With the year-end almost upon us, it is about time to do some spring cleaning and that means you’ll likely come across clothes that you or your little ones are not able to fit in anymore, and old books that you no longer need or use. Instead of tying them all up in a plastic and dumping them in the trash and be done with it, why not donate it for someone who might need them?
And if you don’t know who to donate it to, here’s a list of 7 places where you can donate your old clothes, books and other preloved items, in Singapore to help you! And if you are looking for places for kids to volunteer, don't forget to check out our list of 6 places for kids to volunteer.
*Update (Sep 2021): updated new organisations and latest weblinks
1. Greensquare
Photo credits Greensquare Textile Recycling
Who: Greensquare provides free textile recycling services.
What: Clean clothes, wearable paired shoes, accessories (belts, bags, etc.), household linen (bedsheets, towels, etc.)
How: Drop off at various locations (less than 15 kg) | Schedule a free collection (more than 15 kg)
2. Tzu Chi
Photo credits Tzu Chi
Who: Tzu Chi, is an international NGO providing humanitarian aid to the needy in over 90 nations worldwide.
What: Newspaper, magazine, books, bottle, CD & DVD, metal container & utensils, electrical appliances, glass bottle, clothings
How: Drop off at Tzu Chi’s recycling points scattered across Singapore (do check the website for the latest opening details).
3. Salvation Army
Photo credits Salvation Army
Who: Salvation Army runs a diverse range of programs to help meet the needs of the underprivileged in Singapore.
What: Clothing, books, toys, electronic devices, household goods, furniture
How: Drop off at Donation In Kind Booths | Schedule collection for bulky items
4. Metta Welfare Association
Photo credits Metta Welfare Association
Who: Metta Welfare Association provides health care and welfare services for the less fortunate in Singapore.
What: Wearable clothing, belts & handbags, books, newspapers, used computer, laptop
How: Place items in plastic bag and drop them in the recycling bin at the basement carpark of Metta Building (32 Simei Street Singapore 529950). Do call 6365 7666 before dropping by
5. Blessings In A Bag
Photo credits Blessings In A Bag
Who: Blessings In A Bag strives to provide disadvantaged children with the essentials they need to thrive and to feel safe, valued and cared.
What: Children’s books, toys (Lego, jigsaw puzzles and educational board & card games), plates, mugs, glassware, decorative items –check their wishlist, updated based on the needs of their community
How: If you have items, please email the details (helloblessings@gmail.com) of what you have to donate along with photos and descriptions before dropping off the items.
6. Thryft
Photo credits Thyft
Who: Started by students from the National University of Singapore, Thryft is a second-hand online bookstore where you can trade in old books for credits to purchase other books on its marketplace.
What: Books
How: Submit a request, schedule a date and they will have someone pick them up.
7. Books Beyond Borders
Photo credits Books Beyond Borders
Who: Books Beyond Borders is a social enterprise that generates funds from the sale of secondhand books in Singapore. They use all profits after business expenses, as well as community donations, to help improve access to education in some of the most rural parts of Nepal.
What: Books Beyond Borders accepts donations of adult fiction and nonfiction books written in English. Books must be in good condition, with no mould or torn pages. Popular children’s and teen books, in like-new condition, will also be accepted.
How: Books can be dropped off at Kong Beng Industrial Building, 41 Jalan Pemimpin #03-01E, 577186, Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. If donors have over twenty books in excellent condition, Books Beyond Borders can arrange for a pick-up. Contact hello@booksbeyondborders.org or use the Live Chat feature on the Books Beyond Borders website to arrange a pick-up or drop off time.
Before Donating
Before packing all your preloved goodies in a bag and leaving them off in the doorstep of the different organizations, you might want to take a look at their website and find out what are the items they accept and do not accept. Also make sure to pack them well before depositing them, for example, wrap your knives and glassware in newspapers before placing them in a bag.
Remember these donation points are not dumping grounds and you should check for the condition of the your donation and also to check with each organisation on what they are looking for.
