The holiday season is a time of generosity — a moment when many people look for ways to give back, support their communities, and contribute to causes they care about. While most of us think first about monetary donations, the reality is that dollars aren’t the only way to support local nonprofits.
In communities across the country, donating physical goods such as furniture, household items, décor, and electronics plays a powerful role in helping charities carry out their missions. Whether you’re making a list of charities to support alongside gifts or considering how to direct contributions for Giving Tuesday, now is the perfect time to make used-item donations part of your end-of-year plans.
Why Donating Used Items Makes a Difference to Charities
Across the U.S., thousands of nonprofit organizations operate retail stores that sell donated household items at a fraction of retail cost, often 50–75% below standard prices. These stores are a lifeline for families furnishing homes on tight budgets, especially during a period when many Americans are still feeling the effects of high inflation.
But the impact goes deeper.
Sales of donated items directly fund nonprofit missions, whether that means:
- Building homes
- Supporting veterans
- Fighting hunger
- Providing job training for people with disabilities
- Offering emergency financial assistance for families in crisis
This is important work, and donated goods sourced from community members serve are the lifeblood of these programs.
When someone donates a couch, a lamp, or a dining table, they’re not just decluttering their home. They’re helping put resources back into their community. That’s the kind of tangible, immediate impact that makes Giving Tuesday so meaningful.
How Giving Tuesday Expands Beyond Monetary Gifts
Giving Tuesday traditionally encourages charitable giving, volunteerism, and community support. But many people don’t realize that donating physical goods is one of the most accessible ways to participate.
You don’t have to write a check to make a difference.
You can donate:
- The dresser your family has outgrown
- The dining chairs you’re swapping out before holiday guests arrive
- The sofa you’re replacing as a year-end upgrade
And those items can be transformed into essential funding for the nonprofits in your area.
Giving Tuesday is about giving what you can — and often, what’s sitting unused in our homes can do far more good than we realize.
The Environmental Impact: Giving Items a Second Life
Beyond community support, donating used household goods also delivers environmental benefits.
Over seven years, ReSupply has helped divert more than 36 million pounds of furniture and household goods from landfills. Consider that nearly 80% of furniture and home goods in the U.S. are only used once, leading to an estimated $378 billion in unused goods sitting in homes nationwide.
By donating during Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, you help:
- Extend the lifespan of items
- Reduce landfill waste
- Promote a sustainable, circular economy
- Support communities during a high-need time of year
It’s a simple way to align your end-of-year choices with your values.
What Items Make the Biggest Impact During the Holidays?
You’d be surprised which items local nonprofits rely on most.
High-impact furniture
- Couches and loveseats
- Dressers
- Dining tables and chairs
- Bookshelves
Household goods
- Kitchenware
- Small appliances
- Lamps and lighting
- Rugs
Electronics
- TVs
- Computer monitors
- Speakers
Décor + seasonal items
- Artwork
- Mirrors
- Holiday décor
If an item is in good, usable condition, chances are a nonprofit can put it to work.
How to Donate Easily Before the End of the Year
The biggest barrier for donors often isn’t willingness — it’s logistics. Moving heavy furniture, finding a drop-off location, and coordinating transportation can be overwhelming.
ReSupply was built to remove those barriers.
1. Schedule a donation pickup in as little as 48 hours
ReSupply partners with vetted local nonprofits to pick up your items right from your home — fast, simple, and stress-free.
2. Know that your donations go directly to charity partners
Your items support organizations such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores, Goodwill partners, veterans organizations, and other local charities (depending on your area).
3. Receive a tax-deductible receipt before year-end
Perfect for financial planning as you close out the year.
4. Participate in Giving Tuesday effortlessly
You don’t need to make a purchase or give cash. Just schedule a pickup.
Why the Holidays are the Best Time to Donate Household Items
As the holiday season approaches, more people are shopping, upgrading furniture, or preparing for guests. All of the rearranging naturally presents the need to replace household goods. Instead of sending used items to the curb, donating gives them a second life.
The holidays also mark one of the busiest and highest-need seasons for nonprofits. Giving Tuesday amplifies community generosity, and your donated items can help organizations meet their year-end goals.
Plus, donating now gets ahead of the January rush, when many families begin decluttering as part of the new year.
Make This Giving Tuesday Count, With What’s Already in Your Home
Giving Tuesday is about generosity in all forms. You don’t need to stretch your budget to make an impact. You simply need to look around your home.
Even items you’re planning to replace with holiday purchases can support families, sustain nonprofit missions, and reduce waste.
So as you prepare for the season:
- Set aside items you no longer need
- Consider their potential value for someone else
- Make donating part of your year-end routine
A single item can make all the difference.
Ready to donate? Schedule a donation pickup today, and turn your used items into community impact this Giving Tuesday. Schedule your donation pickup with ReSupply now by calling 7654-DONATE or clicking below.
