Neighborhood Expert: Places to donate used and new items

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, FAIRFAX! Yes, I intentionally used all caps because I’m that excited to be working from a quiet home today. ALONE.

I hope everyone who has a child returning or starting school today has a wonderful first day of school!

I walked in my front door at 8:45 a.m. and, naturally, began cleaning up the mess that was left from the tornado of the first day of school chaos. I also looked at all the stuff that was never touched, even in 18 months of days at home.

If you’re like me and can’t wait to purge all the things from your home when the kids aren’t looking, please keep these organizations in mind as you’re looking to donate gently used goods.

• Women Giving Back — Sterling, Virginia
  They’re accepting women and children’s casual, professional and formal attire, shoes (like new), maternity apparel, and winter gear. They don’t accept books, toys or car seats. You can drop off items this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (In-season attire only.)
• Second Story — Vienna, Virginia
  They have a page they’re updating for donation needs, so please check it again, but as of right now, they need hair products, headphones, baby-proofing items, sweatpants, gender neutral shirts, and they’re always looking for food donations.
• Hope of Northern Virginia — Falls Church, Virginia
  They accept like-new clothing and may accept other baby necessities.
• A Wider Circle — Silver Spring, Maryland
  They accept furniture, baby items, kitchen items, bedding, professional clothing and accessories. If you have lots of items — or large ones — you can call them for a pick up, or you can drop off at their location in Silver Spring.
• Children’s Hospital — Washington, D.C.
  Don’t forget about Dr. Bear’s Closet. It’s looking for brand new, in-original packing, non-toxic and no latex items with tags.

I hope everyone has a great first week of school!