1. Old Cell Phones
Even outdated phones can be lifesavers when donated to the right programs. Groups like Secure the Call and Cell Phones for Soldiers refurbish old phones to help people in crisis, such as domestic abuse survivors and veterans. Many of these phones are programmed to dial 911 even without a contract, offering a lifeline when it matters most. Instead of letting that old device sit in a drawer or landfill, donate it.
It might seem small, but giving away a used phone could be the one thing that helps someone call for help, apply for a job, or stay connected with family. Electronic waste is a growing concern, and repurposing these devices reduces our environmental footprint while making a real human impact. Check with your local shelter or one of these organizations before tossing that extra device. Someone out there could really use it.
2. Gently Used Eyeglasses
Old eyeglasses may not match your new prescription, but they can still help someone see clearly. Organizations like Lions Clubs International collect and recycle glasses for people in low-income communities around the world. Access to basic vision care is limited in many areas, and a donated pair of glasses can help someone read, work, or even drive again. It’s one of the simplest ways to make a lasting difference.
Instead of letting them collect dust, drop off your used eyeglasses at a participating optician or donation box. Even scratched or slightly damaged lenses can often be refurbished. Helping someone regain their vision is a powerful act of kindness that costs you nothing. It’s not just about improving sight. It’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and opportunity. Your old glasses still have a lot of good left to do in the world.
3. Clean Plastic Containers
Those rinsed-out takeout boxes, yogurt tubs, and plastic jars you usually toss could be a huge help to local food banks and soup kitchens. Many food assistance programs struggle with packaging donations, especially when distributing meals to-go. Clean plastic containers allow them to safely pack leftovers, groceries, or prepared dishes for families who may not have proper storage at home.
Rather than sending them straight to the recycling bin, wash and donate your extra containers to nearby charities or community fridges. Some zero-waste organizations even run container donation drives. What seems like trash to you might be the reason a family can eat tomorrow or save their next meal. It’s a practical, low-effort way to support food security while also cutting down on plastic waste. Give your leftovers a second chance.
4. Extra Blankets and Towels
Old blankets and towels might not match your new bedding set, but they’re gold to shelters, animal rescues, and disaster relief programs. These soft essentials provide comfort, warmth, and even hygiene in places where people and pets are in survival mode. They help the homeless stay warm and dry and give rescued animals a cozy place to sleep.
Most organizations prefer items that are clean and in good condition, but even slightly worn textiles can still serve someone in need. Check with local shelters or veterinary clinics to see what they accept. Instead of throwing away those extras, you could be giving someone a little more comfort in a difficult time. It’s a kind, conscious way to repurpose what you no longer need while reducing landfill waste.
5. Unused Menstrual Products
Period products are basic hygiene essentials, but many people across the U.S. can’t afford them. This problem, known as period poverty, affects students, low-income families, and people experiencing homelessness. If you have unopened boxes of tampons, pads, or liners you don’t need, donate them to women’s shelters or organizations like I Support the Girls. They make sure your extras go to someone who really needs them.
Many shelters operate on tight budgets and struggle to provide enough menstrual supplies for their residents. Donating unused products can prevent infections and help someone feel more confident during a stressful time. It’s a deeply personal gift of dignity, health, and relief. Hygiene items are always in short supply, especially the kind that can’t be reused. Don’t let them sit unused in your cabinet when they could change a life today.
6. Unused Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper
We all have a drawer full of wrinkled gift bags and half-used rolls of wrapping paper. Instead of tossing them, consider donating these supplies to nonprofits and schools. Programs that run holiday toy drives, birthday parties for foster kids, or community celebrations often rely on donated wrapping materials to help make events feel special and personal. It’s about creating a moment of joy for someone who might not get one otherwise.
Even lightly used wrapping supplies can bring dignity to a gift given in hard times. Teachers, shelters, and outreach programs can often find creative uses for your leftover materials. It’s a small gesture that turns clutter into kindness. Before your next cleanout, set aside those pretty bags and extra ribbons. Your unused wrapping paper could help wrap up more than just a gift. It might wrap someone in love and care, too.
7. Old Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles aren’t just for rainy days at home. When donated, they become tools for connection, comfort, and healing. Shelters, senior centers, schools, and rehabilitation programs often look for gently used games that bring people together. Even incomplete sets can sometimes be used for crafts or creative play. A shared game of Scrabble or Uno can break isolation and spark real joy in challenging environments.
Before tossing that missing-piece puzzle or game with worn edges, consider how much laughter it once brought you. Now imagine giving that same feeling to someone else. Donated games help families bond, kids learn, and adults feel human again in tough circumstances. Community centers and libraries are often thrilled to accept them. It’s not about the perfect condition. It’s about sparking moments of joy with what you already have at home.
8. Hotel Toiletries
Those tiny hotel shampoo bottles, soaps, and lotions often end up forgotten in drawers. But to someone experiencing homelessness, these travel-sized toiletries are priceless. Shelters and outreach programs love donations that are portable, sealed, and easy to distribute. A simple bar of soap or small bottle of body wash can provide comfort and dignity to someone in transition or crisis.
Instead of letting those free hotel goodies gather dust, stash them in a bag and drop them at a nearby shelter once you have a few. Some people even keep toiletry kits in their cars to hand out during commutes. Personal care is a basic human need, and your leftover stash could be the clean start someone desperately needs. Think of it not as excess, but as an opportunity to share hygiene and hope with someone who’s struggling.
9. Unused Notebooks and Stationery
That half-used spiral notebook from last year’s school shopping list might not seem useful, but it could mean the world to someone else. Many underfunded schools, shelters, and tutoring centers are constantly in need of basic stationery like notebooks, pencils, folders, and paper. These items help kids stay engaged in learning and give adults in transition a place to write, plan, or dream again.
Whether you’re clearing out a home office or tidying up your child’s room, set aside any new or gently used supplies. A handful of unused pages is better than none, and most organizations are happy to receive them. You don’t need to buy anything new. What you already have could help someone take the next step in their education or recovery. Don’t underestimate the power of paper. It might be blank, but it holds so much potential.