Where To Donate New and Used Items in Omaha

Get a head start on spring cleaning with a full home purge! Not only will this make your eventual moving process smoother, but it can be a soothing way to spend a day or four. In fact, numerous studies have shown that clutter can actually increase cortisol production in your body; cortisol is the stress hormone, so practice some self-care by getting rid of the unnecessary things around you. Check out these seven charities in Omaha that will accept donations of your gently used, purged home items.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Omaha aims to support financial independence through affordable homeownership. The Habitat ReStore accepts in-kind donations of materials to help keep costs low for clients. According to the website, “We accept donations of new and gently used residential building supplies, household furniture, home décor items, and select commercial items that we determine will sell in our retail store. With a few exceptions, we look for items that you can find at a “big box” home improvement or home furnishing store.” So your old lighting, rugs, furniture, and more can be repurposed in a thoughtful way that enriches the Omaha community.

To learn more, please contact Michele Shearer, Gifts In-kind Manager, at mshearer@habitatomaha.org or 402-884-4329. Additionally, this organization will even pick up items from your home; you can schedule for this optional service and learn more about donation requirements here.

Courtesy of Junior League of Omaha, From 2019 Bargain Bash Event

Junior League of Omaha

All garments in good condition are accepted by the Junior League of Omaha for their annual Bargain Bash. The Junior League of Omaha has been serving the area for over a century and focuses on women building better communities with a special focus area of hunger and access to healthy foods. The League also trains its hundreds of members to serve on other nonprofit boards in the area as well as provides professional and personal development programming.

Email bargainbash@jlomaha.org to coordinate your donation drop off in time for the next garage sale-style event. The Junior League will also accept home goods, furniture, toys, decor, and more.

Women’s Center for Advancement

The Women’s Center for Advancement, or WCA, exists to help women and their children stay safe and grow strong. This organization, with a convenient Blackstone District location, provides resources for victims of stalking, domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. To donate items for the WCA’s on-site boutique, reach out to development@wcaomaha.org. Accessories, like shoes, belts, and jewelry are always needed as well as gently used clothing such as leggings, cardigans, blazers, and more. Plus size clothing is especially needed.

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Lifehouse Omaha (Diaper Bank)

The area’s main Diaper Bank, known as Lifehouse Omaha, works with seven area partners to serve the entire city and combat diaper shortages due to economic issues. In short, Lifehouse is an emergency services organization, offering food and diapers to low income families.

Diaper donations in all sizes can be dropped off at Westwood Church and Prairie Lane Church, just please call to ensure someone is available to receive your donation. Additionally, you can email info@thelifehouseomaha.org to make other arrangements.

Courtesy of Pixabay via Olena Mykayhova

Foodbank for the Heartland

Non-opened and unexpired food and formula can be donated to the Food Bank for the Heartland, 10525 J Street, Omaha, NE 68127. According to their website, Food Bank for the Heartland is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that distributes food to 600 food pantries, schools, emergency shelters and other nonprofit partners. They are the largest food bank in Nebraska and Iowa, serving 93 counties in the two-state region.

Donations can be dropped off near the front door, just look for the convenient blue barrels. The most needed food items include macaroni and cheese, pork and beans, boxed meals, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, canned tuna and chicken, pasta and sauce, pancake mix, and cereal. For larger scale donations of over 1,000 pounds or more, please contact Danielle Helm, Food Sourcing Coordinator, at 402-905-4825.

Northstar Foundation

New and gently used (and always laundered!!) clothing can be donated to many sites around the city. Boys garments are a great fit for Antonio’s Closet at the Northstar Foundation in North Omaha. NorthStar’s mission is to change young men’s lives through programming that supports, challenges, inspires and instills a life rooted in education, self-discipline and service to the community. Check the organization’s Amazon Wishlist for ideas of what they need most! Items can be dropped off at NorthStar at 4242 N 49th Ave, Omaha, NE 68104; please coordinate drop off with Volunteer Coordination Andrea, Andrea@northstar360.org. Right now, please prioritize donations of sweat shirts, sweat shorts, and sweat pants for young men in grades 3-12.

Image by Free Photos by Pixabay

Nebraska Humane Society

Let’s not forget our furry and feathered friends when it comes to donation time! The Nebraska Humane Society, the fifth oldest humane society in the United States, keeps a wish list for most needed items to serve its pet clients. Everything from PVC shelving to old blankets and towels to gallon sized buckets to black sharpies can be donated. The organization also accepts items like canned pumpkin, flashlights, batteries, digital thermometers, unopened dog and cat food and more. Recycled paper towels and toilet paper rolls as well as egg crates are other helpful donations that can be dropped off at their 90th and Fort location The Nebraska Humane Society provides education, gives shelter, encourages adoption and promotes responsible pet ownership.

There are tons more places to donate in and around Omaha, so feel free to research additional non profit organizations that meet your donation preferences using the Share Omaha platform. Feel good organizing your home AND doing good for the community at the same time.