How to Donate Christmas Decorations And Ornaments

Christmas decorations can brighten up your home throughout the holiday season! However, over time, many of us end up with more Christmas decorations than we can use. These decorations may clutter your house and cause you more stress than joy.

In this situation, you may consider donating your used decorations. You can explore your donation options with our team at Easy Donation Pickup. Learn more about the donation process by calling us at 855-628-8387.

Step #1: Go Through Your Decorations

Before you can donate any decorations, you have to decide what you want to keep and what you want to give away. In order to complete this step effectively, we recommend looking through all of your indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations.

Take time to assess each decoration logically. Consider setting aside any decorations you didn’t use last Christmas or duplicate items. You may also want to create a group of decorations that simply don’t appeal to your tastes anymore.

In addition to pulling out decorations that you no longer use, you can take this opportunity to remove:

•     Broken or damaged lights and ornaments
•     Leftover tissue paper or boxes
•     Old boxes containing greeting cards

Once you have your items sorted, you can move on to the next step.

Step #2: Decide What You Want to Keep

You can start this step by honestly considering how many Christmas decorations you can fit indoors and outdoors. Christmas decorations are often beautiful, and it can feel tempting to keep all of them, but if you have more than you can display, it may be time to make a donation.

You may decide to keep decorations based on a specific style or color scheme that you prefer. Some people select decorations with the greatest sentimental value, like an inherited Christmas village or a Christmas stocking from childhood.

You have other factors to consider when sorting your decorations. For example, ask yourself how long outdoor decorations take to set up and think about how frustrated you feel when designing your Christmas yard.

Christmas should be a joyous time of year. Don’t be afraid to get rid of Christmas decorations that stop bringing you good cheer.

Step #3: Make Sure Your Decorations Are in Good Condition

Donating Christmas decorations makes it easier for everyone to bring a little shine to the holiday season. However, charitable organizations request that you only donate items in unused or gently used condition.

An artificial Christmas tree missing half the branches does not represent a good choice for a donation. Check these common items before you set up a donation time:

Ornaments

Ornaments look lovely hanging on Christmas trees, and some people use them year-round for other decorations around their house. However, broken or cracked ornaments could cut someone, so look over each ornament individually before making a donation.

Lights

Holiday lights bring warmth and brightness to homes throughout the holiday season. You can string up lights both inside and outside of your home. Before donating a strand of lights, plug it in and make sure all the bulbs work.

Yard Decorations

Plastic and nylon yard decorations vary significantly in size and style. You can usually give plastic decorations a quick look over to ensure they aren’t damaged or scratched up. If they look good, consider donating.

Most nylon decorations are inflatable. They can develop leaks over time, even if you safely store them in your garage. Inflate these decorations to ensure they don’t leak before you donate them to a charitable organization.

Step #4: Select a Place to Donate Your Decorations

Once you’ve settled on the Christmas decorations that you want to donate, you can select an organization for the donation. Your options may vary based on your location.

Non-Profit Thrift Stores

Many thrift stores operate on a not-for-profit basis. These organizations accept charitable donations, including Christmas decorations. In many cases, these organizations use the funds generated by reselling your items to help those in need.

Different thrift stores operate around the country. You may look for the following options in your area:

•     The Salvation Army
•     Green Drop
•     Habitat for Humanity
•     Goodwill

Generally, it’s easy to donate to these organizations. You simply drive up when they’re open and drop off your donations. The clerk working the donation area of the store can provide you with a donation receipt.

You may use your donation receipt when it’s time to file your taxes for the year.

Nursing Homes or Senior Citizen Centers

Many care homes and senior citizen centers accept donations of Christmas decorations, like lights, a candle holder, tinsel, and more. However, not all of these centers accept donations, so we recommend calling first and asking about their policies.

You may also reach out to:

•     Retirement communities
•     Senior living residences
•     Assisted living facilities

These organizations often use donated decorations around the property. They may also set up crafting sessions for residents. Many of these care facilities have limited budgets, and they generally appreciate donations.

Programs That Offer After School Care

Organizations like the United Way and the YMCA often host after school programs for children in the local area. Unfortunately, these organizations generally have minimal budgets that make it difficult for them to afford decorations on their own.

You can contact them to see if they’re interested in donated Christmas decorations. They may use the decorations around the building or for craft projects with the children in the program.

Local Churches

Churches around the country often take steps to provide care for people who attend their services. In addition, they frequently operate outreach programs, like food banks.

However, they may also be interested in accepting donations of ornaments, lights, and other decorations. They may be able to organize the distribution of these decorations to people in need around your community.

Freecycling Groups

You may also consider joining a local freecycling group in your area. These groups often operate over the internet, using sites like Facebook or the Nextdoor app. They allow you to offer your decorations to people in the area for free.

Generally, you post pictures or descriptions of the items you want to get rid of on the app or website. Then, other people in your area can see what you’re offering and contact you if they’re interested.

Note that some of these services, like Nextdoor, take some time to set up. Nextdoor requires address verification before you use the service, but if you’re willing to wait a few days to start using the service, Nextdoor provides you with an excellent option for brightening up someone’s Christmas!

Consider Easy Donation Pickup

Finally, you can make the process of donating Christmas decorations even easier with Easy Donation Pickup. The National Veterans Foundation operates this organization, which focuses on the needs of our nation’s veteran community.

Easy Donation Pickup offers nationwide services to those in need, and the organization makes it very easy for you to donate. Drivers from the organization come to you to pick up the items you want to donate.

The Easy Donation Pickup process works in three easy steps. First, you schedule a pickup appointment. Then, you can either schedule the pickup online or call the organization directly.

After you set up your donation date, you pack up your Christmas decorations and any other items you want to donate. Leave your bags or boxes outside your home, and drivers will come and pick them up.

You do not have to stay at home while waiting for the Easy Donation Pickup team. Drivers work to reach your property on the promised date, regardless of the weather. They also provide you with a tax receipt for your donations.

Step #5: Remove Any Broken Decorations and Keep Your Receipts

Once you’ve donated your items, you may still have some decorations you don’t want to keep. For example, perhaps you have some lights or ornaments that broke, making them ineligible for donation. In this situation, it might be time to throw them away.

Some Christmas decorations, like plastic lawn ornaments, are recyclable. However, you may need to schedule a recycling pickup for large items. Check the regulations in your local area to review the best way to dispose of your broken or damaged decorations.

We also recommend keeping any donation receipts you received from your decorations. Track the value of your donations and provide this information when you file for taxes. This step can help you save money.

After you complete all these steps, you can put your cleaned-up and organized Christmas decorations away, confident that you’re ready for the next holiday season.

Contact Us to Donate Old Christmas Decorations

Our team at Easy Donation Pickup can help if you’re interested in donating Christmas decorations. You can learn more about us and the services we provide by calling 855-628-8387. We make it easy for you to set up a donation appointment.

Reach out to us for all your donation questions.