Maybe it’s time to clean out. Or, perhaps you are struck with a sense of generosity. No matter what your motivations are, it sometimes can be challenging to find places that will take your good, but unneeded items.
Here, we list some good causes in Southern Maine that will take donations of new or gently used items. Remember: all clothing should be clean and in wearable condition. Don’t donate anything that you would not want a loved one to wear. Some items, such as underwear, pillows and socks, should be brand new to donate.
We are focusing on local charities here. Plenty has already been written about the larger ones like the Salvation Army and Goodwill.
We understand that our listings are not comprehensive. This article will be a work-in-progress for a long time. If you know of a charity that accepts items for donation, please send us a comment with all of the relevant information along with their website, and we will check them out.
Finally, for any of these Southern Maine good causes that have retail stores: consider shopping there as well as donating to them.
Direct-Service Charities
The charities included in this section provide direct services to those in need. When you drop off your items, consider including a $10 Dunkin’ Donuts or other fast food gift card with your donation. This allows someone who may be living outside to sit inside a warm building, have a meal and use a restroom.
Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine
Who They Support
Adoptive and foster families of Maine
What They Accept
- Kids clothing, boys & girls size infant to teen;
- All sizes & gender of shoes;
- New in package undergarments, socks, diapers, and baby wipes;
- Winter clothing, jackets, snow pants, boots;
- New bedding; sheets, blankets, pillowcases;
- New toys and gifts for gift-giving program;
- New backpacks and school supplies.
Contact/How to Donate
AFFM accepts donations by appointment only. Call for a drop-off appointment at 207-827-2331.
Caring Unlimited
Who They Support
Victims of Domestic Violence
What They Accept
- Full or twin sheets and blankets/ comforters;
- Towels;
- Personal care products;
- Household cleaning/laundry supplies;
- Small appliances in working order;
- Everyday kitchenware;
- Baby Supplies;
- Gently used or new toys;
- Cell phones;
- Twin and full-sized beds;
- Toys and art supplies;
- Small home furnishings for transitional apartments;
- Gift cards to local stores.
Contact/How to Donate
Call 207-490-3227 x106 to arrange a donation.
It takes a Village 207/Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance
Who They Support
Homeless veterans and other Mainers in need.
What They Accept
- Small nightstands;
- Recliners & love seats (no electric or sleepers);
- Gift certificates for Hub Furniture in Portland;
- Small dressers;
- Small kitchen tables;
- Kitchen chairs;
- End tables;
- TV’s (Flat Screen ONLY);
- Batteries (AA, AAA, C, & D);
- Feminine hygiene products;
- Adult incontinence products;
- Tents;
- Sleeping bags;
- New backpacks;
- Blank notecards with envelopes;
- Postage stamps;
- Gift Cards for grocery stores, Walmart and Amazon;
- Gas Cards
Contact/How to Donate
https://mainehomelessveteransalliance.org
Drop off at:
907 Ossipee Trail West
Steep Falls, ME 04085.
They also have a wish list for local kids’ holiday gifts.
Maine Needs
Who They Support
Local social services providers who provide items to clients.
What They Accept
- Clean current season clothing in good condition;
- Outerwear;
- Boots;
- Tents & tarps;
- Sleeping bags;
- Adult backpacks;
- Sheet sets;
- New pillows;
- Toiletries;
- Cleaning supplies;
- Everyday kitchenware;
- Diapers and wipes;
- Toys that don’t need batteries and/or do not resemble weapons;
- Children’s books;
- Art supplies.
Contact/How to Donate
332 Forest Ave
Portland, ME 04101
Tuesday 8-8, Wednesday & Saturday 10-12.
Preble Street
Who They Support
Preble Street is a direct-service provider to individuals in need.
What They Accept
- New undergarments and socks;
- Coats;
- Boots;
- Waterproof gloves, thermal gear & snow pants;
- Practical footwear;
- Jeans and casual pants;
- Leggings;
- Plain t-shirts;
- Rain ponchos;
- Baseball caps;
- Sweatpants;
- Hoodies;
- Belts;
- Tents and tarps;
- Sleeping bags;
- Towels;
- Duffel bags and backpacks;
- Personal hygiene products;
- Sunscreen and bug spray;
- Laundry and cleaning products;
- Plastic totes with lids;
- Art supplies;
- Books and games.
Contact/How to Donate
18 Portland St
Portland, ME 04101
207-775-0026
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9-12.
Preble Street also offers a food pantry. See the food pantry section further down in this article.
St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry (not a food pantry)
Who They Support
Anyone in need.
What They Accept
- Bath towels;
- Bed linens (please label size);
- Tablecloths (please label size);
- Cloth napkins and placemats;
- Cooking pots (and lids);
- Kitchen cooking utensils;
- Sets of plates (at least 4);
- Sets of mugs (at least 4);
- Flatware (no kitchen knives);
- Hand sanitizer;
- Face masks;
- Shampoo and conditioner;
- Diapers;
- Feminine hygiene products;
- Dental care products;
- Deodorant;
- Adult incontinence products.
No Food or clothing – each spring and summer St. Elizabeth’s collects winter gear for distribution in the fall.
Contact/How to Donate
https://stelizabethsmaine.org/
Drop off can occur at any of several Episcopal churches in the area. Check the website for details.
