Not everything in a St. Louis estate goes to the sale. Thoughtful donation does more than move out leftovers — it supports your community, preserves tax benefits, and leaves the home ready for its next chapter.
Reputable St. Louis-area charities that accept furniture
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Archdiocese of St. Louis — home pickup for large items, supports food pantries and housing assistance.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — appliances, furniture, building materials; proceeds support local housing builds.
- Missouri Goodwill — clothing, household goods; retail stores and employment programs.
- Salvation Army Thrift Stores — wide-range donations; supports adult rehabilitation centers.
- NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women) Resale Shops — clothing, housewares, books.
- Stray Rescue of St. Louis — clean towels, blankets, pet supplies.
- Crisis Nursery of St. Louis — clothing and supplies for children in crisis.
Getting the tax receipt right
For any donation you plan to claim on taxes:
- Get a written receipt at the time of donation. Most charities provide one on request.
- For a single donation of items valued over $250, the written receipt must include specific language.
- For non-cash donations totaling over $500 in a year, IRS Form 8283 must be filed with your taxes.
- For a single item or group of similar items valued over $5,000, a qualified written appraisal is required.
We coordinate receipts on behalf of clients during estate sales and downsizing projects. You receive a single packet of donation documentation for your records.
Items most charities do not want
Save yourself a second truck: the following are routinely declined by St. Louis charities.
- Large console TVs and most non-flat-panel televisions.
- Mattresses and box springs (bedbug liability).
- Built-in appliances, old water heaters, or anything with visible damage.
- Cribs that do not meet current safety standards.
- Partial paint cans, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
- Exercise equipment in poor condition.
- Heavily worn upholstered furniture.
Specialty donations that deserve a second look
- Old eyeglasses — Lions Club collects them for international redistribution.
- Prom and business-wear — Dress for Success (business), local high schools (prom).
- Fine art — local museums or university collections, occasionally.
- Books — library book sales, Goodwill, prison literacy programs.
- Musical instruments — Hungry for Music, school band programs.
- Sewing supplies — quilting guilds, senior centers, community centers.
Our role at cleanout
If you choose our donation coordination service as part of an estate sale or downsizing, we:
- Sort remainder items by charity fit.
- Schedule pickups or deliver directly.
- Obtain written receipts.
- Photograph donated items for your tax records.
- Provide a final donation report with itemized lists and fair-market estimates.
A small reminder: Donation is an act of generosity. It is also a meaningful way to honor a loved one’s life — the things that served them continue to serve someone else.