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Donate to Goodwill: How to Give Goods, Time, and Support

When you make a donation to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, you spark transformative change, directly impacting lives and communities in the 48 counties we serve. By giving goods, time, or support, you contribute to a cycle of positive change, fostering job creation, education, and environmental sustainability.

We accept a wide variety of donations, each vital to our mission. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, toys, or household items, your contribution makes a significant difference. Join us in making a difference, one donation at a time.

When you give to Goodwill, you’re not only freeing up space in your home, you’re helping others receive free education, training, and employment services to better their lives.

Accepting items that cannot be sold in our stores creates an added cost for Goodwill and hinders our ability to fund our mission of providing free education, training, and employment services.

We offer free donation pickup service from your home in portions of Davidson and Williamson counties. It’s an easy way to donate larger items that you can’t bring to one of our donation sites.

Every dollar we receive helps us to provide free education, training, and employment services to about 11,000 people each year. Please give what you can today. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Read stories of donors and program participants to see the impact of your donations.

Did you know? Monetary donations are essential to supporting our mission of changing lives. Every dollar we receive helps us to provide free education, training and employment services to about 11,000 people each year. Please consider giving today. All gifts are tax-deductible. 

To donate through the mail, please make the checks payable to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee. Mail to: Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, 937 Herman St., Nashville, TN 37208

Ways to Support Goodwill Through Donations

Discover the various ways you can contribute and support our mission. From donating goods to offering your time or financial support, each contribution helps people in need and strengthens local communities.

Donate Goods

Donating goods is easy and convenient. You can drop off items at any of our donation centers. For larger items or if you’re unable to visit in person, we offer scheduled pickup options.

Please ensure all donations are in good, working condition. Before donating, you can also learn why many donors choose Goodwill to understand how your contributions support local programs.

Curious about the impact of your donation? Read this inspiring story about how donated items change lives.

For more information on what you can donate to Goodwill, explore our donation guidelines.

Make a Financial Contribution

Your financial support is critical in expanding our mission. You can make a difference through:

All contributions are tax-deductible, and we ensure the highest security standards for your peace of mind.

Volunteer With Us

Volunteering at Goodwill not only supports our mission, it also enriches your life and strengthens your community. Volunteers play an essential role in areas such as:

  • Retail Support: Assisting in our stores or donation centers.
  • Job Training Mentors: Providing guidance and support to individuals in our job training programs.

For more details on how to get involved, visit our volunteer opportunities page.

For more information, head to our volunteer page.

Pickup Services

Donation Drives

Vehicle Donations

Why Donate to Goodwill?

Donating does more than declutter your home, it fuels a mission that changes lives. At the heart of this work is a commitment to empowering individuals through education, training, and job placement. Every item donated and every dollar contributed plays a crucial role, directly impacting local communities across the country.

Your donations have tangible outcomes:

  • Lives Touched: Last year alone, Goodwill helped thousands of people find employment, thanks to generous donations and support.
  • Jobs Created: With every truckload of donations, Goodwill creates jobs not only within our organization but also in local communities through our career solutions centers, furthering economic growth and opportunity.
  • Environmental Impact: Over the past year, Goodwill diverted thousands of pounds of goods from landfills, promoting a healthier planet through sustainable practices. If you’re interested in sustainability, explore how thrifting supports the planet and its environmental benefits.

These numbers represent real people and real stories of transformation. By choosing to donate, you become part of a powerful cycle of giving, creating opportunities for those in need and contributing to a more sustainable world. Your donations matter, making a difference in countless lives and communities. For recent updates and community news,  read this story about our latest donation surge.

  • What Can You Donate to Goodwill? Guidelines For Donating

  • Your donations of new and gently-used items support our mission of changing lives through education, training and employment. We ask that all donated items be clean and in working order.

    • Donate only during our regular operating hours. An attendant will be on duty to help you unload your donations and give you a donation tax receipt.
    • Follow the One-Year Rule: If you haven’t worn it, used it, or played with it in a year, it’s time to donate.
    • We do not repair broken items, and disposing of them takes away much-needed funds from our mission. A good rule of thumb: If you would give it to a friend, you can donate it here.
    • Donation attendants must decline recalled items or anything that cannot be sold due to quality concerns. (See the lists below for examples of what we can and cannot accept.)

    To claim a tax deduction, ask the attendant for a paper receipt each time you donate. Per IRS regulations, it’s up to donors to document the value of their donations. For your convenience, we also offer digital donation receipts, making it easy to download and track your donations for tax purposes.

Donation Categories

Accepted Donations

Curious about secondhand shopping? Discover what makes a thrift store unique and how these stores benefit communities.

We welcome a wide range of items. Whether you’re looking to donate furniture, toys, bedding, or clothes, your contributions play a key role in supporting community programs. We also accept household items, tools, and used appliances, all of which help sustain our mission.

 

Items We Accept

• Appliances
• Artwork
• Bed Sets (headboards, rails)
• Books
• Clothing
• Electronics

• Exercise Equipment
• Furniture
• Housewares & Décor
• Jewelry & Accessories
• Jogging Strollers
• Kitchenwares

• Linens
• Media Items (CD’s, DVD’s, etc.)
• Musical Instruments
• Printers/Copiers
• Sporting Goods
• Rugs

• Toiletries (New)
• Tools
• Toys
• TV’s (Flat Screen Only)
• Vehicles
• Walkers/Wheel Chairs/Crutches

Items We Cannot Accept

Air conditioners/heaters (portable units OK)

Automotive parts

Building and construction materials (including windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, carpeting, plumbing fixtures)

Chemicals, hazardous materials, paints, and all compressed gases

Computer monitors (flat screens accepted)

Baby furniture, including cribs, car seats, high chairs, and potty chairs.

Electronic Medical Equipment

Food/beverages (including alcohol)

Furniture that is broken, damaged, or stained.

Hospital beds/waterbeds

Large corporate-style furniture (including L- and U-shaped desks, conference tables and dividers/cubicles)

Mattresses, box springs, sleeper sofas, futon cushions and bed pillows

Outdoor playground and pool equipment (including hot tubs, and swing sets)

Pianos

Pool Tables (Standard Size)

Tube/box-shaped televisions (including projection TVs and floor models)

Weapons / Ammunition

Wet/soiled items (including those with pet hair or mold)

Accepting items that cannot be sold in our stores creates an added cost for Goodwill and hinders our ability to fund our mission of changing lives through education, training, and employment. We ask that all donated items be in working order and in good, clean condition since Goodwill cannot repair or refurbish donated items.

For the nearest recycling center, please contact your local waste management authorities.