Pass It On Book

Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff

Find a Donation Location

Cleaning out your home and closets? Use our "What Do I Do With?" search engine to find places that take furniture, clothing, toys, art supplies and other household goods. The search engine lists the most up-to-date donation information available. It also includes all of the 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 7th edition of our award-winning Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff was updated and printed in August 2016. 

The soft-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.

View and print a PDF of Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff (7th edition, August 2016, 88 pages). Request a hard copy (one per person) via our Publication Request Form or by calling 216.443.3749.

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.