Gifting Back: Where to Donate Unwanted Gifts to Make Another’s Day

January 7, 2025 by Tyler Ingle

During the most wonderful time of the year, we don’t always receive the most wonderful gifts. Whether you have too much of something, it doesn’t fit right, it’s not what you wanted, or you realize you have something you no longer need, there are plenty of places your family can donate unwanted holiday gifts.

Fortunately, there are a handful of locations and organizations where you can donate these items to help benefit the local community:

Annapolis Light House: Headquartered in Annapolis, the homeless prevention support center accepts donations Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Patrons can donate anything from clothes and bedding to food, baby cribs, and more!
Anne Arundel County Public Library: As a part of its annual community coat drive, eleven library locations – Busch Annapolis, Crofton, Deale, Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Edgewater, Glen Burnie, Linthicum, Maryland City at Russett, Odenton, Riviera Beach and Severn – are equipped with community coat racks, ready to receive your gently used, gifted and no-longer-needed winter coats.
Chrysalis House: Empowering women who are on their journeys of recovery, this residential treatment center allows women in treatment to bring their children with them during their stay. With a Crownsville and Baltimore location, the Chrysalis House accepts donations of baby items, clothes, crafting supplies, school supplies, toiletries, and more. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Goodwill: One of the nation’s largest donation and resale centers, Goodwill Industries supports over 150 local Goodwill locations with the effort of creating life changes with employment opportunities and donations. Locations are open for donations Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Hope for All: Located in Glen Burnie, this Christian ministry aims to provide furniture, household items, clothing, and more to those in need. Donations are accepted Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, with an option to arrange a pick-up time for larger items.
Orphan Grain Train: This nonprofit’s mission centers on shipping donated food, clothing, medical supplies, and other items to those in need. You can donate by driving to any Orphan Grain Train location, volunteering with the organization, or making a fiscal donation online.
SPAN: This ministry is headquartered in Severna Park and is looking to help support the local community through donations of money, food, toiletries, baby goods, and more. You can email spanhelps@yahoo.com, or drop off donations at the office.

There is no better way to spread holiday cheer than giving back to the community. This time of year can be one of the hardest for those in need, even the smallest donation can make a great impact.