Donate Used Items to Charities in Austin

For most people who aren’t making charitable donations, it isn’t because they don’t want to or don’t care about the Austin community. Usually, people either don’t know how, think they can’t afford to, or both. But what you didn’t know is that nonprofit organizations are making it easier than ever for people to give without spending any extra money.

A common misconception is that making a contribution to a particular organization requires play dress up at a $150 per plate gala and competing for fabulous vacation getaways and expensive jewelry at a live auction. And big contributions like these are essential to some nonprofits’ survival. But charitable organization have also figured something out recently- big events require so much staff time and a big chunk of money upfront that they can only afford one or two per year.

The solution to this dilemma varies according the each organizations needs, but in general, this means opportunities for “small givers” are opening up all over the place.

Below are some examples of creative donation programs set up by Austin-area nonprofits:


1) Recycling Cell Phones: You’ve already spent the money on that new cell phone, and now you don’t know what to do with the old one. You’ll probably just throw it away. But in Austin, several charities could make better use of that cell phone than your trash can will. SafePlace, a shelter for abused women and children, distributes functioning cell phone to their shelter clients to use in case an emergency 9-1-1 call needs to be made. The Central Texas SPCA, a no-kill animal shelter, accepts cell phones and accessories in all conditions for their eBay Cash for Critters program.