Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services

(Posted 2026 July)

Have you ever driven through a neighborhood the night before trash day and marveled at all the good-quality, usable items sitting on the curb waiting to be picked up? We often throw away things that can be useful to others, not sure what else to do with them. Before you put something on the curb for the trash truck, stop and ask yourself if it can be donated. In addition to helping someone in need, you will also keep items out of the landfill. 

Appliances, Building Materials, and Tools

• Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia ReStores
  Funds from the sale of donated items support Habitat for Humanity's mission to provide decent, affordable housing for families in our community. They accept new and gently used appliances, furniture, building materials, tools, and more. All donated items must be in clean, working, and sellable condition. They provide a limited, free pick-up service for large donations, but all items must be placed on the curb, in a driveway, or in a garage. For a list of accepted items and how to donate, visit habitatdcnova.org/restore/donation-information. 

Bicycles

• Bikes for the World
  Bikes for the World makes bicycles available to low-income people in developing countries to get to work and school. They accept donations of serviceable adult or children’s bicycles, usable bicycle spare parts, components, and accessories. A minimum donation of $10 per bike is also requested to offset the cost to ship the bike overseas. For more information, including drop-off locations and collection schedule, visit bikesfortheworld.org.
• Vélocity Bicycle Co-op
  Vélocity operates a program that trains volunteers to repair bicycles by refurbishing donated bikes. The refurbished bicycles are given for free to those in need or are sold to support the program. You can donate bicycles and parts at their two locations during business hours. Learn more at velocitycoop.org/donate-to-velocity.

Furniture

• ACCA
  ACCA volunteers pick up and deliver donated furniture and other household items, free of charge, to families in need. Requests for furniture are made by Fairfax County human services staff and other organizations. Learn more about accepted items and how to donate at accacares.org/furniture.
• Gracing Spaces
  Gracing Spaces accepts donations of clean and functional furniture and household items. Donated items are used to fulfill requests from social workers on behalf of their clients to furnish homes and apartments. Volunteers pick up donated items. Learn more about accepted items and how to donate at gracingspaces.com/donate-furniture.

Medical and Mobility Equipment 

• Endependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)
  ECNV accepts donated medical equipment and medical supplies to help people with disabilities live more independently in their own home. ECNV maintains a database of items that members of the community wish to donate, then connects them with individuals that need them. For a list of accepted items, visit ecnv.org/get-involved. To add your items to ECNV’s donor database, please email info@ecnv.org or call 703-525-3268.
• Rebuilding Together-Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church
  Rebuilding Together-AFF helps low-income senior homeowners with home modifications needed to age in place, including installing donated stairlifts that they’ve refurbished. To donate an unused stairlift, email info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org or call 703-528-1999.
• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
  DARS partners with organizations that accept donations of durable medical equipment and provides it to people with limited resources. Your donation is collected, sanitized, refurbished, matched, and re-distributed to a qualifying Virginian with a disability. Learn more at dars.virginia.gov/assistive-technology/donate-medical-equipment.

Musical Instruments

• Beethoven Foundation 
  The Beethoven Foundation is a nonprofit that accepts donations of pianos and grand pianos nationwide and gives them to talented musicians who cannot afford to purchase a piano. The foundation only accepts pianos in good to perfect condition. To submit your piano for donation, visit beethovenfoundation.com/donatepiano.
• Fairfax County Public Schools
  FCPS accepts donations of new and used musical instruments that are in working condition. Instruments should be cleaned prior to donation. Piano donations must be inspected by a school system certified piano tuner before being accepted. FCPS will arrange the piano inspection, and if accepted, FCPS will be responsible for moving the piano. Learn more about donating items to FCPS at fcps.edu/get-involved/donate-fcps.
• Instruments in the Attic Donation Program at the Mason Community Arts Academy
  Instruments in the Attic repurposes donated used instruments to music programs and students in need. Learn more about the program, what items they accept, and how to donate at masonacademy.gmu.edu/outreach/instrument-donation.

Sport and Fitness Equipment

• Fairfax County Public Schools 
  FCPS accepts donations of sports and fitness equipment that are in good condition and meet FCPS safety and instructional requirements. Some equipment can be very heavy and FCPS may not be able to pick up and deliver some items. Learn more at fcps.edu/get-involved/donate-fcps.
• Leveling the Playing Field 
  Leveling the Playing Field collects new and gently used sports and playground equipment and gives it to schools and organizations working to provide an affordable option to under-resourced youth groups, community programs and schools. Smaller items can be dropped off in donation bins, while larger items, such as a treadmill, may be eligible for pickup. For more information, including donation bin locations, visit levelingtheplayingfield.org/ways-to-help/donate-equipment.

This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).

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