Having recently completed a move, I realized how much stuff I had acquired in my home over the 18 years I lived there. It has been good to start life as an empty nester with a clean slate.
I don’t like clutter, so I am in a constant exercise of trying to purge the things I no longer need. After all, one woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure. I’m sure you, like many Americans, have acquired some stuff that no longer serves you. While I do try to avoid buying items I don’t need, there comes a point in time where the stuff has got to go. So, where do you take donations if you live in Park City?
You might think to yourself, “Park City is an affluent community. Nobody needs my old stuff here.” But, Park City has people in need just like any other community, especially in these uncertain times. In addition, some of the charities below serve other nearby communities. Finally, even those who aren’t “in need” might like to buy used at times. After all, it’s one of the core principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Take a little time before winter hits to declutter your home and donate to one of these fine organizations.
10 Places to Take Donations In and Around Park City
1. Christian Center of Park City has three thrift stores in the area, with proceeds going to fund programs like food assistance, counseling and wellness, Native American outreach and more.
2. When you donate to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Park City, you are helping to divert waste from local landfills. When you shop at the ReStore, proceeds go toward supporting their affordable housing mission. It’s a win for all parties.
3. Recycle Utah not only accepts major recyclables as well as many hard-to-recycle items, they also accept building materials, working appliances, doors, cabinets, lighting, plumbing and good condition housewares. All purchases help support the operation of the center.
4. Although the St. Lawrence Thrift Store is located in Heber, the donation center is right in Old Town Park City. They are open at 121 Park Ave Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and you can also schedule a pickup of your gently used items.
5. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah offers two ways to donate: through one of its dropoff boxes or by scheduling a pickup. Drop boxes are located throughout town, including Smiths, Treasure Mountain Middle School, Chase Bank, by Fresh Market in Quarry Village.
6. Savers is a for-profit company that supports a variety of nonprofits such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. Savers promotes reusing items to reduce waste and landfill usage while paying nonprofits for the donated goods and services.
7. A donation of gently used items Utah’s Deseret Industries in Salt Lake City contributes to job training for people in the community. The closest “DI” is in Sugar House on 2100 South, although they have locations throughout the state. Donations are accepted during open hours only.
8. With a few locations in Salt Lake City, Goodwill has been assisting people through a variety of employment placement services for 120 years. Your donation will go to support their efforts.
9. Deliver joy to children with a toy donation for the upcoming giving season. New, unwrapped toys can be donated to Toys for Tots online or in Salt Lake City. There are other virtual services like Be An Elf, where you can answer real letters to Santa and send a gift in the mail.
10. If you are looking to donate food, especially as we come into the Thanksgiving and winter seasons, there are several food pantries in the area. In addition to the Christian Center mentioned above, which has food pantry locations in Heber and Park City, there is a Community Action Services food bank in Heber. I am told the Kamas branch of Community Action is in between buildings.
Some of the donation rules and regulations as well as the pickup spots on this list are subject to change. I’ve been hearing chatter that the employment shortage is affecting these organizations, which is no surprise. To avoid adding unnecessary burdens to them, be sure to follow the rules. Never overload donation bins, drop off after hours or donate items that are not accepted. Check each group’s website for details.