The fastest way to find a luggage donation site in your area

The quickest route is to call 211 or visit 211.org and search your zip code. They maintain a database of local charities and will tell you which ones take luggage, whether they pick up, and their current hours. Most areas have at least one option within ten miles.

If 211 does not list what you need, call your city or county social services office directly. They often know smaller local charities that do not advertise widely. Ask specifically whether they take luggage and whether you can drop it off or if they arrange pickup.

Goodwill and The Salvation Army both take luggage at most locations, though policies vary by store. Call ahead before you go — some locations have limited space or do not accept certain types of bags.

Key Takeaways

  • 211.org and the 211 phone line show you local charities that take luggage, their hours, and whether they pick up.
  • Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept luggage at most locations, but you should call your nearest store first to confirm.
  • Shelters for people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or refugee resettlement often need luggage and may pick it up from your home.
  • If your luggage is damaged or unusable, check whether your local waste management accepts it for recycling before throwing it away.
  • Some charities require luggage to be clean and in working condition, so inspect zippers and handles before you donate.

Charities that specifically need luggage

Homeless shelters and transitional housing programs frequently need luggage because people leaving the shelter need bags to carry their belongings. Call shelters in your area and ask whether they take luggage donations. Many will arrange pickup if you have more than a few pieces.

Domestic violence shelters also need luggage because residents often leave with only what they can carry. These organizations are usually listed under your county's social services office or through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, which can refer you to local shelters.

Refugee resettlement organizations need luggage for families arriving in your area. Search "[your city] refugee resettlement" or contact your state's refugee services office. These groups often have specific needs and may prioritize certain types of bags.

Thrift stores and donation centers

Goodwill locations accept luggage at nearly all stores, though some have restrictions on size or condition. Check the Goodwill website or call your nearest location to confirm they take what you have. Drop-off is usually free and takes a few minutes.

The Salvation Army also accepts luggage at most locations. Their website has a store locator, or you can call your nearest center. Some Salvation Army locations offer free pickup for large donations, though this varies by region.

Independent thrift stores in your area may take luggage, but policies differ widely. Call ahead rather than showing up with bags — some have limited storage or do not accept luggage at all.

Schools and youth programs

High schools and colleges sometimes collect luggage for students who need it for travel or study abroad programs. Call your local school district or a nearby university and ask whether their student services office takes donations.

Youth organizations like the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, and scouting groups occasionally need luggage for trips or for young people aging out of foster care. These groups are usually listed in your city's parks and recreation directory.

What to do if luggage is damaged or worn

If zippers are broken, wheels do not roll, or handles are torn, most charities will not take the bag. Check your local waste management website to see whether they accept luggage for recycling. Some areas have special collection days for items that cannot be donated.

If recycling is not an option, you can disassemble the luggage and recycle the metal and plastic parts separately, though this is time-consuming. Ask your waste management provider whether they accept mixed materials in your curbside bin.

Preparing luggage for donation

Clean the inside and outside of each bag before you donate. Wipe down the exterior, vacuum or shake out the interior, and remove any stickers or labels. Charities are more likely to accept bags that look cared for.

Check that all zippers work, wheels roll smoothly, and handles are find. If a bag has minor issues like a stuck zipper, try to fix it — most charities will not spend time on repairs. Include any keys, combination codes, or instructions that came with the luggage.

If you have multiple bags, call ahead to let the charity know how many you are bringing. Some locations have limited space and may ask you to spread donations across multiple visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate luggage with a broken zipper?

Most charities will not take luggage with broken zippers because the bag cannot be used to carry belongings safely. If the zipper is stuck but not broken, try lubricating it with graphite powder or silicone spray before you donate. If it still does not work, the bag is better suited for recycling or disposal.

Do I have to call ahead or can I just drop off luggage?

Calling ahead is always better. Some locations have limited space, specific hours for donations, or do not accept luggage at all. A quick call saves you a trip and ensures the charity can actually use what you are bringing.

Will a charity pick up luggage from my home?

Some do, but it depends on the organization and how much you are donating. Shelters and larger charities are more likely to arrange pickup for multiple bags. Call and ask — they will let you know whether pickup is an option and what they need from you.

What if there are no charities near me that take luggage?

Try contacting your city or county social services office directly — they often know smaller local organizations that do not advertise. You can also post on community Facebook groups or Nextdoor to see whether anyone in your area needs luggage. As a last resort, check whether your waste management accepts it for recycling.

Can I donate luggage that is still in good condition but I no longer use?

Yes. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and most local charities take gently used luggage in working condition. Clean it first and make sure all zippers and wheels work. Shelters and resettlement organizations are especially grateful for bags in good shape because they go directly to people who need them.