The Salvation Army accepts most gently used clothing, furniture, household goods, working electronics and appliances (not built-in), books, toys, bicycles, and vehicles; as long as items are clean and in usable, working condition. It also accepts money. What donations the Salvation Army will accept can vary by location because of local rules, so the safest move is to check your nearest store or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) before you haul anything over. Here’s the full list of what they take, what they can’t, how to donate or schedule a free pickup, and where your donation actually goes.
Quick tip: Donated goods are sold in Salvation Army Family Stores (thrift stores), and those proceeds fund the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Cash donations support the broader work – food, shelter, disaster relief, and more.
What items does the Salvation Army accept?
Based on the Salvation Army’s official donation guidelines, thrift stores generally accept these gently used items :
- Clothing (all ages) — shirts and tops, pants and jeans, dresses, skirts, outerwear and coats, sleepwear, suits and tuxedos, shoes, and children’s clothing.
- Furniture (unbroken) — sofas, chairs, coffee and end tables, dining room furniture, desks, cabinets, bed frames (full, queen, king), and mattresses (see the note below — this one varies a lot).
- Household goods — pots and pans, bakeware, plates, bowls and dishes, lamps, bedding and bedspreads, and linens.
- Working appliances that are not built-in — air conditioners, microwaves, washing machines and dryers, and TVs (under 5 years old).
- Electronics — computers, cell/mobile phones, and similar working devices.
- Miscellaneous — books, toys (in good condition), sports equipment, and bicycles.
- Vehicles — cars, and often trucks, motorcycles, boats, or RVs (not accepted at every location — call first).
- Money — one-time or recurring gifts, plus planned giving (wills, stocks, and more).
Because local needs and ordinances differ, your nearest store may accept a few things not on this list – or decline something that is. Calling 1-800-SA-TRUCK is the only way to know for sure in your area.
What will the Salvation Army NOT accept?
Per the Salvation Army’s official guidelines, thrift stores generally cannot accept:
- Appliances that don’t work — anything with mechanical problems, a missing power cord, or that’s rusty or dirty. No gas appliances at all.
- Built-in appliances — ovens, stoves, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, and the like.
- Old or bulky electronics — large console TVs and stereos, and televisions more than 5 years old (the date is on the back of the TV).
- Auto parts — tires, wheels, batteries, seats, body parts, and engines.
- Paint or chemicals of any kind.
- Kerosene and gas heaters.
Beyond the official list, individual stores also commonly decline, for safety and health reasons; things like used mattresses (see below), firearms, ammunition, and weapons, hazardous materials, medical equipment (used wheelchairs, hospital beds), and opened personal-care items (cosmetics, toiletries). When in doubt, ask before you bring it.
Does the Salvation Army take mattresses?
It depends on where you live, and this is worth checking before you load one into your car. The Salvation Army’s national donation list does include mattresses among acceptable “unbroken furniture.” But in practice, many local stores can’t accept used mattresses because of state and local health regulations (concerns about bedbugs and sanitation). So the honest answer is: sometimes yes, often no. Call your local store or 1-800-SA-TRUCK first. If they can’t take it, a mattress recycling program or your city’s bulk-item pickup may be your next best option.
How is my donation used?
This is a common and fair question, so here’s the accurate answer:
- Donated goods (clothing, furniture, household items) are sold in Salvation Army Family Stores (thrift stores). Those sales fund the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers, residential programs where people work to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.
- Vehicle donations also support the Adult Rehabilitation Centers and may qualify you for a tax deduction under IRS rules.
- Monetary donations support the Salvation Army’s broader mission, food pantries, homeless shelters, disaster relief, holiday assistance, and more.
You’ll receive a donation receipt for tax purposes with any of these.
How do I donate goods to the Salvation Army?
There are two main ways.
Drop off at a store or donation center
- Find your nearest location using the locator at satruck.org (enter your ZIP code).
- Call ahead to confirm the store’s hours and what it’s currently accepting, this varies by location.
- Bring your clean, usable items during open hours; staff will help you unload and give you a receipt for your taxes.
Small donations, like a few bags of clothes – are best dropped off rather than picked up.
Schedule a free home pickup (best for large items)
Home pickup is meant for large, heavy items like furniture. To schedule:
- Enter your ZIP code in the “schedule a pickup” box at satruck.org, or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).
- Choose a date and add any special instructions for the drivers.
- Have your items in an accessible spot (porch, garage, or entryway) on pickup day.
Pickup is run by each local Salvation Army command, not one national service. Some areas have waits of a few weeks, and some have paused in-home pickups entirely – the ZIP-code check at satruck.org shows what’s available near you. You can view, change, or cancel a scheduled pickup at dss.satruck.org/MyPickups. If pickup is booked out, dropping items off has no wait.
How do I donate a car or other vehicle?
The Salvation Army accepts many vehicles – cars, and often trucks, motorcycles, boats, and RVs; though not at every location. To donate one:
- Start online at satruck.org (choose “Donate Your Vehicle”) or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).
- Online vehicle scheduling is available in parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington; elsewhere, call.
- Your donation supports the Adult Rehabilitation Centers and can result in a tax deduction per IRS rules.
How do I donate money to the Salvation Army?
- Online: give at give.salvationarmyusa.org — one-time or recurring.
- Other ways: planned giving (wills and gift annuities), stocks and bonds, and more, listed on the Salvation Army’s giving pages.
- You’ll get an emailed receipt for tax purposes.
How do I find the nearest Salvation Army donation center or thrift store?
- Goods, pickups, and thrift stores: use the locator at satruck.org, or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).
- Money and services: the main site is salvationarmyusa.org.
- Google Maps: searching “Salvation Army donation center” or “Salvation Army Family Store” near you also works — just confirm hours by phone, since they vary by location.
Your donated furniture, clothing, and household goods don’t just clear out your closet — they help people. For the other side of that story, see our guides to churches that help with furniture and churches that give away free clothes.
FAQ
Yes, as long as it’s unbroken and clean; sofas, chairs, tables, dressers, desks, cabinets, and bed frames are all commonly accepted. For large pieces, schedule a free pickup at satruck.org or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Furniture with rips, heavy stains, odors, or pet hair usually can’t be accepted.
It varies by location. The national list includes mattresses, but many local stores can’t accept used ones due to health regulations. Always call your local store or 1-800-SA-TRUCK before bringing a mattress.
Yes. The Salvation Army accepts many vehicles (though not at every location), and you may qualify for a tax deduction. Start at satruck.org under “Donate Your Vehicle,” or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Online scheduling is available in parts of AZ, CA, CO, HI, OR, and WA.
Yes. The Salvation Army only accepts clean, usable items in working order. Broken, heavily soiled, or damaged items — and non-working or built-in appliances — generally can’t be accepted.
Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825), or schedule online at satruck.org. Note this is different from 1-800-SAL-ARMY, which is the Salvation Army’s line for monetary donations.
Donated goods are sold in Salvation Army Family Stores, and the proceeds fund the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
