Family Tides
With spring in full bloom and summer fast approaching, you might be knee-deep in spring cleaning, staring at a growing pile of your children’s forgotten toys, too-small clothes or that old stroller gathering dust, wondering what to do with it all.
If the thought of all this ending up in a landfill makes you cringe, here are a few places in Atlantic and Cape May counties where children’s items can find a second life and help others in need.
Donate your child’s favorite reads
If your child’s bookshelf is overflowing, or they’ve simply outgrown their once-favorite bedtime stories, the Used Book Company resells donated books online, raising money for organizations such as the Atlantic County Library Foundation, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Free pickup is offered for 10 or more boxes of books.
What they’ll take: The Used Book Company accepts all books (including foreign language books), DVDs, CDs, music, video games and all other forms of media.
Where they’ll take it: The Used Book Company has drop boxes located in Egg Harbor Township, Mays Landing and Somers Point. To find a location near you, visit usedbookcompany.com.
Thrift it forward
If you’re looking to donate gently used children’s clothing, toys or books, there are several local thrift stores that use the proceeds of donated items to fund their efforts.
Angela’s on the Avenue THRIFTIQUE in Egg Harbor City helps stock the shelves of No1hungryinEHC, a food pantry that supports nearly 2,000 registered families in need. The Arc of Atlantic County, which offers vital programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, operates two thrift stores: The Arc Makes Cents in Ventnor and The Arc Makes Cents, Too in Egg Harbor Township.
What they’ll take: Angela’s on the Avenue accepts children’s clothing, toys, stuffed animals, books, furniture and other household items.
The Arc Makes Cents and The Arc Makes Cents, Too both accept new and gently used clothing, books, toys and games, among other items. (Note: No cribs, strollers, car seats or recalled toys. The Ventnor location cannot accept furniture.)
Where they’ll take it: To coordinate a drop-off or pickup with Angela’s on the Avenue, call 609-965-3890.
The Arc Makes Cents, Too has donation bins behind its building at 3003 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township. The Arc Makes Cents, located at 6409 Ventnor Ave., Ventnor, accepts donations at the front door during normal business hours only. For more information on what they’ll accept and hours, visit thearcatlantic.org.
Make a pawsitive change
If you have a soft spot for feline friends, the Mew To You Too Resale Shop in Ocean City supports the work of Cape-Atlantic C.A.T.S. (Citizens Altering The Strays), a local rescue organization dedicated to keeping cats and kittens off the street and out of shelters where they risk euthanasia. Proceeds help fund the rescue’s work, such as medical expenses and food. The shop has two adoption rooms, currently home to about 50 adoptable cats. (Note: Only serious adopters can enter the rooms, but the public can visit on Sundays for its “Reading to Cats” program.)
What they’ll take: Toys, books, linens and housewares. Due to limited space, the shop cannot accept furniture, appliances or baby gear like strollers and car seats.
Where they’ll take it: Donations are accepted during regular shop hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Wednesdays), though they prefer items to be dropped off between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to allow time for sorting. For larger donations, a heads-up phone call is appreciated. Visit capeatlanticcats.com for more information.
Support those in need
The Atlantic City Rescue Mission is well-known in the region for its commitment to helping individuals experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, meals, clothing and other essential services. Through its Operation Empty Closets program, the Mission distributes thousands of clothing items each year and is always in need of clothes in all sizes and linens.
What they’ll take: Clothing in all sizes, along with linens such as bedding, sheets and pillowcases.
Where they’ll take it: Operation Empty Closets has donation bins located throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties. For larger donations (a minimum of 20 bags or 15 boxes of clothing or fabric items), you can request a pickup. For more information, visit acrescuemission.org.
Help our heroes
Pickup Please makes it easy to part with toys, clothing and household goods while supporting the Vietnam Veterans of America in New Jersey. Scheduling a free pickup online is simple, with service often available within 24 hours.
What they’ll take: Baby and children’s clothes, stuffed animals, board games, toys, books, electronics, bikes, sporting equipment and more. They cannot accept large furniture, large appliances or televisions.
Where they’ll take it: Right from your driveway — just schedule a pickup online and leave your labeled bags or boxes outside marked “Donation Pickup.” To schedule or learn more, visit pickupplease.org.
Pass it on to young mothers
The Department of Children and Families Regional School in Cumberland County’s Project TEACH is a transitional program that supports pregnant and parenting teens. The school offers parenting classes, nursery services and academic instruction to help young mothers stay on track. Many of these students need gently used baby items to help care for their children. Currently, the greatest need is for clothing sized 12 months and up, though all sizes are welcome as new students join the program throughout the year.
What they’ll take: Gently used baby, toddler and children’s clothes as well as toys and baby items or gear.
Where they’ll take it: To coordinate a donation, text Katrina Warren at 609-805-6944. Warren is based in Cape May County and is willing to pick up donations in surrounding counties.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
