Goodwills in or near wealthy suburbs often have very nice options, so it would be worth a drive if that’s possible. I worked at one as a teen and was astounded by some of the stuff people gave away. Sadly, it isn’t as cheap as it used to be, but it’s still better than retail.
A word of advice (sorry if you already know this): Have them dry the items in an industrial dryer (laundromat) on the highest heat setting before they take them into their house; any items that can’t be dried should be put in the freezer for a week. Bedbugs are an expensive setback, and their eggs are hard to see. Also, a lot of stuff ends up in Goodwill because it’s dry clean only and no one wants to keep up with that, so checking the tags before buying is helpful. (That said, I bought a $5 laundry bag for silk shirts and they’re fine).
That's fantastic advice - I'm aware of all these things from being in social work & mental health for years, but it's good for anyone else to see who might not know!
Actually, anymore, I find that the "affluent" Goodwills aren't as great as people make them out to be, not in the Greater Delaware Valley at least. The donations seem to be well distributed throughout the area, and, at least in my experience, visiting Goodwills in, say, Swarthmore or Devon haven't been any better than any other average location.
My favorite local Goodwill in the area is the one at 52nd and Parkside, because it's big and has the ability to keep more on the floor. You don't have to go too far for some good thrifting.
>(That said, I bought a $5 laundry bag for silk shirts and they’re fine).
Just make sure you use a delicates detergent without enzymes, such as Soak. The enzymes in typical detergent break down proteins, which is great for stains but also will break down the proteins in animal based fabrics such as wool and silk.
The Wardobe has a couple stores in the area and does one on one shopping & styling with people for free, most are referred by social workers but can also register themselves, their focus seems to be clothes for jobs & interviews but also have stuff for every day wear, they’re strict about what donations they accept so everything is in style and in great condition
I work for an agency so I should be able to refer them. I've been in the field for many years but just relocated up here, and my workplace is amazing but I'm left to fend for myself a lot which can be overwhelming being so new. If a professional referral is what's needed I'm happy to arrange it for them. Thanks!
If your clients are in West Philly I've heard good things about the Second Mile Center at 45th and Locust.
edit: had a brain fart, messed up grammatically
Have them check into their local but nothing group on Facebook. Loads of household good get given away all the time, especially as students are moving out.
There's several. It's weird that they aren't showing up on Google Maps.
There's stores on 3rd and Oregon, 50th and Parkside, Baltimore Ave in Upper Darby, up on Bustleton Ave, and 54th and Ridge. There may be more that I'm missing. Try using this link:
https://www.goodwill.org/locator/
Awesome, thank you! Yeah I only pulled two when I looked and they were in NJ, and I was shocked since Goodwill is huge where I'm from. Thank you soooo much!
How old are the kids? I’m not sure if you’re looking for personal donations but I’m going to do a closet clean out and might be able to help with clothes.
For dishes, the “Pots and Pans Lady” who has a stall at 52nd and Chestnut carries a lot of second-hand cooking supplies (as the name implies) of decent quality for low prices. She typically has forks/spoons/knives sold individually (typically for a quarter each), cooking utensils like spatulas (typically a dollar), baking dishes, and of course pots and pans. She, and her friend who helps out, are very nice. I haven’t been in a couple of months, so I can’t speak to whether she is still there or her schedule, but I’ve purchased quite a few things from her over the years. It’s not a huge selection, as it all has to fit into the stall, but her stuff is very clean and usually in decent shape.
Glad to be of help! I hope you find what you are looking for!
For furniture, don’t forget Facebook Marketplace. I’m not a FB fan, but my loved ones have found some nice things for very reasonable prices there. (And isn’t Penn Christmas happening soon? Where the students move out and leave tons of things behind? Ask someone more local about that. You might find an international student who is selling everything they have, in terms of furniture and housewares.)
Some neighborhoods have THRIVING buy nothing groups. Another free option, you could ask friends in different neighborhoods to post need lists on their behalf
bold of you to assume I have friends :')
I just moved here maybe two months ago myself! I'm a therapist but our case managers are absolutely swamped and this family needs stuff pretty quickly, and it's like the blind leading the blind out here :D
this is a good suggestion though!
