“Although we don’t sell them in the Resale shops, the large appliances we use in the shelters are all donated items. Our families then move to section 8 housing, and usually the landlords provide the appliances. Therefore our needs aren’t great, but we always appreciate an offer, and will check Agency-wide to see if a need can be filled.”

“We accept TVs that are 5 years or newer and in perfect working order. All TVs have a date of fabrication printed on the back. Please check before scheduling with us. We no longer offer pickup of TVs unless a furniture pickup has already been scheduled. Please have TV hooked up and ready to show our Logistics Team so they can verify it is in working order.  Due to the Illinois E-Waste Disposal Regulation effective 1/1/2012,  the Sparrow’s Nest Thrift Stores will no longer accept donations of electronics which include: stereos, VCRs, DVD players, computers and monitors, fax machines, modems, and older TVs. Thanks for your understanding.”

“Yes, we can use sizes twin through queen. Please look for stains before scheduling, especially sweat/drool, because we cannot take or dispose stained mattresses. We look at the mattress and box spring as a set, i.e. if one is bad we can’t use either.”

“We generally pass on sleeper sofas (with pull-out beds) and water beds (landlords don’t allow them). Crib regulations that went into effect 6-28-11 have made all but the newest models unacceptable. Please check www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs for more info.  We also pass on upholstered items that have major tears, stains, or sun-damage, and we look for warping of press-board with entertainment centers, dressers, etc. We do not take exercise equipment.”

Although we schedule the truck for furniture pickups, certainly if we are there we can accept other items as well.Please have gently used clothing bagged, and other items boxed to carry. If you have stained/torn clothing that normally wouldn’t make it on our sales floor, please separate them out into a different bag, and mark as such. We are able to recycle clothing items that we are not able to resell. We ask that donations that don’t include furniture be dropped at one of our Sparrow’s Nest locations.”

Click Below to get a printable copy of a donation receipt.

Sparrow’s Nest Store Furniture Donation Tax Form