Metro Thrift Store Donation Guidelines
Donations to the store are tax deductible
Metro Thrift Store appreciates the good will and generousity of our donors but ask you to read the guidelines posted here before bringing your items. We are forced to haul items that do not sell to the dump, which is costly and wasteful, and therefore reduces funding of HIV/AIDS services and programs.
A good rule of thumb when donating your used items, ask yourself… “Would I give this to a friend or family member?”
Donation items we accept:
• clothing – New or gently used clothing (Men, Women, Children), accessories and shoes are welcomed. Please – no clothing that needs to be cleaned, repaired or is stained. Clothing without size tags is especially hard to sell. It would be very helpful to put sizes on the things you donate.
• furniture – Used furniture with re-sale value shape, tables, computer desks, bookcases, chairs, some upholstered items (if clean and intact). Vintage or unique items are happily accepted. Please no sofa beds, furniture in need of repair, no press board or rickety items. Remember, if we can’t sell it, we have to throw it away and trash disposal is a very high cost for the store.
• electronics – Televisions (especially with their remotes), DVD, VCR players less than 8 years old are great donations if they are in good working order. Some newer microwaves, boom boxes, and other every day electronics are OK but remember, WE CAN’T REPAIR THINGS. We have no luck in selling them!
• collectibles – we have a good EBAY business and appreciate unusual items that have a rarefied market. Examples include rare china, WW II memorabilia, rare coins and stamps, porcelain, professional electronic equipment, high end cameras, and many more.
• sheets and towels – New or nearly new and clean.
• housewares – Dishes, silverware, utensils, etc. (No chips or rusting items)
• office and art supplies – new, gently used and reusable items only please
• small kitchen appliances – still in good working order only.
• toys – only if they are complete, in their original box and in working order. Please. Vintage toys in good shape would be very welcomed.
• books and stationary – in decent shape, no tears or ripped pages, please.
Other items include:
jewelry & accessories • costumes • art, mirrors & seasonal decorations • bicycles • cds, videos, dvds • household items • home décor & lamps • luggage and baskets • sporting goods
Call us if you have a special item! It's tough to list every single item, but anything that may sell easily is an item of interest.
A word about unacceptable donations
Our space is limited, please understand that while we appreciate that you are thinking of us, we just can’t take everything. We are forced to haul items that don’t sell to the dump, which is costly and wasteful, and takes away funds for HIV/AIDS services.
• Items that are broken, damaged, dirty, odorous, worn-out, stained, torn, wet, moldy, rusty or frayed, DO NOT SELL.
• Items that have spent numerous seasons exposed to pet hair or the elements DO NOT SELL.
• Items that have survived a month of garage sales DO NOT SELL.
Tax receipt
We offer a tax receipt to donors ONLY at the time of donation. A donor must provide a name and a list of the donated items with a fair market value. Donors are responsible to assign the fair market value of any donated item. Only ONE receipt will be offered per donor present. One copy goes to the donor and one copy is for our records. Please hold onto your receipts as we are unable to duplicate them if lost or misplaced.
