What We Accept
People transitioning from homelessness often have very little other than their clothes. Although we attempt to provide them with choices of basic items, we can only accept furniture that will fit in a small apartment and can be moved upstairs without an elevator. In order to treat our clients with dignity and respect, we cannot accept items that are stained, torn, damaged by pets, chipped, or broken. Disposing of damaged or unsuitable items comes at a cost to New Life that takes away from our ability to serve clients. We do not have the resources to repair, paint, or refinish furniture. As a rule of thumb, if you would not give it to a family member or friend, it is not suitable for a client. We will inspect items before accepting and reserve the right to refuse anything not appropriate for our clients.
Click on the categories below to see the list of items we can and cannot accept.
If on a mobile device, scroll past the categories to see the list for the category you selected.
Or click here for a printable version of our donation guidelines.
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Furniture
Furniture
Must be clean and free of damage and stains – no tears, patches, pet hair, stains, excessive scratches, and marks.
We can accept:
- Twin, Full, and Queen Size Mattresses, Box Springs, and Metal “Harvard” Adjustable Bed Frames
- Bureaus/Dressers
- Couches
- Ottomans
- TV Stands
- Upholstered Chairs, Recliners, and Rockers
- Coffee and End/Side Tables
- Kitchen/Dining Tables (maximum 64” long or 48” round)
- Kitchen Counter Chairs
- Kitchen/Dining and Desk Chairs
- Bookcases (maximum 72” high)
- Small Cabinets
- Small Desks (maximum 42” across)
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- King Size Mattresses, Box Springs, and Bed Frames
- Bunk Beds, Loft Beds, Platform Beds, Motorized/Sleep Number Beds, Futons, and Air Mattresses
- Sleeper and Recliner Sofas
- Any Size Headboards, Footboards, and Wood Bed Frames
- Vanities, Armoires, and Wardrobes
- Cribs, Crib Mattresses, High Chairs, Children’s Tables and Chairs
- China Cabinets, Hutches, and Buffets
- Entertainment Centers
- Large Bookcases, Large Desks, Drafting Tables, File Cabinets, and Other Office Furniture
- Metal and Wall-mounted Cabinets
- Outdoor, Porch, or Sunroom Furniture
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Kitchen Items
Kitchen Items
Must be clean and free of chips and breaks.
We can accept:
- Dishes without Metal Trim
- Drinking Glasses and Mugs (no plastic, metal, or logos)
- Cutlery/Flatware and Kitchen Knives
- Pots and Pans
- Cooking and Baking Utensils and Tools (e.g. ladles, whisks, peelers, can openers, cutting boards, etc.)
- Microwavable Dishes
- Bakeware and Mixing Bowls (no plastic)
- Small Kitchen Organization (e.g. silverware drawer organizers, canisters, glass food storage, etc.)
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- Fine China
- Sterling or Silver Plated Items
- Glass Dishware
- Plastic or Metal Drinkware and Dishware
- Mugs and Drinking Glasses with Logos
- Stemware, Wine Glasses, Liquor Glasses, and Beer Glasses
- Wine Racks
- Plastic Food Storage (e.g. Tupperware)
- Serving Trays
- Punch Bowls
- Paper Towel Holders
- Dish Drying Racks
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Linens & Towels
Linens & Towels
Must be clean and free of stains, rips, and tears.
We can accept:
- Twin, Full, and Queen Size Sheets, Pillowcases, Blankets, and Comforters
- Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Face/Wash Cloths
- Kitchen and Dish Towels
- Shower Curtains and New Shower Curtain Liners
- Placemats and Pot Holders
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- King Size Sheets, Pillowcases, Blankets, and Comforters
- Crib Bedding
- Bed Pillows
- Any Size Shams, Dust Ruffles, Mattress Toppers/Pads, and Duvet Covers
- Electric Blankets
- Beach Towels
- Curtains
- Tablecloths
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Small Appliances & Electronics
Small Appliances & Electronics
Must be clean, working, and include all parts.
We can accept:
- Countertop Microwaves
- Mixers with Beaters
- Slow Cookers with Lids
- Indoor Electric Grills (e.g. George Foreman Grills)
- Electric Kettles
- Fans
- Irons
- Lamps (no halogen lamps)
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Blenders
- Food Processors
- Coffee Makers
- Electric Frying Pans/Skillets
- Toasters and Toaster Ovens
- Small Alarm Clocks, Radio Clocks, and Wall Clocks
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- Bread Machines
- Ice Cream Makers
- Pasta Machines
- Deep Fryers
- Popcorn Poppers
- Fondue Pots
- Warming Trays
- Catering Equipment
- Coffee Urns, Keurigs
- Built-in Microwaves
- Large Appliances (e.g. Cooktops, Ovens, Stoves, Dishwashers, Refrigerators, Freezers, Gas Dryers)
- Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers
- Space Heaters
- Air Conditioners and Air Purifiers
- Steam Mops
- Sewing Machines
- Lightbulbs
- Personal Care Appliances
- TVs, DVD/Blu-ray Players, and Other TV Devices
- Speakers, Stereos, and Other Music Equipment
- Computers, Laptops, Tablets, Printers, and Other Computer Devices
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Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Must be clean and free of stains and damage.
We can accept:
- Mirrors and Framed Wall Art
- Rugs (bound, 8’x10’ or smaller)
- Fabric and Plastic Storage Bins
- Laundry Baskets and Hampers
- Ironing Boards
- Small Waste Baskets
WE CANNOT ACCEPT:
- Vases, Candles, Candlesticks, and Other Home Décor
- Heavy or Unframed Wall Art & Mirrors
- Wall-mounted Shelves
- Picture Frames
- Baskets
- Holiday Decor
- Fireplace Tools
- Brooms, Brushes, Dustpans, Mops, and Dusters
- Rugs Larger than 8’x10’, Remnants, and Rug Pads
- Curtain Rods
- Hangers
- CD/Record/Tape Racks
- Musical Instruments
- Pet Supplies
- Medical Equipment
- Bicycles, Exercise, Sports, and Outdoor Equipment
- Automobile Equipment
- Suitcases
- Strollers, Car Seats, and Other Baby/Children’s Equipment
- Toys
- Building Materials, Lighting Fixtures, and Plumbing Fixtures
- Food
- Clothes