How to Get Rid of Everything

Editor's note: This story was updated in January 2020

Whether you’re looking to get new living room furniture or you’re completely remodeling your entire home, we have some great news: You don’t have to throw all those old pieces (and all that money) in the trash. We found some local organizations where you can donate furniture, accessories and other home goods, so you can make the most of your remodel and help those in southwest Missouri who are in need.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks

3372 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield; 417-889-9136
This organization pairs kids with adult mentors for a year or more and collects clothing and household items through its Think Big Foundation. Items are shipped and resold worldwide, the proceeds of which benefit BBBS. 
Donations Accepted: clothing, including jackets and shoes; working electronics; household items; toys; books; jewelry. Visit bigbro.com/do/thinkbig for a complete list. 
How to Donate: Simply put your items in the bright purple Donation Station bins located throughout Springfield, primarily in Price Cutter parking lots.  

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks

Various southwest Missouri locations, 417-875-3505
Ronald McDonald House Charities creates and supports programs that benefit the health and well being of children in the Ozarks, specifically specializing in providing home environments for families of children hospitalized far from home. 
Donations Accepted: new household items such as laundry baskets; white queen-sized fleece blankets; white queen-sized fitted and flat sheets; and other miscellaneous household supplies. Visit rmhcozarks.org/giving/program-wish-lists for a complete list of accepted items.
How to Donate: Drop off items at the Ronald McDonald House near Cox South (949 E. Primrose St., Springfield) between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day.

The Kitchen, Inc.

1630 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield; 417-837-1500
The Kitchen’s focus is securing housing and bringing stability to people who are homeless. 
Donations Accepted: 30-day bus pass booklets; toilet paper; hot hands; pop-top canned food items, specifically foods with protein; furniture and household items such as couches, bed frames and coffee tables. Visit the kitcheninc.org/donate for a complete list of needed items.
How to Donate: For large donations, contact The Kitchen, Inc. at 417-837-1500. Other donations can be dropped off at Rare Breed Youth Services (301 N. Main St., Springfield) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays or at the Receiving and Distribution Center (420 E. Blaine St., Springfield) from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 

The Plaid Door Resale Boutique

2574 E. Bennett St., Springfield; 417-887-9422
Run by the Junior League of Springfield MO, The Plaid Door is an upscale resale shop specializing in high-quality women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and decor. 
Donations Accepted: clothing, accessories, toys and housewares
How to Donate: The Plaid Door Resale Boutique is open on the second Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Harmony House

3404 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield; 417-837-7700
Harmony House gives shelter, education and safety to domestic violence survivors and their families, and donations go to residents as they rebuild their lives. 
Donations Accepted: household items including laundry pods and bath towels, toiletries, children’s items excluding toys and children’s books. Find a complete donation list at myharmonyhouse.org. 
How to Donate: Donation hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Harmony House. Call 417-837-7700 for more information. 

Missouri Council of the Blind New Image Thrift Store

2713 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield; 417-831-7601
One-hundred percent of proceeds from this thrift store benefit Missouri Council of the Blind, which looks out for the well-being of legally blind individuals in Missouri.
Donations Accepted: furniture, appliances, desks, electronics, televisions, computers, curtains, kitchen items and more. Visit mcbthriftstore.com/make-donations for a complete list. 
How to Donate: Donations can be dropped off 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday or 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, or call 417-831-3701 to schedule a donation pickup. 

Isabel’s House

2750 W. Bennett St., Springfield; 417-865-2273
This organization provides shelter for individuals 12 years old and younger who are in situations of child abuse or neglect.
Donations Accepted: new clothing, large reusable bags and totes, building kits, science kits, Play-Doh. For a complete list, visit isabelshouse.org/give-help/wish-list. 
How to Donate: For large donations, schedule an appointment online. All other donations can be dropped off at Isabel’s House on weekdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

2410 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield; 417-829-4001
Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families by building and repairing their homes, and donations go toward renovating and refurbishing homes. 
Donations Accepted: building materials, furniture, appliances, light fixtures and other home goods in good working condition
How to Donate: Drop off donations at the receiving dock on the east side of the warehouse during business hours, Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The organization offers free pickup services in the greater Springfield area Thursday through Friday. Call 417-829-4001 to schedule a pickup. 

Complete Electronics Recycling

2935 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield; 417-864-4415
This organization ensures electronics are recycled in a safe and environmentally sound way. 
Items Accepted: TVs, computers, computer equipment, batteries, audio and video equipment, cell phones, paper and more. For a complete list, visit completeelectronicsrecycling.com/items.
How to Give: Request a pickup through the website, or drop off materials during operating hours, Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Red Racks & DAV Thrift Store

Various southwest Missouri locations
These thrift stores are owned by Missouri’s Disabled American Veterans. 
Donations Accepted: clothing, shoes, home decor, working electronics that are two years old or newer, small appliances, flat-screen TVs and furniture. For a complete list, visit redracksthriftstores.com. 
How to Donate: Schedule a donation pickup by calling 417-889-6200, or bring donations to a Red Racks store or DAV green donation bin. 

YOTO Community Thrift Store

1731 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield; 417-890-7283
This local thrift store assists local children’s charities, specifically the Boys and Girls Club. 
Donations Accepted: clothes, furniture in good condition, miscellaneous everyday items
How to Donate: Schedule a pickup online or drop off items Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Just looking for a way to recycle items that can't be donated? The City of Springfield Environmental Services has a comprehensive guide available with locations and methods for just about anything you can think of.