Give charitable organizations your used kids' clothing, toys, furniture

Many local charities accept donations of used children's clothing, toys and furniture that are in good condition. In most cases, donations are tax-deductible.

Some groups give donations to children and families, while others resell them in thrift shops (or sell items to thrift shops) to support programs.

"It's easier to give away treasured items than just throw them away," said Julie Morgenstern, author of "Organizing From the Inside Out" and co-author of the new "Organizing from the Inside Out for Teens." "It's a nice ritual to build into the holidays."

While all programs welcome gently used items, charities are not a dumping ground for what rightly belongs in the trash.

"Please do not give us broken toys," said Alice Braverman, vice president of marketing and public relations for Seattle Goodwill. "We have no resources to repair them, and we cannot sell them either."

The basic rule: "If you wouldn't give it to a friend, please don't give it to us."

Here are programs that pass items on directly to families:

• Baby Boutique allows homeless families with infants and young children to "shop" for free clothing and other child-related items. It accepts donations of clothing size 0 to 16, blankets, shoes, coats and jackets, strollers, toys, children's books, sheets and parenting books. Drop off donations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. 206-826-3050, Ext. 147.

• Childhaven, which offers a therapeutic sanctuary for abused and neglected children under age 5, welcomes donations of toys and clothes in good condition.

Donations can be dropped off at one of four branches: Broadway Branch, 302 Broadway, Seattle, 206-464-3923; John Wilson Memorial Branch, 100 E. Newton, Seattle, 206-464-3925; Eli Creekmore Memorial Branch, 1035 S.W. 124th, Seattle, 206-248-4903; and Patrick L. Gogerty Branch, 1345 22nd N.E., Auburn, 253-833-5908.

• First Place School, which serves homeless children, accepts some used items, such as clothes and gently used toys and books. Some items, such as socks and underwear, need to be new. For more information, call 206-323-6715.

• Ballard Food Bank accepts used clothing for clothing bank during staffed hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 206-789-7800.

• The Treehouse Wearhouse collects gently used children's clothing, books and toys for children in foster care.

Donations can be delivered to the Wearhouse, 655 S. Orcas St., Seattle, Suite 128, on weekdays. Call to arrange evening drop-offs. For a list of other drop-off sites around Seattle and the Eastside, visit its Web site at www.treehouse4kids.org.206-767-7000, Ext. 210.

• Many elementary schools appreciate extra clothing to have on hand in case of spills or accidents; ask at your school office.

These organizations run charity thrift shops or sell donations to commercial thrift shops.

• Children's Hospital accepts donations of new toys only for patients. However, gently used clothing or household items are sold at its six thrift stores in North Seattle, Redmond, Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend, Kent and Olympia. Bring donations to any of the stores or call 206-448-1233 for a pickup of larger items. For hours and addresses of retail stores, visit www.seattlechildrens.org.

• Community Services for the Blind picks up reusable clothing and household items residents leave outside their homes. Donations are sold in bulk to Value Village. 206-767-2177 or 800-472-2244.

• Goodwill collects used clothing, household goods and small furniture for its thrift stores. 206-329-1000.

• Millionair Club gathers clothing, toys and household goods to resell at its thrift store. 206-728-5627 or www.millionairclub.org.

• Northwest Center for the Retarded collects clothing at donation bins and picks up other donations in its trucks. Items are sold to Value Village. 206-285-5441.

• Salvation Army arranges pick-up of used clothing, household goods and furniture for its thrift stores. 800-958-7825.

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul receives donations of furniture, toys and clothing to resell in its thrift shops. It can arrange pick-up in King County. 206-767-3835.

• Union Gospel Mission Association accepts clothing but not toys for its two thrift stores in King County. Will pick up donated items in good condition within King County. 206-723-5700.