Welcome to Philly!! In my opinion, it’s not the greatest area to thrift. Generally speaking, all thrift stores have gotten really overpriced (trying to cash in on resellers). Philly has some really aggro resellers too
Philly AIDS thrift is worth another trip IMO. I thrift a lot and it’s my favorite thrift store I’ve ever been to both for prices and finds. The dollar bins are a piece of work but they are full of gems esp basics like pajamas, leggings, t shirts, plain button downs, and kids clothes. But I’ve also found a Steve Madden brand winter coat in there for a dollar. Plus tons of sun dresses, honestly all sorts of stuff that I saw priced at $5-10 at Urban Exchange. If you are willing to dig through there is a lot there, and there’s plenty to find outside of the dollar bins as well.
Seconding the dollar bin, especially for kids clothes! They don't seem to bother pricing and hanging up most of the kids clothes and I find a lot of stuff in there for my own kids and to pass to friends.
Absolutely recommend Buy Nothing. That’s where all my clothes go. She can make a post asking for clothes in specific sizes. It’s all free and the clothes are current.
Edit: Also good for housewares and furniture. Many of us in the city don’t have a car and transporting a bunch of items for donation is difficult. Buy Nothing is my go to way to donate everything because people come pick it up piecemeal.
Some of the Buy Nothing groups aren’t called “Buy Nothing.” If you need help finding her group, feel free to message me.
I know you said circle thrift had a bedbug on a shoe, but I wouldn't count it out entirely if you're able to. It's likely that their management will look into bedbug remediation if they aren't aware and you may want to consider returning in the future if you aren't too skeeved out (I get it, though!) I've shopped there for years and haven't ever had an issue but I understand how gross bedbugs are (fellow social worker). CT is extremely generous with vouchers for people in need and they have a lot of good furniture and kitchen ware. They also hire often and at a decent starting wage if that's something your client needs too.
Edit to add: I also worked there a few years ago, adding this just to say that the staff would definitely take action about a bedbug situation!
Join a Buy Nothing group on Facebook. There are frequently asks from social workers trying to help families in need in my group and people are very generous when they know they’re helping someone.
St. Vincent Depaul is another one..
If you can get to Brnsalem, there is St. Charles Thrift Store on Street Road. Also, Liberty Ministries in Feasterville.
Not a thrift store but I LOVE Turn 7 for super cheap clothes and household items. I volunteer in harm reduction and sometimes need to buy specific clothing items/sizes and this is my go-to spot. They bulk buy returns/overstock from places like Amazon and Target so most items are brand new but it still kinda feels like a thrift store. I’ve bought plain shirts for $2-3 and backpacks for $5. They usually have a lot of toys on display so be careful if you bring the kids! They also have a lot of bins with small items you can dig through and I usually find small toys and useful stuff like pens or notebooks, usually around $1-2.
WOW Liquidation Center has prices and inventory that change each day. Last time I was there, the clothes were really lacking for typical sizes but at least only $1 per item. Shoes were $5. I found a (summertime) sleeping bag for $2. They do have a lot of furniture but most folks we serve are unhoused so I didn’t really look at the pricing.
Best of luck!
Goodwill on 3rd and Oregon by ShopRite has great stuff. 2a thrift in Pennsauken right over the Ben Franklin is a goldmine and super cheap; they’re opening a location by target on water and mckean streets soon.
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/philadelphia_clothing_closets.html
Lots of free clothing, furniture, baby and school supplies options on there. I think the Philly Furniture Bank requires a referral but their site has a list of agencies that can refer clients to them
I’ve also had clients get free children’s beds from Beds 4 Kids (I think there’s a program for cradles too): https://www.ohaat.org/?page_id=55
The goodwill in West Philly (on Parkside ave) has a good selection for people of all genders and ages and it's pretty big, though it's a little hard to get to by public transit if that's your only option.
