Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2026 September)
Getting rid of unwanted items that take up space in your home can feel good, even freeing. Making sure those items are being put to good use or benefiting others, rather than sitting in a landfill, also feels pretty good. If you are downsizing or clearing out a cabinet or closet, consider donating items that are usable and in good condition. Here are a few ideas where they can be put to good use.
Arts and Crafts Supplies
Upcycle Creative Reuse Center provides inclusive, accessible arts programming and affordable access to creative materials while diverting usable materials from the waste stream. You must schedule an appointment to donate through their website and all items must be clean and organized and on their list of accepted items. Only three bags or boxes are accepted per appointment. Upcycle is located at 2397 S Dove St., Alexandria. For more information about donating, visit upcyclecrc.org/make-a-donation.
Books and Media
Fairfax County Public Library welcomes donations of books in clean and good condition, both hardback and paperback, recently released or older, at any of their 22 locations. Books donated to the library may be added to the library’s collection or supply a Friends ongoing or seasonal book sale. Most proceeds are donated back to the library to purchase books and equipment, as well as sponsor programs and exhibits not covered by the county budget. FCPL has over 20 individual Friends groups that raise money and awareness for the library and make valuable contributions to their branches, as well as the entire library. Learn more.
Clothing and Housewares
The clothing and household goods donated to these organizations are given to people in need or sold, with the profits used to support programs and services that help people in the community. All items donated to these organizations should be clean and in good condition.
- The Closet accepts donations of high-quality used clothing, household items, and more to sell at affordable prices. Profits are then distributed as grants to local nonprofits supporting low-income families in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The Closet also provides clothing and household items at no cost to families and individuals referred by local social services organizations in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Donations accepted Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-Noon, at 845 Station St., Herndon. Learn more at theclosetofgreaterherndon.org.
- Committee for Helping Others (CHO) is an all-volunteer organization that provides emergency financial assistance, food aid, clothing, furniture, and more to people in need. CHO accepts donations of in-season quality used clothing for their Clothes Closet. Donations are accepted on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. The Clothes Closet is located at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton. To drop off donations at other times, please call 703-679-8966 or email cho.clothes.closet@gmail.com. Learn more at cho-va.com/services/clothes.
- ECHO helps people in need in the Springfield/Burke community by providing food, clothing, household goods, financial assistance, and more. ECHO accepts donations of clean, gently used clothing and housewares. Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at 7205 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield. Learn more at echo-inc.org.
- Fairfax FISH provides financial assistance to people living in the greater Fairfax City area who need help. FISH operates a walk-in clothing closet, and no referral is needed to use the closet. They accept donations of clean, gently used in-season clothing on Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-Noon, and on the first Saturday of each month. The closet is located at Fairfax Presbyterian Church, 10723 Main Street, Fairfax. Learn more at fairfaxfish.org.
- Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) provides low-income people in southeast Fairfax County with access to basic needs and the opportunity to empower themselves through LCAC’s self-sufficiency programs. Lorton’s Attic, a thrift store run by LCAC staff and volunteers, provides low-cost clothing and household items to the community. Donations are accepted Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 9506 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Learn more at lortonaction.org/thrift-store.
- SHARE of McLean is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to helping people in McLean and nearby communities with food, clothing, furniture, and emergency financial assistance. They accept donations of new and gently used seasonal clothing, shoes and household linens. Please put donated items in the storage bins outside Door #8 at McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Learn more at shareofmclean.org.
Hearing Aids and Eyeglasses
Fairfax Lions Club members collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to the Northern VA Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, where they are cleaned, polished, and sorted for distribution free-of-charge to needy individuals around the world. Donated hearing aids are collected from the Eyeglass & Hearing Aid collection boxes in the area and taken to a recycling center where they are refurbished and given to people in need in the community. For more information, including donation box locations, visit fairfaxlions.org/donate-eyeglasses.
Vehicles
Many local organizations will benefit from your vehicle donation. All types of vehicles are accepted – cars, trucks, boats, and motor homes. They don’t need to be in working condition and pick up of the vehicle is often provided. You just need to provide the title.
- The ARC of Northern Virginia’s car donation program supports their work to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy full participation in the community. For more information about vehicle donation, visit thearcofnova.org/car-donation.
- Fairfax County Park Foundation is the fundraising arm dedicated to enriching Fairfax County parks. Donating your car is fast and easy and vehicle pick-up is free through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services). Learn more.
- Fairfax County Public Schools accept donated cars for use at one of the school division’s 13 auto tech classrooms where students learn repairs, reconditioning and recycling. If deemed repairable, some are fixed and sold with the proceeds going back to the automotive program. Learn more.
- Fairfax Lions Club is one of the largest service organizations in Northern Virginia. You can support their good work by donating your vehicle. To learn more or donate, call 844-45-LIONS or visit fairfaxlions.org/donate-a-vehicle.
- Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia accepts all types of vehicle donations. All proceeds from the sale of your vehicle will directly fund Habitat DC-NOVA to help local families. Learn more at habitatdcnova.org/support-us/donate-your-car.
- Melwood is one of the nation’s leading advocates, employers, and service providers for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Your vehicle donation supports their mission of creating a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Learn more about vehicle donation at melwoodcar.org.
Women’s Business Clothing
One barrier to employment is the expense of buying clothing that is appropriate for a job interview or new job. If you have business attire that you no longer wear, consider donating it to organizations that provide professional clothing to people in need. All donated clothing should be clean and in good condition.
- Suited for Change’s mission is to help women in need on their path to financial independence by providing them with professional attire, coaching, and skills training. Donations can be dropped off Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at 1023 15th St. NW, Suite 601, Washington, DC 20005. Learn more at suitedforchange.org/donate-clothing.
- Women Giving Back supports women and children in crisis by providing free quality clothing. They accept donated clothing in excellent, used condition for women and children. As part of their mission, Women Giving Back supports The Next Uniform, a group that helps women Veterans and military women successfully transition into the civilian workforce by providing them with business attire and other services. Donations are accepted at their Sterling warehouse during specified days and times or at partner locations in Fairfax County. Learn more by visiting womengivingback.org.
Yearbooks
Fairfax County Public Library’s Virginia Room maintains a physical collection of nearly 500 Fairfax County Public School and private school yearbooks in its Rare Book Room. If you have unwanted yearbooks, consider donating them. The Virginia Room accepts the donation of Fairfax County public and private school yearbooks. View school yearbooks available in the Virginia Room’s collection and digitized FCPS yearbooks. To learn more about donating a yearbook, call the Virginia Room at 703-293-6227, option 6 or email va_room@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Want more ideas where you can donate unwanted items? Read the first article in this two-part series here.
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).