Where To Donate Used Clothes, Books And Toys In Singapore

It’s no secret that people in Singapore are huge lifestyle consumers – our homes are often packed to the brim with clothes, books, toys and other knick-knacks. If you’re looking at your storeroom and fretting over what to do with all that stuff you’ve accumulated, you’ll be relieved to know there are numerous organisations and initiatives that gladly let you donate used clothes, books and toys. Before diving into the various donation spots across the city-state, it's important to discuss the expectations regarding the condition of these items.

When considering donating pre-loved items, it's crucial to ensure that the items are in good condition. While the definition of "good condition" may vary between different organisations, a general guideline is to donate items that are clean, functional and free from significant wear and tear.

• Clothing:
  
  Cleanliness: Ensure that clothes are freshly laundered before donating.
  
  
  
  Intact: Check for any rips, tears, or stains. Avoid donating items with major damage.
• Books:
  
  Minimal wear: Books with minimal signs of wear are preferable. Avoid donating books with missing pages, excessive writing, or severe damage to the covers.
  
  
  
  Age-appropriate: Donate books that are suitable for the intended audience, whether it's children, teenagers or adults.
• Toys:
  
  Clean and sanitised: Clean toys thoroughly to ensure they are free from dirt, dust and germs.
  
  
  
  Complete sets: If the toy comes with multiple pieces or parts, make sure all components are included.
  
  
  
  Safety first: Avoid donating toys with sharp edges, small detachable parts, or those that pose a safety risk.

Now that you have a better understanding of the expectations for donating pre-loved items, here are some places in Singapore where you can contribute to the community:

1. Cloop

What kind of donations do they accept?

With a focus on reducing fashion overconsumption, Cloop accepts pre-loved clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that are clean and still in good condition. These items will either be circulated through fashion swap events, resold or recycled. 

How to donate?

You can drop off your clothing at any of their textile recycling bins across the island. Click here for more information.  And if you are looking to shop sustainably, look out for Cloop's regular Swap/Shop events where you can get your hands on pre-loved clothes.

2. MINDS Shops

What kind of donations do they accept?

MINDS supports people with intellectual and developmental disability and their families. The MINDS Shops accepts everything from apparel, accessories and furniture to household equipment, gifts and souvenirs. All proceeds from the sale of items goes to MINDS trainees as a form of allowance. 

How to donate?You can either pass the packed donation items to MINDS staff or place them in the collection bin outside the MINDS Shop during operating hours. For donation of bulky items, they recommend writing it to ensure suitability of the donation before making a trip down. For more information, click here.

3. St. Isadore Centre

What kind of donations do they accept?

They accept pre-loved items such as clothes, books and household items that are in good condition. Sales proceeds are channelled towards running orphanages in Indonesia and The Philippines.   

How to donate?

You may drop off the items directly at the thrift store #01-822, Block 120 Potong Pasir Ave 1 from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit their website.

4. Pass It On

What kind of donations do they accept?

Working closely with voluntary welfare organisations, this online platform offers a way for you to pass on items you no longer need to others who might benefit. The items include home appliances, furniture, medical aids, mobility aids and so on. 

How to donate?

Sign up as a donor here and the team will contact you with regards to the collection and delivery process. 

5. Thryft

What kind of donations do they accept?

This online and offine thrift store accepts pre-loved books and clothing, which you can trade-in for Thryft credits. These credits can be used to make purchases on the Thryft store, or you can donate them to be donated in cash after your items are sold. A portion of their profits goes towards non-profit organisations and initiatives tackling urgent environmental or social issues.

How to donate?

You can either head to any of their drop-off locations to drop off the items you'd like to donate or for a flat $15 fee, you can arrange for a pick-up service. The latter is applicable for 200 items and above only. For more information, click here. 

6. New2U Thrift Shop

What kind of donations do they accept?

They accept pre-loved accessories, toys and board games (no soft toys), kitchenware (no appliances) and home decoration items (no furniture). As part of the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), 100 percent of proceeds go to SCWO’s initiatives, which includes helping women who are victims of domestic abuse. 

How to donate?You may drop them off at the SCWO Centre at 96 Waterloo Street. Due to space constraints, they are only able to accept two bags/boxes per person. More information here.

7. Safe Place

What kind of donations do they accept?

Founded in partnership with Lakeside Family Services, Safe Place provides support to expectant mums who need help with everything from temporary accommodation to critical life skills. They accept donations such as diapers, baby formula, baby bath products and nursing accessories.  

How to donate?

Send a WhatsApp message to 8891 4214 with details and photos of the items you intend to donate, and the team will respond within five working days. More information on Safe Place can be found here.

8. Share At Door Step (SADS)

What kind of donations do they accept?

This online platform acts as a middleman between you and a network of charitable social organisations, and all donations get channelled to the most appropriate organisation depending on the items being donated and quantity. In general, they are looking for reusable items such as clothes, toys, shoes, bags and stationery. 

How to donate?

You can either pay a convenience fee and arrange for a pickup at a location of your choice or you can drop off the donations yourself at the relevant charities or organisations based on your donation items. For more information, click here. 

9. Books Beyond Borders

What kind of donations do they accept?

As their name suggests, this bookstore collects and sells gently-used books to raise money for education in rural areas. They accept a wide variety of books – from novels and memoirs to self-help books and picture books for early readers. However, they also have a list of book types that they do not accept. Click here for more information. 

How to donate?

They offer free doorstep pickups for 20 or more book donations. Drop them a message on their website chatbot for more information. 

10. Dignity Mama

What kind of donations do they accept?

This social enterprise under Project Dignity provides young adults with special needs and their caregivers the ability to start small businesses. Located at major hospitals across the islands, these small kiosks sell pre-loved books and magazines donated by the public. They accept pre-loved children’s books, adult fiction and non-fiction as well as magazines that are in good condition. 

How to donate? Drop them a message here with details of the books you’ll like to donate and choose from two drop-off locations.