Where to donate used goods in Langley, and what each place takes

Clearing out a closet or a garage goes faster when you sort the pile before you load the car. A chair, a laptop and a bag of sweaters usually end up at three different doors. Here’s where each kind of thing can go in Langley, and which local causes get the money.

Sort it first

Clothing, shoes, linens, books, toys, kitchenware. Nearly every thrift store below takes these. Bring them clean and in good shape.

Furniture. This is the tricky one. Penny Pincher, the Salvation Army and Talize don’t take it. Second Story Treasures does, but call ahead for large pieces so they can check space. Hope for Children takes small furniture once a manager approves it. Habitat ReStore takes gently used furniture if it fits what the store needs, and Value Village takes small furniture. Mission Thrift asks you to check with the Langley store first. Mattresses and box springs: none of the places here take used ones.

Electronics. The Salvation Army’s Willowbrook centre and Value Village take electronics and small appliances. Hope for Children takes them only if they work, and no printers or tube TVs. Penny Pincher, Second Story Treasures and ReStore don’t take TVs or computers.

Baby gear. Car seats, cribs and playpens are on almost every “no” list here. Penny Pincher also turns away strollers, high chairs and gates, and the Salvation Army, Talize and Mission Thrift don’t take infant equipment.

Renovation leftovers. Cabinets, lumber, sheet goods, plumbing, windows, doors, hardware and tools go to Habitat ReStore. Flooring and insulation must be unused; lighting and electrical must be new. No paint or drywall.

Warm clothes for people who need them now. Gateway of Hope’s shelter wants coats, hoodies, sweatpants, socks, toques, gloves, towels and rain gear. It doesn’t take furniture, appliances, books, toys, comforters or pillows. Call 604-514-7375 if you’re not sure.

Local causes

These stores turn your donations into money for local services.

• Penny Pincher Thrift Shop, 20560 Fraser Highway. Run by the Langley Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Donations Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 3:30 pm, handed in, not left outside. No furniture, mattresses, baby equipment, TVs, computers, printers, microwaves, big appliances or VHS tapes. 604-530-3232.
• Second Story Treasures, Unit 4, 8948 202 Street. Raises money for the Langley Hospice Society’s palliative care and grief programs. Takes clothing, furniture, décor, small appliances, toys, books, linens and dishes. Donations Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am to 3 pm. No TVs, computers, sofa beds, futons, car seats, cribs or playpens. 604-513-9319.
• Hope for Children Thrift Store, 20211 56 Avenue. Takes clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags, linens, books, records, CDs, DVDs, décor, crafts, toys, games, bikes, tools and pet supplies. Donations Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. 778-278-1456.
• The Tuk Shop at the Langley Senior Resources Society, 20605 51B Avenue. Small and specific: clothing, hats, jewellery, knitting supplies and softcover books, no large items. Proceeds support the society’s programs. Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am to 2 pm. 604-530-3020.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 20104 Logan Avenue. Furniture, appliances and building materials, each checked for condition and need. The store’s posted hours are Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm; call 604-514-1223 about dropping off.

The big drop-offs

Open long hours, and easy if you have a lot.

• Salvation Army Willowbrook Donor Welcome Centre, Unit 301, 19700 Langley Bypass. Clothing, linens, footwear, books, toys, housewares, computers, electronics and small appliances. Monday to Saturday 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. No furniture, beds, baby equipment or big appliances, and no pickup. 778-312-1162.
• Value Village Community Donation Centre, 20501 56 Avenue. Clothing, shoes, bedding, books, media, toys, housewares, small appliances, electronics, sports and exercise gear, and small furniture. Monday to Saturday 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 9 pm. Its Langley page says it pays Diabetes Canada for donated goods. 236-260-5575.
• Talize, 20450 Logan Avenue. Clothing, accessories, shoes, linens, books, toys and housewares, during store hours with no appointment: use the Donation Centre door and ring the bell. No furniture, mattresses, big appliances, baby equipment or helmets, and no pickup. 604-282-3874.
• Mission Thrift Store, 20500 Logan Avenue. Clothing, toys, games, books, housewares, linens, tools, pet supplies, sports gear and electronics. Donations Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm; closed Sundays and holidays. 604-533-3995.

No car? Book a pickup

Big Clothing Donation picks up clothing, books and small household goods for free. Put in your postal code on its site to see if it comes to you. It doesn’t take furniture, mattresses, big appliances, baby gear, building materials or paint. If you use its bins instead, use small tied bags, keep breakables out of the clothing bins, and put books in the book bins.

Stuff nobody will take

Some things just aren’t resellable: used mattresses, broken electronics, half-empty paint cans. Our guide to recycling the awkward stuff covers where those go. For bigger giving, see Langley charities and their galas.

Hours and lists change, especially around holidays. If a store has changed what it takes, let us know.