If you're cleaning out your house, you'll might find yourself with a lot of good (or close enough) items you're not sure what to do with. Old pet blankets, opened packs of markers, maybe a brand of laundry detergent you didn't like: they might not be the kinds of things a thrift store would take, but there are plenty of places that will. For example, many kitchen spices will go stale after a year or so-- but Phoenix Zoo can still use them as enrichment for primates and carnivores.
So save some room in your dumpster and find out which Phoenix nonprofits can put that extra stuff and put it to good use. This directory compiles nonprofits in the greater Phoenix area, provides contact information and donation instructions, and lists some of the items they need that you might have around your house.
The goals of this directory are:
1. To divert items from the trash that are usable or reusable, especially those not typically needed at places like Goodwill
2. To stock nonprofits with materials they use at a high rate
The lists are generally restricted to things people are likely to have around their house, or be looking to get rid of when cleaning or moving. When possible, I include a link to a more complete wishlist so you can make a larger donation if you'd like.
If you're a potential donor with a question, I can try to answer it but I only work with one of these organizations directly so you will probably be better off contacting them.
If you work with a nonprofit not listed, or you'd like to update the information in your nonprofit's entry, send me an email.
My email is: sarahaasis@gmail.com
Name: Downtown Urban Community Kids (DUCK)
Purpose: To help kids develop life skills, in a structured setting which promotes self-esteem building personal relationships built on a foundation of faith.
Phone: 602-741-3429
Address: 4030 W Sherman St, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Items: Poster board, pipe cleaners, yarn, beads, Legos, copy paper, mailing labels, 13- and 55-gallon trash bags, Clorox wipes, any school supplies or sports equipment.
Donation instructions: Email kathleen@duckkids.org or call 602-741-3429 to arrange for delivery.
Complete wishlist is available as a download from the main website
Name: Liberty Wildlife
Purpose: To nurture the nature of Arizona through wildlife rehabilitation, natural history education and conservation services to the community.Phone: 480-998-5550
Address: 11825 N 70th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Items: Dawn dish soap, liquid hand soap, paper towels, bleach, letter-sized manila folders, laundry detergent, stamps, surgical gloves, digital thermometers.
Donation instructions: Liberty Wildlife has a drop-off window at the front of the facility and donors can bring items there.
Complete wishlist
Name: The Phoenix Zoo
Purpose: To advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. Phone: 602-273-1341Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, 85008
Items: Tempera paint, tennis balls, brown paper lunch bags, burlap sacks, sand, phone books, cooking spices and extracts (except the ones listed here), orange traffic cones,
Donation instructions: Donors can bring items to the front gate during business hours. Specify if you are bringing items from the wish list.
Complete wishlist
Purpose: To advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. Phone: 602-273-1341Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, 85008
Items: Tempera paint, tennis balls, brown paper lunch bags, burlap sacks, sand, phone books, cooking spices and extracts (except the ones listed here), orange traffic cones,
Donation instructions: Donors can bring items to the front gate during business hours. Specify if you are bringing items from the wish list.
Complete wishlist
