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

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

Goodwill accepts a variety of donations, each vital to our mission. Whether it’s clothing, a few hours of your time, or a financial gift, the process is simple and your impact profound. 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.

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 Donate to Goodwill: Our Services and Programs

Discover the various ways you can contribute to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee and support our mission. From donating goods to offering your time or financial support, each contribution makes a meaningful impact in the 48 counties in Middle and West Tennessee we serve.

Donate Goods

Donating goods is easy and convenient. You can drop off items at any Goodwill donation center. 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. For more information on what can you 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 to Goodwill

Volunteering at Goodwill not only supports our mission but also enriches your life and community. At Goodwill, volunteers are invaluable in various roles, including:

  • 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 information, head to our volunteer page.

Pickup Services

Donation Drives

Vehicle Donations

Why Donate to Goodwill?

Donating to Goodwill does more than declutter your home—it fuels a mission that changes lives. At the heart of Goodwill’s work is a commitment to empowering individuals through education, training, and job placement. Every item donated and every dollar contributed plays a crucial role in this mission, 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 more than thousands of pounds of goods from landfills, promoting a healthier planet through sustainable practices.

These numbers represent real people and real stories of transformation. By choosing to donate to Goodwill, you’re part of a powerful cycle of goodwill, creating opportunities for those in need and contributing to a more sustainable world. Your donations matter, making a difference in countless lives and communities.

  • 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 it in one year, give it to Goodwill.
    • Goodwill does not repair broken items, and the disposal of those items takes away much-needed funds from our mission. A good rule of thumb is: If you would give it to a friend, you could give it to Goodwill.
    • Donation attendants must decline recalled items or donations that cannot be sold because of quality concerns. (The lists below provide examples of items Goodwill can and cannot accept).
    • To claim a yearly tax deduction, download our electronic donation receipt online here or ask the attendant for a paper receipt each time you donate. Based on IRS regulations, it’s up to donors to document the value of their donations.

Your donations may be tax-deductible. In an effort to be more earth-friendly, we are providing digital donation receipts. Download a receipt and record your donations for tax purposes.

If you recently made a donation, visit My Goodwill Donation and sign up to start tracking and assigning a value to all your donations. Come tax time, all the donations you made throughout the year will be in one convenient place for easy access and printing.

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)

Bulk Office Furniture

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.