The Ultimate Quad Cities Donation Guide: Where to Take Unwanted Items
Decluttering feels amazing—until you’re staring at piles of stuff you no longer need, wondering what to do with it all. Whether you're downsizing, making space for a move, or simply embracing a more organized lifestyle, donating your unwanted items is a powerful way to give them a second life and support the community at the same time.
If you live in the Quad Cities area, you’re in luck! This region is filled with nonprofit organizations and charities that would be grateful to receive your gently used items.
Here’s your go-to guide to local donation centers in the Quad Cities—what they take, where to find them, and how to donate responsibly.
Organizations That Accept a Variety of Goods
YWCA Quad Cities Women’s Empowerment Centers. (Davenport, IA; Rock Island, IL)
Website: ywcaqc.org
Accepts: Clothing, household items, hygiene products, cleaning products
The YWCA helps local women and families move from surviving to thriving through events and programming as well as a variety of help services including childcare, clothing and needs pantry, and community laundry services.
Tip: The YWCA values the dignity and privacy of the people they assist, so please call ahead to schedule your donation drop-off.
Humility Homes & Services, Inc. (Davenport, IA)
Website: humilityhomes.org
Accepts: Clothing, furniture, household items, small appliances, bedding, towels
Not Accepted: Large appliances, items in disrepair
Humility Homes supports individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Your donations directly help people furnish their new homes and rebuild their lives. You can drop items off at their donation center or schedule a pickup for large furniture.
Tip: Call ahead for furniture donations to confirm they have room.
Dress for Success Quad Cities (Davenport, IA)
Website: quadcities.dressforsuccess.org
Accepts: Gently used women's business attire, handbags, professional shoes, accessories, scrubs
Not Accepted: Casual clothing, men’s items, damaged or outdated clothing
Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing work-appropriate clothing and job search support. Donations must be clean, current (within 5 years), and workplace-appropriate.
Donation Days: Typically the second Saturday of each month—check online for updates.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Davenport, IA & East Moline, IL)
Website: habitatqc.org/restore
Accepts: Furniture, appliances (working), cabinets, lighting fixtures, tools, building materials
Not Accepted: Paint, mattresses, unassembled furniture, baby gear
Perfect for remodeling leftovers or extra building supplies. Proceeds support affordable housing projects in the Quad Cities. They also offer free local pickup for large items in good condition.
Pro Tip: Call or use the website to schedule a pickup or confirm what they’re currently accepting.
King's Harvest Ministries (Davenport, IA)
Website: kingsharvest.net
Accepts: Clothing, bedding, shoes, hygiene items, backpacks, small household items
Not Accepted: Furniture, large items
King's Harvest serves people experiencing poverty or homelessness. Your gently used coats, socks, and hygiene kits go directly to people in need. Donations support their shelter, meal program, and outreach efforts.
Donation Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am–1pm (check for updates online)
QC Closet2Closet (Moline, IL)
Website: closet2closet.org
Accepts: New and gently used clothing for children and teens (especially ages 10–18), hygiene products
Not Accepted: Adult clothing, toys, shoes in poor condition
Closet2Closet provides clothing and essentials to foster youth in the Quad Cities. They are especially in need of trendy teen clothing in excellent condition—think hoodies, joggers, leggings, and name-brand basics.
Donation Note: Items must be freshly laundered and current in style. They do not wash items on site.
Winnie’s Place – A Shelter for Women & Children (Confidential location; part of Churches United)
Website: cuqca.org
Accepts: Gently used clothing, hygiene products, diapers, linens, kitchenware
Not Accepted: Furniture or large appliances
Winnie’s Place offers shelter and supportive services for women and children escaping domestic violence or homelessness. Donations directly support shelter residents.
To Donate: Call Churches United at (563) 332-5002 for donation drop-off instructions.
Quad City Animal Welfare Center Thrift Shop (Milan, IL)
Website: qcawc.org
Accepts: Home décor, books, pet supplies, small household items, jewelry
Not Accepted: Clothing, large furniture
A fun twist: proceeds from this thrift store help animals! Your donation can help fund spay/neuter clinics and pet adoptions in the Quad Cities.
Tip: Great spot for donating quirky décor or seasonal items.
Goodwill of the Heartland (Multiple Locations)
Website: goodwillheartland.org
Accepts: Clothing, books, household goods, electronics, toys
Not Accepted: Mattresses, car seats, cribs, hazardous materials
Goodwill stores help fund job training and employment support services. You can donate at several convenient Quad Cities locations, and the staff will even help you unload.
Bonus: Many locations have an after-hours donation box for small items.
Additional Donation Ideas
Used Blankets & Towels
Consider donating to a local animal shelter such as:
Musical Instruments
Common Chord accepts donation of used instruments (including those in need of repair) for their Let’s Band Together program, which loans instruments to children for free so they can experience the joy of music.
How to Donate Responsibly
A few quick tips to make your donations more helpful (and less of a burden on these organizations):
Only donate what’s in good, usable condition.
No holes, stains, broken parts, or missing pieces. If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t donate it.
Sort and label your donations.
Use clear bins or bags and label by type: “Women’s clothes – size M” or “Towels – clean.”
Don’t assume everything is accepted.
Always check the organization’s website or give them a quick call. Some items (like mattresses, TVs, or baby gear) are rarely accepted.
Get a receipt if you want a tax deduction.
Most organizations will gladly provide one upon request.
Be kind and respectful.
Donation staff and volunteers work hard—make their job easier by donating mindfully and following their guidelines.
Let It Go, Give It Back
Donating your unwanted items is one of the best ways to clear your space, lighten your load, and give back to your community. The Quad Cities is full of organizations doing meaningful work—and your castoffs can help fund programs, clothe families, furnish homes, and even rescue animals.
As a professional organizer, I often help clients sort and prepare donation items. If the logistics feel overwhelming, you're not alone. From boxing up donations to arranging drop-offs or pickups, we’re here to help make it easy and efficient.
So the next time you’re ready to part with that overstuffed closet, unused blender, or outgrown coat—know that someone else in the Quad Cities might be thrilled to have it.
Let’s make space. Let’s do good. Let’s donate with intention.
Need Help Clearing Out?
If you’re planning a move, a clean-out, or just need an extra set of hands to manage the clutter, reach out! We offer hands-on organizing, donation drop-off assistance, and personalized support to help you get—and stay—organized. Contact us now to get started.
