By Lidia Varesco Racoma
Updated 12/07/23
Note: Please check with each organization re: any COVID-19 restrictions
As a mom of two, I feel like I’m always doing the “kids stuff shuffle:” packing up clothes and toys they’ve outgrown and pulling out the hand-me-downs they have finally grown into. But what to do with all the baby and children’s clothes, shoes, toys, gear and art supplies that they have outgrown? Donate it!
Tips before packing up your donations
- Read each organization’s donation requirements carefully.
- Don’t include items that are not listed on the organization’s donation list — this creates more work for the volunteers who are sorting items.
- Most organizations accept only new or gently used items. In the case of gently used, items should be clean and free of any damage or stains; gear and toys should be in working condition with all parts included.
- Please note that many organizations will not accept items such as cribs, mattresses, car seats, etc. unless specifically indicated in their donation requirements. Car seats can sometimes be recycled at Target or local baby stores.
Chicago organizations that accept donations of baby and children’s clothing, gear and supplies:
Art Makers Outpost (Evanston): accepts new and gently used art and craft supplies, including kits, game pieces, dolls and figurines. Currently not taking donations.
Betsy’s Blankets (Chicago): accepts new blankets, comforters, sheets, pillows, and sleeping bags. Shop their wish list or send blankets and bedding to directly to them. Volunteer opportunities
Bernie’s Book Bank (Chicago): accepts new and gently used children’s books for birth through 6th grade level. NO textbooks, workbooks or reference material. Drop-off locations throughout Chicago. Volunteer opportunities
Books4Cause (Chicago/Skokie): accepts books, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, laptops less than 3 years old, CDs, DVDs, vinyl, and school supplies. Drop-off locations throughout Chicago/suburbs and local pick-up is available. Volunteer opportunities
Care for Real (Chicago): accepts donations of clean and usable clothing for men, women, and children. NEW diapers are also especially needed, as well as baby food (unopened). Volunteer opportunities
Chicago Furniture Bank (Chicago): accept donations of furniture such as cribs, changing tables and beds. Volunteer opportunities
Chicago Textile Recycling (Hillside) accepts stuffed animals, plush toys and blankets, as well as kids’ clothes and shoes that are not acceptable for donation.
Cornerstone Community Outreach (Chicago): accepts donations of good condition and new items, such as clean useable clothing, household items, shoes, and collectibles etc.
Cradles to Crayons (Chicago): accepts a wide range of donations of new and like-new items for children of all ages, from newborn to age 12. In their Giving Factory warehouses, they then hand-select items to create and distribute packages for specific kids. Volunteer opportunities
Family Tree Resale (Chicago & Wheaton, IL): accepts any item except for food, mattresses, and old tube TV’s. They provide free pick-up for furniture and large-scale donations.
House of the Good Shepherd (Chicago): currently only accepting monetary donations. Volunteer opportunities
Humble Design (Chicago): accepts donations of furniture and home decor—see their donation guide for details. Furniture pickups are available (based on minimum donation requirements). They also have locations in Detroit, San Diego and Seattle. Volunteer opportunities
The Kid’s Pantry (Mt. Prospect, IL): accepts gently used or new children’s items ranging from infant through juniors as well as items for pregnant mothers. They also accept toys for all ages (toys like Lego sets and Barbies are usually in short supply), as well as strollers (they get a lot of requests for double strollers), cribs, pack and plays, high chairs, non-expired car seats, large outdoor toys, bicycles, etc. Volunteer opportunities
Lakeview Pantry (Chicago): their Oakdale Ave. site accepts clothing donations in clean, good condition. The Sheridan Rd. site does not distribute or accept donations of clothing—however both locations accept new/unopened donations of non-perishable food items, personal hygiene, bathroom supplies, and cleaning supplies. Volunteer opportunities
Open Books (Chicago): accepts gently used books for children and adults. Drop off at West Loop location or drop boxes throughout Chicago. Volunteer opportunities
Pacific Garden Mission (Chicago): currently only accepting monetary donations. Volunteer opportunities
The Parlor (Chicago): a storefront operated by Trash People of Logan Square, is accepting the following: Diapers + Pull Ups (all sizes); Strollers; Car Seats; Diaper Cream; Baby Formula; Puzzles & Board Games. See full donation list or book a donation drop off. Volunteer opportunities
Scarce (Addison IL): accepts books, school supplies, paper (all kinds), art supplies, poster board, whiteboards, cork boards, metal jewelry, 35 mm film canisters, inkjet cartridges, office supplies, writing utensils, crayons. Volunteer opportunities.
Share Our Spare (Chicago): accepts new or gently used items for children ages newborn to five. They also welcome donations of new packs of diapers, wipes, bottles and baby lotions/soaps. Volunteer opportunities
Sharing Connections (Downers Grove, IL): accepts cribs and mattresses (non-drop side), Portable Cribs, Toddler Beds, Car Seats (under 6 yrs. old), Strollers, High Chairs, Booster Seats, Changing Tables, and infant clothing. They only accept NEW Diapers and Wipes, Baby Bottles and Pacifiers. Volunteer opportunities
Simpson Academy for Young Women (Chicago): currently not accepting donations.
Upcycling Colors (Chicago): reconditions used art and craft supplies, puzzles, educational toys, games, musical instruments, etc. into new treasures for schools in need worldwide. Volunteer opportunities
The Women’s Centers of Greater Chicagoland (Chicago): accepts new and gently used baby clothes and gear, and new toys and supplies. Items they are currently accepting. Volunteer opportunities
The Wasteshed (Chicago & Evanston): accepts these materials in good condition: art tools, art paint, ink, paintbrushes, studio quality pens, pencils and markers, art paper, canvases and canvas making materials, sharpies, scissors, googly eyes, glitter, maps, screen and block printing materials, film, glue and tape, embroidery hoops, and jewelry supplies. See their donation page for full details. Volunteer opportunities
Local police and fire departments, as well as animal shelters, sometimes keep stuffed animals on hand. Contact your local facilities to see if they accept used stuffed animals.
What to do with baby and kids stuff that isn’t in donation-worthy condition
I:CO partners with retailers to collect and recycle clothes and shoes in any condition.
Target holds yearly trade-in events to collect used and outdated car seats for recycling.
Donate your stuff…and your time
Because local nonprofit organizations are often operating with a small staff, I’ve included links to volunteer opportunities — which is a great way to get kids involved too! Many organizations also coordinate volunteer events for school groups and birthday parties.
Thank you to all my fellow local biz mamas for helping me compile this list! Did I miss any organizations? Please leave a comment so I can update the list.
Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design is a nonprofit brand strategist, marketing designer and speaker. She also outfits kids of all ages in good design with her apparel line typebaby.
