The INN relies on donations to provide a broad range of essential services to assist those challenged by hunger, homelessness, and profound poverty. Photo courtesy of The INN

Charities Accepting Donations in Nassau County

The INN — Hempstead

100 Madison Avenue
Unopened packages of baby wipes, diapers, and formula are gladly accepted year-round. You can find a list of current high-need items on its website. Donations are generally accepted on weekdays from 9-11am or 2-4:30pm.

Anna House at The Belmont Racetrack — Elmont​

2050 Hempstead Turnpike
Anna House accepts new toys and baby gear every Wednesday and Friday after 1pm. Strollers and car seats are accepted if they are new and in the box. Anna House provides affordable help for local families.

Long Island Council of Churches — Freeport

230 Hanse Avenue
The LICC says it is seeing an increase in children in need. Baby care items such as diapers and wipes are appreciated, as are unopened packages of formula. Packaged toys or those opened but in like-new condition are accepted Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. The council is in particular need of food items like soup, oatmeal, cereal, and sauce. If you don't have goods to donate, LICC makes it easy to make monetary or food donations via its website.

Mother and Child Ministry — Seaford

2197 Jackson Avenue
St. Michael's & All Angels Episcopal Church's food shelf program now includes services for mothers with young children. Donations can be dropped off in Seaford on Wednesdays from 4-8pm and Sundays from 1-4pm. You can also make donations at its Wantagh location, the Church of St. Jude, from 8am-12 noon on Sundays and Mondays-Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm. Accepted items include baby care items, gently used toys, baby equipment, children's clothing, and personal care items mothers can use.

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Schedule a pickup and support the Vietnam Veterans of America charities. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Veterans of America

Charities Accepting Donations in Suffolk County

Vietnam Veterans of America — Central Islip

2 Wilson Boulevard
This nonprofit makes it easy to give. Schedule a pickup online, label, and leave your items on your porch or curb. Gently used toys, baby equipment, clothing, and household items are accepted. The organization also takes small furniture and electronics that are no more than five years old.

Goodwill Thrift Stores — East Northport

1900 East Jericho Turnpike
Drop off those gently used toys, bikes, clothes, and baby items, or check online for your nearest donation bin. Donated items are sold in stores and on an online auction site. The revenue funds valuable employment and job-placement services for those in need. More than 2,000 items are placed on Goodwill sales floors each day.

Savers — Multiple Locations

Visit the website for a list of locations.
Drop off donations at any Savers store. Accepted items include toys, sports equipment, books, stuffed animals, puzzles, games, housewares, and clothes. For every donation made, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island gets a share of the profit. Savers also supports recycling by donating unsellable items to less affluent countries, where they can be used or sold.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters accepts books, small stuffed toys, and clothes. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

Charities Accepting Donations Throughout Long Island

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island — Islandia, Westbury

145 Sycamore Lane, Islandia
25 Carle Road, Westbury
Find your nearest donation bin online or schedule a pickup. Either way, BBBS accepts new and gently used clothing, stuffed animals, small toys, and books.

Long Island Head Start — Multiple Locations

There are head start centers spread across Long Island. Currently, it is asking for donations of brand new baby clothes and other baby items. Head Start serves families below the poverty line, so donations of diapers, toiletries, mittens, hats, and coats are greatly appreciated.

Salvation Army Thrift Stores – Multiple Locations

Visit the website for drop-off locations or to schedule a pickup.
888-574-2587
Salvation Army Thrift Stores accept various items, including toys, stuffed animals, books, and large baby items. Drop off your donations at one of the organization's many locations or schedule a pickup online. The Salvation Army also takes car donations. You can check with individual centers about donating small furniture items and appliances.

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Stores — Huntington & Garden City

1705 Jericho Turnpike, Huntington
2160 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park
New and gently used baby clothes can be dropped off at either location Monday through Saturday, from 10am-5:30pm.

This article was originally posted in 2014 and was updated by writer Lisa Mancuso for 2021.​