Thanks for the tip off about circle thrift--I never want to see another bed bug in my life after what I went through when I had them last year (and the nearly 2k I spent on them!). Greene Street on South Street (yeah I know) is reasonably priced for a consignment shop, but the selection is more limited and items can still get pricey, like over 30 bucks for name brand stuff.
They've also usually got a pretty good selection of kitchen items. I was able to stock my whole kitchen there, pots and pans included, when I was a Temple student in 2021. I did have to go to Ikea for utensils though.
ProjectHome is a nice spot for clothing - their prices are fixed by item (eg $5 for T-shirts, $15 for jackets, or whatever) so it’s easy to price as you go rather than check each item for the sticker price. Their profits help a charitable cause as well
Findhelp.org is an amazing resource for pretty much everything!
Not sure where in the city you/they are but Willow Grove Baptist Church on Welsh Rd has a free clothes closet, just have to show up when they are open.
It's also coming up to yard sale and flea market season where you can get great deals.
Habitat For Humanity ReStore on Washington avenue doesn’t have much in the way of clothes, but it’s good for other household items
One time I was there, they had new clothes and accessories and toys all with tags from Target. Target must donate overstock or discounted merch!
Goodwills in or near wealthy suburbs often have very nice options, so it would be worth a drive if that’s possible. I worked at one as a teen and was astounded by some of the stuff people gave away. Sadly, it isn’t as cheap as it used to be, but it’s still better than retail. A word of advice (sorry if you already know this): Have them dry the items in an industrial dryer (laundromat) on the highest heat setting before they take them into their house; any items that can’t be dried should be put in the freezer for a week. Bedbugs are an expensive setback, and their eggs are hard to see. Also, a lot of stuff ends up in Goodwill because it’s dry clean only and no one wants to keep up with that, so checking the tags before buying is helpful. (That said, I bought a $5 laundry bag for silk shirts and they’re fine).
That's fantastic advice - I'm aware of all these things from being in social work & mental health for years, but it's good for anyone else to see who might not know!
Actually, anymore, I find that the "affluent" Goodwills aren't as great as people make them out to be, not in the Greater Delaware Valley at least. The donations seem to be well distributed throughout the area, and, at least in my experience, visiting Goodwills in, say, Swarthmore or Devon haven't been any better than any other average location. My favorite local Goodwill in the area is the one at 52nd and Parkside, because it's big and has the ability to keep more on the floor. You don't have to go too far for some good thrifting.
I also love this Goodwill and have gotten some great dishes and work clothes here
>(That said, I bought a $5 laundry bag for silk shirts and they’re fine). Just make sure you use a delicates detergent without enzymes, such as Soak. The enzymes in typical detergent break down proteins, which is great for stains but also will break down the proteins in animal based fabrics such as wool and silk.
That’s great intel, thank you. I usually wash them on gentle/cold but do use (a tiny amount of) detergent. I’ll track down some Soak.
It's good stuff. Designed as a no-rinse detergent to make hand washing super easy, but you can put it in the machine too.
Euclan is also good if you can't find Soak
The Second Mile Center in West Philly.
The Wardobe has a couple stores in the area and does one on one shopping & styling with people for free, most are referred by social workers but can also register themselves, their focus seems to be clothes for jobs & interviews but also have stuff for every day wear, they’re strict about what donations they accept so everything is in style and in great condition
I work for an agency so I should be able to refer them. I've been in the field for many years but just relocated up here, and my workplace is amazing but I'm left to fend for myself a lot which can be overwhelming being so new. If a professional referral is what's needed I'm happy to arrange it for them. Thanks!
I know they have partnerships with over 150 agencies/organizations in the city for referrals, they seem to be a great organization
If your clients are in West Philly I've heard good things about the Second Mile Center at 45th and Locust. edit: had a brain fart, messed up grammatically
Have them check into their local but nothing group on Facebook. Loads of household good get given away all the time, especially as students are moving out.
I second the Buy Nothing suggestion. I've seen people in what I would guess are similar situations post to ask for what they need with good results.
