Items that look great on the rack in the department store often don't hold up to repeated laundering. With all items, emphasize how good care translates into longevity. By extending an item's useful life we keep it out of the landfill and in active circulation where it can be used by someone who may truly depend on it. Thrift stores should never be viewed simply as dumping grounds for all unwanted items. Make sure donated items are in good repair.
Some stores make house calls for furniture or other large items.
Goodwill also offers a re-upholstery service locally. Remember, donations to nonprofit groups such as Goodwill are tax-deductible. Consider recycling used magazines, books, videos, CDs and audio tapes to libraries. While some people stuff their trash cans with unwanted items and send them on to the landfills, others donate their clothes, couches and books to their nearest Goodwill store. Here the items are recycled into other homes and Goodwill uses the profits to pay for their education, employment training and placement, and housing programs.