Seeds of Hope
Who They Support
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center partners with local communities and neighbors to find solutions to poverty and to promote personal growth.
What They Accept
- Seasonal clothing;
- Household goods;
- Personal care products;
- Camping equipment.
Contact/How to Donate
35 South Maine Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
Call 207-283-1783 to arrange a donation.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores provide you with the opportunity to donate your items to an organization that then resells them to support a good cause. Most resellers know what sells and what does not in each season. In addition, pay attention to what is OK to donate and what is not. It’s why we wrote our article on what not to donate to Goodwill.
Also, sometimes they get a backlog of specific items. So, it’s best to reach out to make sure they are currently taking what you would like to donate. When donating clothing, please donate in season items. Many of these thrift stores do not have extra storage space.
Another Chance Thrift Shop
Who They Support
What They Accept
- Clothes;
- Housewares;
- Books;
- Cat Supplies.
Contact/How to Donate
https://www.anotherchanceanimal.org/thrift-store
41 Main Street
North Berwick, ME 03906
207-490-2855
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 10- 2
Friday & Saturday – 10- 4
Sunday – Noon – 4.
Donations accepted during store hours. Also, donations may be dropped off anytime at the rescue which is located at 251 Country Club Road Sanford ME.
Outta the Box
Who They Support
The New School of Maine
What They Accept
- Kitchenware;
- Dishes;
- Glassware;
- Jewelry;
- Art;
- Shoes and accessories;
- Small pieces of furniture;
- Books and gift-like items like candles, home decorations, and the like;
- Clothing.
Contact/How to Donate
http://thenewschoolmaine.org/outta-the-box-a-tns-thriftstore
8 York Street
Kennebunk ME 04043
207-604-5050
Drop offs should be made at the rear entrance of the store during business hours. Hours vary by season. Check the web page.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Who They Support
Habitat for Humanity
What They Accept
- Furniture;
- Hardware & construction material;
- Home furnishings;
- Tools.
Contact/How to Donate
www.habitatyorkcounty.org/restore
123 York Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
207-502-7021
Donations accepted Tuesday and Saturday 9-3.
Check their webpage for specific needs and items that they currently are not accepting. Arrange pick up for large items through their webpage. Also, check out our review of Habitat ReStore.
St. David’s Budget Box
Who They Support
Adoptive and foster families of Maine
What They Accept
- Clothing, shoes and boots;
- Jewelry/accessories;
- Household items;
- Collectibles.
Contact/How to Donate
stdavidskennebunk.org/what-we-do/budget-box
2 Bragdon Lane
Kennebunk, ME 04043– Behind Anchor Fence on Rt 1.
(207) 985-3544
Consignments and Donations:
Mondays 10 – 12:30
Tuesdays 10-12:30
Threads of Hope (Catholic Charities)
Who They Support
Catholic Charities is one of the largest statewide private human service agencies in Maine. Donations help support the more than 30 programs under the Catholic Charities umbrella. They helped over 60,000 people, of all faiths, throughout the state last year.
What They Accept
- Clothing;
- Household items;
- Furniture;Shoes;
- Books;
- Artwork.
Contact/How to Donate
Multiple locations throughout Maine. See website ccmaine.org/thrift-store for more information.
Will pick up furniture in good condition. Call 207-781-8550 to arrange pick up.
Food Pantries
In general food pantries accept nonperishable human and pet food, personal hygiene and toiletries items as well as baby care products. Food should not be expired. Here are tips for understanding food expiration dates.
Some will also collect school supplies as well as office supplies to help run their organization. Reach out to each place listed here if you have questions about something that you would like to donate and aren’t sure if they’ll take.
Biddeford Food Pantry
162 Elm Street
Biddeford, ME 04005
207-282-4771
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9-11
Big Love One Community
Dutch Homestead
220 Buffum Road
North Berwick, ME 03906
This is a 24-7 self-serve stand.
The Little Pantry
16 Water Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
207-967-0857
This is a 24-7 self-serve stand outside the Chamber of Commerce Building.
Preble Street
75 Darling Avenue
South Portland, ME 04106
207-775-0026
Seven days 7-5. Ring bell at volunteer entrance.
St. Matthew Food Pantry
19 Dora Lane Limerick, ME 04048
207-793-2244
Donations may be dropped off at the parish office Monday-Friday 9-2.
St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen (also a food pantry)
307 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
207-772-1113
8:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday – Friday.
They only accept food donations when the soup kitchen is open and volunteers are on hand. They ask that you please do not leave anything unattended as it cannot be used. Also, they take clothing and personal care items.
South Berwick Community Food Pantry
47 Ross Street South Berwick, ME 03908
207-384-4324
Th 6-7:30 pm & first and third Fridays 10-11:30am.
York County Shelter Food Pantry
5 Swetts Bridge Road
Alfred, ME 04002 — Just off Route 4.
If you would like to make a donation to the food pantry, contact Mike Ouellette at (207) 324-1137, ext. 103. For donations to the Pet Food Pantry, Contact Mike or Sharon Secovich at sjsecovich@gmail.com.
Final thoughts
If we’ve missed a thrift store, food pantry or direct-service charity that takes donations, please reach out and let us know.