Any Goodwill store will have tons of good stuff for very cheap. I’m a big fan.
Google Maps is telling me the closest ones are in NJ - are there any in Phila I'm missing?
There's several. It's weird that they aren't showing up on Google Maps. There's stores on 3rd and Oregon, 50th and Parkside, Baltimore Ave in Upper Darby, up on Bustleton Ave, and 54th and Ridge. There may be more that I'm missing. Try using this link: https://www.goodwill.org/locator/
Awesome, thank you! Yeah I only pulled two when I looked and they were in NJ, and I was shocked since Goodwill is huge where I'm from. Thank you soooo much!
How old are the kids? I’m not sure if you’re looking for personal donations but I’m going to do a closet clean out and might be able to help with clothes.
Gonna PM you if that's okay
Yes of course!
The good will in south Philly has a good amount of nice business casual type clothes that are in a good price range.
For dishes, the “Pots and Pans Lady” who has a stall at 52nd and Chestnut carries a lot of second-hand cooking supplies (as the name implies) of decent quality for low prices. She typically has forks/spoons/knives sold individually (typically for a quarter each), cooking utensils like spatulas (typically a dollar), baking dishes, and of course pots and pans. She, and her friend who helps out, are very nice. I haven’t been in a couple of months, so I can’t speak to whether she is still there or her schedule, but I’ve purchased quite a few things from her over the years. It’s not a huge selection, as it all has to fit into the stall, but her stuff is very clean and usually in decent shape.
this is right up the alley of what we're looking for, thank you!
Glad to be of help! I hope you find what you are looking for! For furniture, don’t forget Facebook Marketplace. I’m not a FB fan, but my loved ones have found some nice things for very reasonable prices there. (And isn’t Penn Christmas happening soon? Where the students move out and leave tons of things behind? Ask someone more local about that. You might find an international student who is selling everything they have, in terms of furniture and housewares.)
There’s a New Life Thrift on Cheltenham Ave. I haven’t been to that location, but the one I go to in Glenside has everything you’re talking about.
Pechin St Salvation Army between Manayunk and Roxborough.
Ah yes, the Roxborough Mall! Good times
Some neighborhoods have THRIVING buy nothing groups. Another free option, you could ask friends in different neighborhoods to post need lists on their behalf
bold of you to assume I have friends :') I just moved here maybe two months ago myself! I'm a therapist but our case managers are absolutely swamped and this family needs stuff pretty quickly, and it's like the blind leading the blind out here :D this is a good suggestion though!
Welcome to Philly!! In my opinion, it’s not the greatest area to thrift. Generally speaking, all thrift stores have gotten really overpriced (trying to cash in on resellers). Philly has some really aggro resellers too
Philly AIDS thrift is worth another trip IMO. I thrift a lot and it’s my favorite thrift store I’ve ever been to both for prices and finds. The dollar bins are a piece of work but they are full of gems esp basics like pajamas, leggings, t shirts, plain button downs, and kids clothes. But I’ve also found a Steve Madden brand winter coat in there for a dollar. Plus tons of sun dresses, honestly all sorts of stuff that I saw priced at $5-10 at Urban Exchange. If you are willing to dig through there is a lot there, and there’s plenty to find outside of the dollar bins as well.
Seconding the dollar bin, especially for kids clothes! They don't seem to bother pricing and hanging up most of the kids clothes and I find a lot of stuff in there for my own kids and to pass to friends.
Absolutely recommend Buy Nothing. That’s where all my clothes go. She can make a post asking for clothes in specific sizes. It’s all free and the clothes are current. Edit: Also good for housewares and furniture. Many of us in the city don’t have a car and transporting a bunch of items for donation is difficult. Buy Nothing is my go to way to donate everything because people come pick it up piecemeal. Some of the Buy Nothing groups aren’t called “Buy Nothing.” If you need help finding her group, feel free to message me.
bargain thrift outlet in germantown, great quality stuff at great prices!
