Donation Guidelines

Because we are a small, mostly volunteer, shop and because it is important to make as much money as possible for the support of the shelter, we must be very careful about what we can accept & sell.  Keep in mind that we are looking for new, gently used in excellent working condition, antique, vintage, collectible, in Gift Quality condition, and we are very grateful for your support and understanding.  We will provide you with a “receipt of donation”, that you can list items donated.  We do not assign values.
We appreciate it if you make sure items are clean & working before you donate.
Below are some guidelines for items we do & do not accept;


Accepted Items

  • Good quality jewelry, collectibles, antique or vintage items, any new merchandise, artwork, designer or high quality clothing & purses in excellent condition e.g. Chico’s, Liz Claiborne, Coldwater Creek, Nine West, Banana Republic or equivalent, unique, vintage, hand crafted, ethnic
  • Recent hardcover books, within past 10 years or antique, vintage, unique, paperback books only if very recent, within past 2 years, or coffee table books
  • C/ds & DVDs,
  • Cameras in excellent working condition
  • Small accessory furniture e.g. coffee table, side tables, dining room chairs, small shelf units, small bookcases, night stands, small student desks or computer tables, small chest of drawers, magazine racks, Driver must be able to carry items into store
  • Household items in good condition, knick knacks, kitchen items, lamps, clocks, radios, small portable working c/d players, dvd players  in excellent working condition newer luggage ( with wheels) in good condition, antique or vintage luggage in very good condition, new candles,
  • Non halogen lamps,
  • Small outdoor/garden decorative items
  • Holiday decorations in good condition
  • New or gently used in good condition pet supplies
  • Children’s items only if new & in original packaging


Not Accepted Items

  • Aerosols
  • Large Appliances- washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, water heaters, air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, used toaster ovens, barbecues
  • Batteries
  • Bedsprings & mattresses, bunk beds, hideaway beds, water beds
  • Bicycles, tricycles, wagons, big wheels
  • Blinds, draperies,
  • Car parts or tires
  • Baby & children’s items unless new & in package
  • Computers, monitors, CPUs, Keyboards, printers, Tvs, vcrs, cassette players, UNLESS, less than 2 years old & in excellent working condition
  • Compressed gas tanks, lighter fluid, etc. fire extinguishers
  • Electrical fixtures & halogen lighting
  • Encyclopedias & text books
  • Fire extinguishers,
  • Food, unless “in date” gift packages
  • Guns, firearms, ammunition
  • Medical equipment
  • Paint, except  new craft paint
  • Sinks & toilets, vanities, shower stalls, tubs
  • Sports equipment,weight lifting equipment, except small hand weights

If you’re not sure, call us first, 708-383-9660, And, thanks for your support & generosity!


Donations are accepted during open hours only; please do not leave donations outside when shop is closed.