Where to Donate Unwanted Items in the Hammond Area

One of the most common questions I hear as a professional organizer is:

"What should I do with all of this once I declutter?"

At Organizing With Leslie, helping clients decide what stays is only part of the process. We also help them responsibly remove the items they no longer need.

As we declutter homes and businesses, we typically sort unwanted items into two main categories: trash and donations. Often, there are additional subcategories as well. For example, cardboard and glass may be set aside for recycling rather than going into the trash. Within the donation category, we may separate items such as baby gear, professional clothing, furniture, books, or athletic shoes so they can go to organizations that specifically need them.

Over the years, I've found several wonderful organizations and donation centers throughout the Hammond area that I frequently recommend and use. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the local options I'm most familiar with and trust.

If you're decluttering your home, here are a few places to consider.

OPTIONS Fabulous Finds (Ponchatoula)

OPTIONS Fabulous Finds is one of my favorite places to donate everyday household items. They accept many common donations, including clothing, shoes, accessories, books, toys, holiday décor, and housewares.

What makes this organization especially meaningful is that the store helps support OPTIONS, a nonprofit organization that provides services, employment opportunities, and community support for individuals with disabilities. Donations and purchases directly support their mission.

This is often one of my first recommendations when clients have quality items that still have plenty of life left in them.

Learn more at https://options4u.org/fabulous-finds/  and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Southeastern Louisiana University College of Business Lion Pride Career Closet (Hammond)

Where was this when I was a college student?

The Lion Pride Career Closet provides professional clothing to Southeastern students who need attire for interviews, internships, career fairs, networking events, and other professional opportunities.

As a proud two-time Southeastern alumna, this is often my first recommendation when clients are ready to part with professional clothing that is still in excellent condition. A gently used blazer, dress pants, blouse, or suit could help a student make a great first impression as they begin their career.

If you have career wear hanging in your closet that you no longer use, consider donating it here.

Learn more at https://www.southeastern.edu/college-of-business/career-closet/ and follow them on social media.

Shower Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Hammond

I only recently learned about this ministry, and I absolutely love what they do.

Each Friday, First Presbyterian Church hosts a Shower Ministry that serves members of our local homeless community by providing access to showers and basic necessities.

Because quality footwear can be difficult to obtain and incredibly important for those experiencing homelessness, this is often my preferred destination when clients have gently used tennis shoes to donate.

If you have athletic shoes in good condition that you're no longer wearing, consider supporting this ministry.

Follow Shower Ministry First Presbyterian Church of Hammond on Facebook for information about the ministry and current needs.

Renewed Thrift Store (Ponchatoula)

Renewed Thrift Store has been an incredible resource when clients need to donate larger items such as furniture and working televisions.

One of the things I appreciate most about Renewed is that they offer pickup services for qualifying donations. Their team will come to the location, load the items, and transport them to the store. This can be a huge help for families who want to donate large pieces but don't have a truck or the ability to move them.

Having a local organization that provides this service makes it much easier for good items to stay out of the landfill and find a new home.

Learn more at https://renewedministries.com/our-store/ and follow them on Facebook.

Center of Hope for Tangipahoa (Hammond)

The Center of Hope operates a resale shop in Hammond that helps support their broader mission of serving individuals and families in our community. In addition to their resale operations, they provide various forms of assistance and outreach to local residents facing difficult circumstances.

If you have gently used clothing, household goods, or other thrift-store-appropriate items, this is another excellent local option to consider.

Learn more at https://www.hopefortangi.org/.

Restoration House Pregnancy Resource Center (Hammond)

It isn't often that I have clients donating baby items, but when I do, Restoration House is usually the first organization that comes to mind.

Restoration House serves women and families facing unplanned pregnancies by providing support, resources, education, and practical assistance.

If you have baby clothing, maternity items, diapers, or other baby-related items in good condition, consider contacting them to learn about their current donation needs.

Learn more at https://www.resthse.org/ and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Donation Bins Throughout Tangipahoa and St. Tammany Parishes

Sometimes convenience matters.

The donation bins (orange and white) located throughout our area are perfect when you only have a bag or two of clothing items to donate. I pass several of these bins regularly, and they're incredibly easy to use.

When I have a small amount of clothing to donate, I can simply pull up, place the items in the bin, and continue with my day. No appointment. No unloading multiple boxes. No need to even turn off the car.

They're a quick and convenient option when you need to donate clothing but don't have enough items to justify a trip to a donation center.

A Final Thought

If you're decluttering your home, I encourage you to consider recycling and donating whenever possible. Not only does it help keep usable items out of our landfills, but it also allows those items to benefit someone else in our community.

One person's clutter truly can become another person's blessing.

And as an added benefit, most nonprofit organizations listed above can provide donation receipts that may be useful when preparing your federal income tax return. Be sure to ask for a receipt at the time of your donation and consult your tax professional regarding deductions.