If your mattress is in excellent condition but no longer suits your needs, you may be considering donating it. Donating can provide needy families with an essential and affordable home furnishing item.
There are numerous national and international charitable organizations that accept used mattresses. Some even provide free pick-up services.
Furniture Banks of North America
The Furniture Banks of North America are a charitable organization that provides essential home furnishings to those in need. With numerous facilities across America and a free pickup service for anyone within a 15-20 mile radius of one of their physical locations, The Furniture Banks can make essential home furnishings accessible.
They collaborate closely with social service agencies to guarantee that their clients receive the necessary furniture, whether they are transitioning from temporary housing programs or have lost their belongings due to disasters.
Furniture Banks provide families with essential items that give them a sense of stability and belonging, as well as creating a better focus for their lives. Often these donations are given to families with children or single moms fleeing domestic violence situations.
Habitat for Humanity International
If your mattress is in good condition but not suitable for you, there are charities out there who would appreciate taking it off your hands. Particularly shelters that assist those who have had no place to call home.
Habitat for Humanity International was founded on Christian principles to bring simple, decent homes into partnership with families around the world. Their mission is to eliminate sub-standard housing and give families strength, stability and self-reliance so that they can improve their lives.
Habitat’s ReStores sell gently used donated items, raising funds for their local affiliate. All profits go back into helping families construct their own homes.
FreeCycle
No matter if you’ve moved, outgrown it, or simply found a mattress that better suits your lifestyle, there are plenty of people who could benefit from a pre-owned one. Plus, keeping these items out of landfills helps prevent serious environmental problems from arising.
FreeCycle is a website and network of communities that allow you to post items you’d like to give away for free in your local area, as well as browse listings of other offers. Their mission is to reduce waste by diverting usable goods away from landfills and into the hands of those who need them most.
Before donating your mattress, ensure it’s clean with no stains or odors. Check for any rips, holes or serious issues like bed bugs as these could make donating less advantageous as repairs would likely cost more than selling or reusing the item.
Salvation Army
If you’re in need of a place to donate a used mattress, the Salvation Army may have just what you need. They operate thrift stores and social service centers throughout NYC and beyond.
The charity strives to bring hope and salvation to the poor, homeless and hungry through a range of services. They also provide humanitarian aid around the world.
The Salvation Army is more than just shops and charity shelters; they also work with homeless men and women through residential rehabilitation programs that include classes, 12-step meetings and chapel services.
To determine if your local Salvation Army will accept used mattresses, call or visit their website to review their donation guidelines. Generally, mattresses must be in excellent condition with no holes, rips or stains.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a nonprofit organization that assists people in finding employment. Unfortunately, it does not currently accept mattresses or bed frames.
Fortunately, there are other organizations that accept mattress donations. These may include furniture banks and other charitable groups in your area.
Prior to donating your old mattress, make sure it is in excellent condition. Check for stains, tears and holes before making the donation.
If your mattress is in poor condition, recycling it might be a better option. Not only does this provide you with extra money but it’s an eco-friendly way to help the environment at the same time!
