Questions answered: Things you should donate this summer, including your vehicle

Donate with Debbie answers, “Wait, I can donate my car?”

Hello again! It’s me, Debbie, your closet coach. Or, in this case, your garage guru. I’ll be answering your questions on what to donate and what not to this summer.

First things first. Yes, you heard that right. At Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio we’ll accept just about anything with a motor. Whether it’s a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, RV or lawn mower, we’ll take it — even if it hasn’t run in years!

Summertime is one of the busiest seasons for selling and buying cars with the new year’s models hitting inventories and winter around the corner. So, you’re buying a new car. Instead of worrying about having to sell your vehicle, did you know you can receive a greater value for your vehicle on your tax return as a charitable contribution? Place a value on your donated items by referring to the donation valuation guide.

Question: Why donate my car?

I call it thrifting with a purpose. Thrift store donations turn into hope and promise for struggling men, women, youth and families. Here at Volunteers of America, we are dedicated to rebuilding the lives of those in need and helping them reach their full potential.

When you donate your vehicle to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, you make a positive effect on the people and the communities we serve. When your car is sold at auction, all proceeds benefit our social service program, including addiction support, reading programs, sheltering the homeless, job training and veteran programs. Without donor support, Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio wouldn’t be able to touch the lives of more than 20,000 individuals across Ohio.

Question: What else can I donate?

When you think of thrift stores you often envision outgrown clothes, vintage jewelry and the occasional book or record. Maybe you forgot about those unused holiday decorations or outdated appliances collecting dust in your garage or basement.

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio are frequently in need of items that you may not even think to donate. To clear up any confusion about what you can and can’t donate, here’s a list of a few items we can and can’t accept for donation.

Items not accepted for donation:

  • Ovens, stoves and stove hoods
  • Refrigerators
  • Washers and dryers
  • Bath tubs
  • Water beds, bed frames, box springs and mattresses
  • Car seats
  • Furnaces
  • Water heaters and water softeners
  • Home gyms, weight benches and weights
  • Jungle gyms and swing sets
  • Pianos/organs
  • Ping-pong and billiard tables
  • Televisions
  • Magazines, encyclopedias and textbooks

Items accepted for donation:

  • Blankets, sheets and pillowcases
  • Curtains and drapes
  • Décor
  • Craft supplies
  • Musical instruments
  • Electric heaters
  • Small working appliances
  • Computers and cellphones (no more than three years old)
  • Tools
  • Sports equipment
  • Bicycles
  • Vehicles

Maybe you have an item you’ve been wanting to get rid of for quite some time, but it’s not on the list above? No worries. To check and see if we’ll take it, or if you have any other questions, call our donation line at 1 (800) 873-4505.

Question: How can I donate my car?

Donating your vehicle is quick, easy and hassle free. Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio offers three simple ways to donate. You can donate your vehicle online, on the phone or in person (depending on your area). Complete the online form or call 1 (800) 862-6030 and Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio will contact you to schedule a pick-up. If you’re in the Columbus area, donate your car in person by bringing your clear title to our West Broad location. If you’re not in the Columbus area, mail your clear title to 5640 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228.

Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio also offers free, same-day towing from all 88 Ohio counties, including the major metropolitan areas of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Mansfield, Sandusky and Toledo.