Many have spent this extra time at home digging through their closets and basements, spring cleaning their homes and apartments – albeit a little bit more universal than usual given the recently lifted lockdown. In excavating forgotten boxes and old purchases, you might have found more than a few things you don’t want – and until recently, go-to places to donate your old clothes or appliances have been closed. So here are seven open spots to consider dropping off your donations.

Goodwill

Goodwill locations throughout Wisconsin have reopened, albeit with reduced hours and new safety precautions. For instance, masks are required if you plan on heading inside any location, and make sure that any donations you have are either boxed or bagged. There are approximately ten locations spread throughout the Milwaukee area, so there are plenty of options for donating drop-offs. 

Chosen Family Closet 

Located at 217 W. Wisconsin Ave., Chosen is a Waukesha-based non-profit that supports families that foster or adopt. They are looking for gently used or new, baby and children's clothes, new furniture, toys and more. Chosen also has a more explicit religious core to its mission and how it assists the community, with the website offering prayer support programs in addition to gathering items and donations for families. Chosen accepts donations by appointment; for more information, visit their website.

Lake Country Caring

A non-profit profit further from Downtown, Lake Country Caring (603 Progress Dr., Hartland) is looking for new or gently used clothing, hygiene products, dishware, toys, appliances, furniture and more to provide for those who need it most. Lake Country Caring is resuming item drop-offs on Monday, June 15, and donations must be bagged and boxed.

The Salvation Army

This famed non-profit needs no introduction, but The Salvation Army is accepting just about every new or used item imaginable, including some vehicles and electronics. Donations can be dropped off at all donation centers, and they can even pick up items by appointment.

Habitat for Humanity

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Wauwatosa has recently reopened at 3015 N. 114th St. As a part of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to support affordable housing, ReStore sells appliances, furniture and more to support the mission of the international nonprofit. They will pick up used furniture, appliances, building materials and more after scheduling a pickup time through their website or by phone. Donations can only be dropped off at the Wauwatosa location for now, until the other locations reopen.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission

An institution in Milwaukee that has operated for over a hundred years, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission offers items to thousands in need every year, in addition to other programs. They are looking for used clothing, shoes, towels, utensils, cleaning supplies and small appliances. Items can be dropped off at the main campus donation center found at 830 N. 19th St. 

The Guest House

The Guest House aims to address all aspects of homelessness, serving over 1,500 people annually. Currently, they are not looking for any used clothing, but they are accepting toiletries, puzzle books, adult coloring books, masks, and cleaning and art supplies. To schedule a drop off at The Guest House, located at 1216 N. 13th St., contact the email on their website.