One woman's trash is another woman's gold!

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Having just recently moved, I managed to get rid of so many things. No matter how much I get rid of or how often, i still seem to have too much - isn't it funny how that works? I am like the opposite of a pack rat because I'm always anxious to get rid of what I'm not using. Despite what my mom will tell you, I don't throw everything away. I do donate a lot of my used furniture, clothing and other odds and ends. There are plenty of great places in Chicago to donate your things and this guide will highlight a few of them.

Infant Welfare Auxillary

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The Infant Welfare Auxillary is attached to the Infant Welface Society of America in Logan Square. It is a resale shop that accepts donations of clothing, small household items and linens.

Infant Welfare Society of Chicago

3600 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The organization provides “community-based health care to uninsured children and women who would otherwise lack access to basic medical services.” In addition to all of that, they also provide dental, medical, gynecological, mental health services and educational programs.

The organization provides “community-based health care to uninsured children and women who would otherwise lack access to basic medical services.” In addition to all of that, they also provide dental, medical, gynecological, mental health services and educational programs.

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The Brown Elephant supports the Howard Brown Health Center, “one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health care organizations.” Donations are accepted daily at their drop-off locations. Larger items can be arranged for pick-up.

Brown Elephant Resale Store

3651 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613

The Brown Elephant has other locations on Clark as well as Harrison in Oak Park. They offer programs such as substance abuse, HIV/AIDS services and prevention, domestic violence, etc.

The Brown Elephant has other locations on Clark as well as Harrison in Oak Park. They offer programs such as substance abuse, HIV/AIDS services and prevention, domestic violence, etc.

Cornerstone Community Outreach

4628 N. Clifton Chicago, IL 60640

The CCO accommodates a large kitchen and dining area, and a large dormitory for women and children. They are in need of the following: clothing, hats, scarves, mittens, NEW undergarments, personal items (soap, shampoo, brushes, etc.), shoes, linens, housewear, baby strollers and cribs, etc. More can be found on their website.

Cornerstone's Facebook group

Show your support and join Cornerstone’s Facebook group.

Sarah's Circle

4750 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640

“Sarah’s Circle offers daytime supportive services in a welcoming, safe refuge for women who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. We respect each woman and her individuality, and offer her the opportunity to make positive changes in her life.”

“Sarah’s Circle offers daytime supportive services in a welcoming, safe refuge for women who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. We respect each woman and her individuality, and offer her the opportunity to make positive changes in her life.”

Full Circle

942 Harlem Ave Glenview, IL 60025

Full circle is described as an “upscale resale and consignment store.” They accept antiques, art, jewelry, decorative art, designer clothes and more.

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Amvets is a great program because they will come to your neighborhood about once a month to pick up items you wish to donate. My family donates to them at least a few times a year. It’s great for people who don’t have a car and can’t lug their belongings on the train or bus!

 
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By now I’m sure everyone has heard at least one commercial for Plato’s Closet. They buy sell brand name, gently used clothing. I’ve yet to try it out, but am adding it to my list.

Plato's Closet

Find a Plato’s Closet near you!

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Have a bunch of old cell phones and other tech gadgets lying around? Try selling them!

Gazelle

Gazelle, formerly Second Rotation, buys and sells used gadgets. I’ve already sold one phone and recycled another. How it works: you let Gazelle know what item you have and what condition it’s in. Gazelle will let you know if they think they can sell it. If so, they’ll pay for you to ship it to them so they can inspect it. If the quality is as good as you described, they will mail you a check. If they cannot sell it, they will still pay for your to mail it to them so they can recycle it.

Donate Your Time

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I’ve donated my time to Children’s Memorial Hospital as a massage therapist. I would give tune-up massages to the parents of children staying in the hospital. It was a very rewarding experience. In the couple of months I was there I developed relationships with some of the parents. It was sad that they had been there for so long, but I hope I brought a bit of happiness to their days.

If you have nothing you want to get rid of, think about donating your time at CMH or another local hospital. You won’t regret it!

White Elephant Resale Shop

2380 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60614

White Elephant is a fundraising project of the Children’s Memorial Founders’ Board. The shop receives merchandise from individuals and businesses. All proceeds benefit the hospital directly.

Freecycle

The Freecycle Network is a “grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.”

Clean Sweep!

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Garage sales are fun! If I had a garage I’d have a couple of these per year! You sit out there for a few hours a day over a weekend and you’ll be surprised how much you’ll get rid of and how much money you’ll bring in.

Craigslist

Don’t forget about Craigslist! Why not make a bit of a profit on your unwanted items? I’ve had some pretty good luck using the site. Prior to moving back to Chicago, I put some furniture up for sale. The day I moved back I drove around Chicago in the Budget truck dropping off the items I sold. It was easy and I felt better about giving the furniture to someone who would use it rather than letting it collect dust in storage.

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About The Author

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freeandflawed Rss 

Harwood Heights, IL
Jennifer is a 20-something blogger from Chicago. She loves being challenged, which is why you can usually find her sharing her love for all things geek here at Guidespot, maintaining two of her own blogs & and organizing meetups for Chicago bloggers. As if that weren't enough, she is also the S...