Pass It On Book
We are pleased to present the 8th edition of our award-winning Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff.
Find a Donation Location
Cleaning out your home and closets? Use the dark blue “What Do I Do With?” search bar at the top of every page of this website to find places that take furniture, clothing, toys, art supplies and other household goods. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.
The “What Do I Do With?” search includes the most up-to-date donation information available. It includes organizations listed in the Pass It On book.
Request the Pass It On Book
The Solid Waste District produces a book to help residents of Cuyahoga County donate their goods for reuse.
Since 1997, the publication Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff has been helping many people pass on their unwanted but usable items to those in need. The 8th edition of our award-winning Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff was updated and printed in August 2019.
The spiral-bound book lists community service organizations that use donated items to support their work. Most of the organizations listed in work on behalf of youth, seniors, the homeless, animals and others in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding area.
Due to issues with US Postal Service, the Pass It On book is no longer available by mail. You can download the PDF (8th edition, August 2019, 43 pages), pick up a copy at our office or an upcoming event, or send an email to make other arrangements.
Tips on Donating Usable Stuff
When donating your unwanted items make sure they are clean and in usable, working condition. Call the organization before dropping off your items. Donations that have not been arranged or have been left after hours can become "uncharitable" donations if they are not needed or are unusable.
The Pass It On book is not an exhaustive list. Other donation possibilities exist at your local school, church, theater company, pet shelter, nursing home or library. Be creative and think of who might benefit from your unwanted items.
Is My Donation Tax Deductible?
Your donation of used goods may be tax-deductible. Below are some general tax tips related to donating. For complete information contact your accountant or tax advisor.
- Individual contributions of $250 or more must be substantiated with written proof from the charity.
- The Internal Revenue Service lets taxpayers claim the "fair market value" of the item at the time the donation is made. While most charities will provide a receipt for your donation, most will not appraise the value of donated items. To help you determine the value of your donation, see IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions (for individuals) or IRS Publication 542, Charitable Contributions (for corporations). Contact the Cleveland IRS office at 216.415.3442.
- Contributions to civic leagues, social clubs and business leagues are not tax-deductible, nor are donations made to for-profit thrift stores or merchandise sold on consignment.
Listing a Nonprofit Organization
Does your organization need or accept donations of usable goods? If you are interested in learning how to have a local nonprofit listed in the Pass It On book, or you need to update an existing listing, call (216) 443-3749 or send an email.