quality new or used clothing items and accessories for females including: Pre-teen, teen, adult, maternity and plus sizes, shoes, handbags, scarves, belts, and jewelry.

Children’s Clothes Closet at First United Methodist Church – The Children’s Clothes Closet supplies nearly 2,000 homeless and at-risk infants, children and teens in our community with everyday clothing, school uniforms, personal care kits and more. Donations of new or clean, gently worn clothing in sizes from newborns through adults, new underwear (with unopened packaging) and travel-sized personal care items help serve more children.

Hidden Gem Consignment – This is a consignment store where you can sell clothing and household items, but they also accept your donations. When items are donated and resold 100% of that profit goes to Hands Across The Bay which assist victims of domestic violence. Items that can’t be resold are provided to Peace River Center. Items accepted include clothes, handbags and shoes for women, men and children.

The Nest – The Nest, a non-profit organization that supports local families in their childbearing years, has a Give & Take Boutique that is free and open to the community.  They accept donations of baby clothes sized newborn to 12 months, maternity wear, and other small odds and ends for babies and expectant moms (bottles, blankets, bows, carriers, etc.)

Toys, Books, Children/Teen Clothing, Stuffed Animals, Household Items

Peace River Center’s Thrift Shop – The Thrift Shoppe gratefully accepts donations from the community and is open to the public for shopping. Thrift Shoppe proceeds are used to support the 30+ programs run by Peace River Center including 24-hour crisis services, Domestic violence shelters and victim advocacy, Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, Rape Recovery & Resource Center, Substance abuse treatment, and more. Clients of Peace River Center can also shop for necessities at the Thrift Shoppe through a voucher program.

ECHO Ministries – Helps families who are caring for children that aren’t their own including foster families, relative/non relative caregivers, and adopting families. They accept clothing and other donations for children from infant through teen are welcome as well as twin and bunk beds, new socks and underwear, diapers, pullups, and wipes.

LoBo Ranch – LoBo Ranch serves sibling groups in foster care. Welcomed donations include cribs, twin beds, pack n plays, diapers, baby formula and children’s hygiene items.

Regenerations Resale Shop – Bargain prices for clothing, housewares, toys, and furniture! Donations of gently used clothing and current electronics, furniture, etc., appreciated. Supports the ministries of Resurrection Catholic Church and School.

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes and One More Child– Donations needed include children’s clothing, toys, books, bedding, women’s clothing, diapers, household items, kitchen supplies, food, and more. All donations are used for children and families in their services including foster care, family support, single moms programs, and more.

Children’s Home Society – Building bridges to success for children. Visit the CHS website to see a full list of donation items including clothing, household supplies, toiletries, bedding and linens, and more

New Life Center for Family Preservation – The focus of the NLC is to meet the needs of the homeless pregnant women and support them in their desire to keep and raise their child…. changing lives two at a time. Donate items to the ministry.

The Dream Center of Lakeland – The Dream Center of Lakeland operates a community co-op which provides non-perishable food, clothing, and home goods to those they serve, at no charge.

Lighthouse Ministries – Serves the community by providing needed products and clothing at reasonable prices at our stores. You can contribute by donating goods to be resold.

George Harris Jr. Runaway & Youth Crisis Center – This is a shelter for children who often need an emergency “Safe Place.” Those who are runaway or homeless, “locked out” or “kicked out” of their home by parents or guardians, need emergency shelter placement due to abuse and/or neglect. Donations needed include clothes, shoes, school supplies, toiletries, games, sports equipment, etc. for ages 10 – 17.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry – Donations needed include “teen things” – clothing, hygiene items, card games, etc. Small dollar store/kids meal type toys, hygiene items, school supplies, snacks, candy, and toys. Club members earn “club bucks” on a daily basis that are used to teach financial literacy. The kids decide whether to save or spend their “club bucks” and learn the value of both choices.

Mulberry Community Service Center – Visit the thrift store featuring seasonal decor, household items and more. All proceeds from the thrift store support the community center and the food bank. Accepting food and clothing donations. Clothing donations should be washed and food items should be in date.

Women’s Resource Center – Winter Haven – Helps women and their families during times of crisis and transition. Donations to help local women and their families: diapers and pull-ups, formula, baby wipes, baby shampoo, teething gel, soap, deodorant, bath products, feminine products, toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste, non-perishable food.

Map – Find a Donation Center Near You

Clothing Donations Near You

Visit our Community Resources Directory for the full listings for the organizations listed above including addresses and phone numbers.