RDMs are a generous bunch, and one of the most common questions we see in the Ryde District Mums Facebook Chat Group is: “Where can I donate XYZ?”
We’ve pulled together a list of donation options, covering everything from clothes and baby items to food, furniture and even hair.
Before you donate
Please make sure items are:
- Clean
- In good working order
- In genuinely good condition
Most charities are volunteer-run and don’t have the time or resources to clean, repair or dispose of unsuitable donations. Quality donations help preserve dignity — and make a real difference.
Important: Donation needs and capacity change regularly. Always check an organisation’s website or social channels before dropping items off.
General Clothing & Goods
Charity bins are a convenient way to donate pre-loved clothing. Always check the signage on each bin for accepted items — and remember that dumping is illegal.
You can find bins through:
- Ryde Council (30+ locations)
- St Vincent de Paul Society
- Australian Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- Lifeline
You can also donate locally via Facebook:
Womens Clothes
- Dress for Success – Donates interview-ready clothing and accessories to women seeking employment. Donation drop-off in Marrickville (check capacity before attending).
- H&M – Garment Collecting & Recycling program accepts unwanted textiles of any brand. Drop items into the garment-collecting box in-store (usually near the registers) and receive a voucher as a thank-you.
- Zara – Accepts unwanted clothing via in-store collection boxes for textile recycling.
Bras
- Support The Girls – Accepts new or gently used bras and brand-new toiletries. Drop-off points rotate.
- Wayside Chapel – Accepts donations of women’s underwear (sizes 10–12 preferred) and bras (new or gently used).
Shoes
- Shoes For Planet Earth – Collects new and pre-loved running shoes. NSW locations vary — check before dropping off.
- Clean Up Australia – Shoe In program accepts unwanted footwear. Simply drop shoes at a designated collection unit; they are collected and sent for recycling rather than landfill.
Towels & Animal Supplies
- Local vets, animal shelters and the RSPCA often accept towels and blankets.
- Animal Welfare League NSW – Accepts towels, blankets, dog mats and selected supplies at Kemps Creek.
Books
- Street libraries (little free libraries)
- Local council libraries (unsuitable books are often sold to fund new stock)
- Footpath Library – gives books to people experiencing homelessness
- Lifeline – Gladesville store (call ahead)
Homewares, Furniture & Electronics
- The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre – Offers free collection for suitable household items and furniture.
- Fair Game Sports Equipment – Redistributes sports equipment to disadvantaged communities.
- St Vincent de Paul Society (North Ryde, West Ryde, Epping) – Accepts quality furniture; collections available.
- Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre – Accepts laptops, tablets and phones that meet strict criteria.
- ReLove – Accepts donated furniture to support women and families rebuilding after homelessness or domestic violence. Donors usually drop items directly to the Alexandria warehouse or arrange delivery via a removalist or AirTasker. Suitable for good-quality, gently used furniture only.
Mattresses
- Soft Landing and Mattress Recyclers – paid recycling service
- Some Salvos stores accept mattresses (check locally)
Toiletries
- Every Little Bit Helps – hotel toiletries, in-flight amenity kits, and cosmetic or make-up samples
- Support The Girls – All toiletries must be brand new.
- Share the Dignity – Accepts new, unopened toiletries and personal care items to support women and girls in need.
Stationery
- Second Life Hub (Arc UNSW) – Free second-hand stationery for university students. Helps reduce waste and supports students doing it tough.
- GIVIT – Donate good-quality stationery to kids in need via verified schools and charities across NSW.
- Stationery Aid – Collects and redistributes used and surplus stationery to schools and communities.
Nursery Items & Toys
- The Nappy Collective – Seasonal collections in May and October only.
- Dandelion Support Network: – Accepts baby goods and children’s items by appointment only. A Drummoyne drop-off point is available — donors must contact Dandelion directly for details.
- Local playgroups may also welcome toy donations.
Food
- The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation – Accepts food and essential goods to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Sydney.
- Foodbank – Accepts food and grocery donations that are redistributed to charities and families in need across NSW.
- OzHarvest – Rescues surplus food from registered businesses and delivers it directly to local charities.
Glasses
- Specsavers – Glasses Recycling Program – Recycles unwanted glasses nationwide in partnership with Opticycle, turning them into new products.
- The Fred Hollows Foundation – Accepts donated glasses to help restore sight and support eye health programs globally.
- Lions Clubs International – Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids Recycling – Collects and redistributes used glasses and hearing aids to people in need worldwide.
Physical Donations
Breast Milk
- Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank – Accepts donated breast milk to support premature and sick babies in Victoria.
- The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – Accepts breast milk donations through its hospital milk bank (NSW).
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood – Breastfeeding mums in metro Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide can donate excess breast milk.
- Mothers Milk Bank Charity – Invites breastfeeding mums (babies of any age) to donate milk for families and hospitals in need.
Blood
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood – Accepts blood, plasma and platelet donations across Australia.
Hair
- World’s Greatest Shave – Cut your hair and raise funds to support Australian families facing blood cancer.
- Wigs4Kids – Donate hair to help create bespoke wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.
- Ponytail Project – Donate hair through participating Sustainable Salons trained to cut and send ponytails for reuse.
Everything Else
If you’re unsure where something can be recycled or reused, Recycling Near You (by Planet Ark) is a great free tool — just search the item and your postcode.