Goodwill Accepts Wide Range of Donations, Including Rare and Unusual Items
Goodwill accepts nearly everything donors bring through its doors, from everyday household items to rare and unexpected contributions, according to Alexa Olivas, vice president of operations for Goodwill locations serving four Florida counties.
The nonprofit organization welcomes donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, housewares and more, with the goal of keeping items in circulation while supporting job training and community programs. Olivas said the organization can accept the vast majority of items people are willing to donate.
For safety and operational reasons, Goodwill maintains a short list of items it cannot resell. Mattresses and box springs are not accepted due to handling challenges and concerns about used bedding. Car seats are also excluded from resale because staff cannot verify whether they have been involved in accidents, though they may be recycled. Illegal items, ammunition and weapons are not accepted.
Over the years, donors have contributed a variety of unique and high-value items, including fine jewelry, ornate artwork, rugs and vehicles. One of the most unusual donations was a small, single-person aircraft received several years ago. Items requiring titles, such as vehicles, boats and aircraft, are sold through a partnership with National Charity Services.
Goodwill operates more than 30 donation locations across Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Hardee counties. All sites accept donations daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with some locations offering convenient drive-through service where staff assist with unloading. For larger items, the organization partners with Resupply to provide pickup services. Goodwill also offers a white-glove service for home downsizing or estate cleanouts, during which staff pack and remove unwanted items at no cost.
Donations directly support workforce development. Each contribution provides an estimated three hours of training for Goodwill team members. In addition, the organization has collected more than 250,000 pounds of food for local food banks through its programs and partnerships.
All donated items are tax-deductible. Donors receive receipts listing the date and location of their drop-off so they can determine the value of their contributions for tax purposes.
Staff members occasionally discover small amounts of cash in donated items, often tucked into pockets or used as bookmarks. When possible, Goodwill makes efforts to return the money to its original owners.
