When you have large and heavy exercise equipment, getting rid of it can be a hassle. You don’t have to wait for spring cleaning to come before you get rid of your exercise equipment.
You might want to donate these items but aren’t sure how or where to start. Which charity organizations accept sports equipment? Do any services offer home pickups?
Why You Should Donate
Do you have an old treadmill or training bike gathering dust in your basem*nt? Do you have a weighty set of dumbbells you don’t want, but you aren’t sure where or how to get rid of them? Donating these items to local groups or charity organizations is the perfect way to give back and recycle your used equipment.
Donating is eco-friendly. Instead of going to the dump, your still-working sports equipment can benefit those who need it.
When you donate, you feel good. Not only are you contributing to a good cause and helping someone less fortunate, but you’re also de-cluttering your home.
Who Can Pick Up My Equipment?
If you have decided to donate your used exercise equipment, the next step is to find the quickest and cheapest way to get rid of it. We at Easy Donation Pickup have compiled a list of organizations and places that will pick up your sports equipment and other donation items.
Easy Donation Pickup
Organized by the National Veterans Foundation, Easy Donation Pickup provides service for all U.S. veterans and their families. With the country’s first toll-free helpline, we inspire people and spread awareness to help change the lives of the brave and selfless people who served the country.
How Does Easy Donation Pickup Work?
Easy Donation Pickup will take almost anything that one person can carry. So any piece of exercise equipment that is relatively small or light, such as racquets, balls, or bats.
All you have to do is to follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Use our website to schedule a convenient time for pickup, or call 855-628-8387.
- Step 2: Prepare your equipment, pack it in boxes or bags, and mark them with the letters “NVF” to know these boxes are for National Veterans Foundation donation.
- Step 3: Simply leave your boxes or bags outside your home, and we will come at the scheduled time to pick them up. You don’t even need to be home for this to occur. When we pick the boxes up, you receive your tax receipt on your door.
Salvation Army
For over 150 years, the non-profit organization Salvation Army has assisted communities in the U.S. with volunteers and representatives in over 7,000 towns and cities. It is one of the largest and most popular charity organizations.
The Salvation Army actively helps victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking, youths and elderly at risk, and people living in poverty.
How Do I Schedule a Pickup with Salvation Army?
Since the Salvation Army is a large organization, they have the resources to pick up bulky items. They also have a special interest in exercise gear, like bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines, that are in good working order.
Make sure to clean your equipment at the time of pickup. Salvation Army recommends calling your local store to check on the quality requirements before scheduling a pickup time.
To donate to the Salvation Army:
- Step 1: Enter your zip code on the Salvation Army website.
- Step 2: Fill in the form with the information about the type of items you will be donating.
- Step 3: Schedule a pickup time. If you won’t be home or can’t find a good time, mark the items with the initials “S.A” and put them outside your house.
Habitat for Humanity
Much like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity sells donated items at the store to raise funds but also uses them in their housing projects. Habitat of Humanity provides good quality and affordable housing for those who cannot afford it, both within and outside of the U.S.
How Do Donations Work with Habitat For Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity mainly accepts building materials, but some branches may also take gym equipment, so you should call to check.
Similar to Salvation Army, to donate, you have to:
- Step 1: Enter your zip code into their website to get started. This will show you the available branches in the area.
- Step 2:Contact them to see if they are open for donations. Branches may also accept gym or exercise equipment, but you have to call to find out.
Goodwill
Another famous organization, Goodwill is over 100 years old and has stores in 2,800 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Goodwill resells donations at highly discounted prices, with the proceeds going toward plans to improve impoverished communities, like placement programs, community uplifting, and job training.
Similar to the Salvation Army, Goodwill helps youths at risk, the elderly, the disabled, ex-convicts, and those who are trying to improve their quality of life.
How Do I Donate to Goodwill?
Goodwill is not licensed to handle or accept sports or gym equipment. Call them to see if your local Goodwill store accepts your particular item. You should also call them to see if they do pickups or check their website for more detailed information.
Your Local Gym
You might find that the most suitable place for you to donate your used exercise equipment is right around the corner. Many local gyms partner with charities that accept sports equipment, so they can likely point you to a reputable organization.
Local High Schools and YMCA
Local schools and organizations like the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club have a use for your used sports equipment. The drawback of this donation path is that you need to disassemble and transport the equipment yourself, which can be a daunting and difficult task.
Call your local branch to learn about what equipment they accept and the donation process. Be prepared to answer any questions about the make and model of your equipment when you call to set up a time to drop off your exercise equipment.
Your Local Community Center or Senior Center
Your unused treadmill or weights could benefit people in your own neighborhood! Community centers and senior centers will usually accept working sports equipment. Like the YMCA and high schools, you will need to disassemble and drop it off yourself since these organizations do not typically offer pickups. Still, if you want to do good in your own community, this donation option appeals to many.
Bikes for the World
If you have an old bike or bike parts lying around, donating them to this organization may be the way to go. As long as the bikes aren’t rusted or plastic, Bikes for the World will accept them and give them to people in third-world countries who need them for transportation.
If you ever wanted to make a big difference in someone’s life, this is a very direct and easy way to do it.
Soles 4 Souls
This charity organization makes use of your gently used sports or running shoes and redistributes them all across the world. To date, Soles 4 Souls has given away over 30 million pairs of shoes.
They even offer group donations to encourage you to get your coworkers and friends to save the world with you. Alternatively, another organization called One World Running also takes shoes.
Sportsgift.com
This Christian ministry gives sports equipment to children all around the world. This organization probably isn’t the best place to donate your treadmill, but if you have smaller equipment like sports racquets, bats, or balls, this is an excellent organization to give back and bring the love of sports to a less fortunate community.
Are There Any Other Organizations to Check Out?
If you still haven’t found a suitable charity to donate to, here are some more options you can consider:
- Pitch In For Baseball
- Oriole Advocates
- Kids Gear for Baseball – San Diego and Massachusetts
- Level The Playing Field, Inc.
- Project Fit America
- Global Sports Foundation
- Let’s Play It Forward
These organizations take sports equipment donations, so it is better to check with them directly what they accept.
Make Donating Easy with Easy Donation Pickup
Easy Donation Pickup has you covered if you want to give away your exercise equipment and help our veterans. There’s no need to worry about how you’ll transport your heavy treadmill or stationary bike to a drop-off location — we do the pickup for you.
Your donations fund veteran services like hotlines, community outreach, veteran employment programs, and more. Give your exercise equipment new life by giving back to those in need with our easy, hassle-free pickup. Call us now at 855-628-8387 to schedule a time for pickup, or visit us at https://easydonationpickup.com/.
