Goodwill accepts gently used CDs, DVDs, records, VHS tapes, collectibles, electronics, appliances, furniture and even automobiles to sell in stores and on their website. The proceeds are then used to benefit those with barriers to employment by empowering them with job training and job placement services. Reach out to a local Goodwill store for more details on how to drop off your donations or have them picked up.

The Salvation Army accepts accepts furniture, linens, kitchenwares, sports equipment, automobiles and other household goods. Donated items sold at their thrift stores are used to fund addiction rehabilitation programs, which help those struggling with drugs and alcohol to find the resources they need to heal and move forward. They serve in 130 countries around the world and assist approximately 23 million Americans annually. Call your local Salvation Army store to learn how you can drop off or schedule a pickup for your items.

Habitat for Humanity resells donated goods at their ReStore locations and uses the proceeds to realize their mission of helping families build affordable homes – and better futures. All ReStore locations accept gently used furniture, appliances, housewares and building materials but each location is unique – call ahead to see if your local ReStore will accept clothing and electronics too. Donate goods in person or schedule a free pickup for larger items. You can even donate most motor vehicles using their online Donation Wizard!

BetterWorldBooks is an online book retailer that sells new and used books. Their organization arranges book drop boxes in the eastern United States and throughout the United Kingdom – you can even contact them to host one of your own. They also accept prepaid shipments at each of their facilities. Each book they sell is matched with a book donation – since their establishment in 2003, they have donated 26 million books and reused or recycled over 300 million more.

Prison Book Network is a resource for finding nearby organizations that accept book donations for prisoners. Many prisons do not allow book donations from family and friends – the books must come from retailers, publishers or donation programs like these. Any book is capable of sparking joy – Howard W., who is currently located at the Rayburn Correctional Center in Louisiana, wrote that “a standard Dictionary has given me more joy than any other book I’ve ever read. The dictionary has given me a better understanding of the world around me.”

Operation Paperback has shipped 2.9 million books to individuals located overseas since 1999. To donate your books, register as a volunteer shipper on their website. When you log in to their “Volunteer’s Corner,” you can input the genres of the books you’re letting go of and their system will generate a customized address list for you. Just label and pack your books, address your box and take it to the post office! Their staff is there to help with any hiccups along the way. You can view joy-sparking thank you notes from their grateful recipients.