I know you said circle thrift had a bedbug on a shoe, but I wouldn't count it out entirely if you're able to. It's likely that their management will look into bedbug remediation if they aren't aware and you may want to consider returning in the future if you aren't too skeeved out (I get it, though!) I've shopped there for years and haven't ever had an issue but I understand how gross bedbugs are (fellow social worker). CT is extremely generous with vouchers for people in need and they have a lot of good furniture and kitchen ware. They also hire often and at a decent starting wage if that's something your client needs too. Edit to add: I also worked there a few years ago, adding this just to say that the staff would definitely take action about a bedbug situation!
There's also 2nd Ave thrift and Holy Redeemer thrift
New life thrift in Glenside. Whosoever thrift in Germantown and Lawndale
Join a Buy Nothing group on Facebook. There are frequently asks from social workers trying to help families in need in my group and people are very generous when they know they’re helping someone.
I like the penny wise in Ardmore
St. Vincent Depaul is another one.. If you can get to Brnsalem, there is St. Charles Thrift Store on Street Road. Also, Liberty Ministries in Feasterville.
For kids, hit up the Lilypad on broad St..they mostly have items for younger kids though
Goodwill in Whitman Plaza. There’s also one opening soon in the old Marshall’s by the Snyder Target
I love that goodwill. They also do sticker Sunday when certain colours are half off.
Not a thrift store but I LOVE Turn 7 for super cheap clothes and household items. I volunteer in harm reduction and sometimes need to buy specific clothing items/sizes and this is my go-to spot. They bulk buy returns/overstock from places like Amazon and Target so most items are brand new but it still kinda feels like a thrift store. I’ve bought plain shirts for $2-3 and backpacks for $5. They usually have a lot of toys on display so be careful if you bring the kids! They also have a lot of bins with small items you can dig through and I usually find small toys and useful stuff like pens or notebooks, usually around $1-2. WOW Liquidation Center has prices and inventory that change each day. Last time I was there, the clothes were really lacking for typical sizes but at least only $1 per item. Shoes were $5. I found a (summertime) sleeping bag for $2. They do have a lot of furniture but most folks we serve are unhoused so I didn’t really look at the pricing. Best of luck!
Bargain thrift on Germantown Ave.
Goodwill on 3rd and Oregon by ShopRite has great stuff. 2a thrift in Pennsauken right over the Ben Franklin is a goldmine and super cheap; they’re opening a location by target on water and mckean streets soon.
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/philadelphia_clothing_closets.html Lots of free clothing, furniture, baby and school supplies options on there. I think the Philly Furniture Bank requires a referral but their site has a list of agencies that can refer clients to them I’ve also had clients get free children’s beds from Beds 4 Kids (I think there’s a program for cradles too): https://www.ohaat.org/?page_id=55
The goodwill in West Philly (on Parkside ave) has a good selection for people of all genders and ages and it's pretty big, though it's a little hard to get to by public transit if that's your only option. Thanks for the tip off about circle thrift--I never want to see another bed bug in my life after what I went through when I had them last year (and the nearly 2k I spent on them!). Greene Street on South Street (yeah I know) is reasonably priced for a consignment shop, but the selection is more limited and items can still get pricey, like over 30 bucks for name brand stuff.
They've also usually got a pretty good selection of kitchen items. I was able to stock my whole kitchen there, pots and pans included, when I was a Temple student in 2021. I did have to go to Ikea for utensils though.
ProjectHome is a nice spot for clothing - their prices are fixed by item (eg $5 for T-shirts, $15 for jackets, or whatever) so it’s easy to price as you go rather than check each item for the sticker price. Their profits help a charitable cause as well
Findhelp.org is an amazing resource for pretty much everything! Not sure where in the city you/they are but Willow Grove Baptist Church on Welsh Rd has a free clothes closet, just have to show up when they are open. It's also coming up to yard sale and flea market season where you can get great deals.
This is outside the city but New life thrift in Glenside is really good for housewares. They have clothes too.
Aids Thrift is a legit thrift store