Recycle Baby Gear and Clothing

Written By Jennifer Lo Prete, Itsabelly California Consultant

This is often a time when many of us clean out our closets and garages. It is a good opportunity to evaluate our items and discover what our children no longer need. Children grow so fast and their needs evolve rapidly. Often their clothing and related gear are in great condition to pass along to a new owner.

Donating clothing and baby gear to a local woman’s shelter or selling it at a consignment shop are two eco-friendly ways to recycle and support your local community. I urge you to look beyond the ease of the Goodwill drive-thru drop-off and donate your gently used items to a local charity that benefits women and children. Consigning is another good option because it benefits a local business (many are mom-owned) and it provides the chance to buy quality items at a hugely discounted price. I buy all of my children’s preschool and play clothes at my local consignment boutique. Actually, I never pay cash for any items because I always have a credit from items that I have sold. The items are in terrific condition and I don’t mind paint stains since I didn’t pay a lot for the item.

 

Here are some wonderful organizations that are usually in need of baby-related items. These are suggestions for the areas where Itsabelly is currently located. If you are interested in an area outside of Portland, Oregon or San Jose, California the following phrases plus your location will probably result in a local organization: “women’s shelter,” or “family shelter,” “children’s shelter,” “donate baby items.” Please check the organization’s website or call for a wish list before dropping off large items. Also, due to legal reasons, many charities cannot accept car seats.

Portland Area Charities

 

Children’s Relief Nursery

Children’s Relief Nursery mission is to prevent abuse and neglect in children birth through three by partnering with caregivers committed to strengthening their families. Since 2001, CRN has provided family support services – at no cost – to high-risk Multnomah county families. CRN accepts in-kind donations of new or gently used items listed below to the nursery at 8425 N Lombard Street, Portland, OR 97203. Please check their website for an extensive wish list. The only used children's items we cannot accept (due to insurance regulations) are cribs and car seats. 503-283-4776

Northwest Children’s Outreach

Northwest Children’s Outreach is a collection and distribution center that collects children’s items and distributes the goods to care providers working directly with children. Here is their wish list. (503) 352-0493

Miracle Diapers

Portland is the headquarters of Miracle Diapers. They accept all items relating to cloth diapers. They also accept slings, natural baby items and natural living products. All donations received are passed on to families in need.

Oregon Community Warehouse

While this organization does not accept baby items, they are a great local resource for donating your other household items. Oregon Community Warehouse provides donated household items (mattresses, linens, furniture, etc.) for clients at no cost to them. They also have a “Beds for Kids” donation program. For a $40 donation, you can ensure that a child no longer sleeps on the floor.

San Jose Area Charities

Family Supportive Housing

FSH accepts clothing, toys and household items such as linens, pillows. They also accept food donation, especially fresh fruit, bread, lunchmeats and meat. During the Holidays, due to an increase in donations FSH has a limited donation wish list. Please check their website or call ahead. (408) 926-8885

Support Network For Battered Women

The Support Network for Battered Women services include a 24-hour toll-free crisis line, an emergency shelter, counseling, information and referrals, support groups, safety planning, legal services and community education presentations. All services are completely confidential, are either free or low-cost and are offered in both Spanish and English. Here is a very helpful section of their website that contains updated and extensive wish lists and “not accepting now” lists.

Donations Line (408) 541 6100 Ext. 135.

Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health

The Family Resource Center (FRC) at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital relies on donations to build and expand its collection of recreational and educational books and DVDs/ videotapes. We accept donations of materials in all languages, especially Spanish. Please note that donations must not be wrapped as presents. (650) 497-8102

InnVision 

Provides various services for homeless and low-income women, men, and children, including food, shelter and health care. Donations distributed to families free of charge. Please check their website for a list of in-need items. (408) 292 4286

Comments

[Colleen Wright]

Thanks for the great info on donations. I will pass along to the teachers at Rolling Hills.