Denver’s ARC Thrift Stores play a significant role in charitable giving and environmental sustainability across Colorado. Through donations, they provide affordable items to the community while funding essential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For those looking to declutter and support a worthy cause, donation pickup services to ARC Thrift Stores in Denver make the process easy, efficient, and impactful. Here’s an in-depth look at how ARC donation pickups work, what you can donate, and why donating to ARC Thrift Stores is a fantastic way to support your community.
Why Donate to ARC Thrift Stores?
ARC Thrift Stores, a non-profit organization with over 30 locations across Colorado, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. Profits from ARC’s thrift stores directly support advocacy, job placement, and community integration initiatives for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. By donating items you no longer need, you’re directly contributing to this mission. In 2021 alone, ARC Thrift Stores raised millions to fund programs and services that assist individuals and families in need.
Beyond its social impact, ARC is committed to environmental sustainability. By donating rather than discarding gently used items, you’re helping reduce landfill waste and promoting recycling and reuse within your community. ARC repurposes and resells items, which supports eco-friendly practices by keeping usable goods out of landfills.
How ARC Donation Pickup Works in Denver
ARC Thrift Stores offers a convenient and completely free donation pickup service. Whether you’re clearing out items after a move, conducting a seasonal purge, or simply decluttering your space, ARC’s pickup service makes it easy to donate large items and batches of goods.
- Scheduling a Pickup
To schedule a donation pickup, visit the ARC Thrift Stores website and navigate to the donation pickup section. Select a time slot that works for you, and ARC’s team will confirm your appointment. You can also call ARC’s donation hotline to arrange for a pickup. - Preparing Your Items
Once you’ve scheduled a pickup, gather and prepare your items. ARC requests that all items be gently used, cleaned, and kept in working condition. You don’t need to package or label the items, but it is helpful to arrange them in one accessible area for easy loading. - The Pickup Process
On your scheduled pickup day, ARC’s professional team arrives, loads up your items, and ensures everything is ready for donation processing. You don’t need to be home for the pickup as long as the items are placed in an accessible location.
What Can You Donate to ARC Thrift Stores?
ARC Thrift Stores accept a wide range of items, including:
- Clothing and Accessories: Gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages.
- Furniture: Chairs, tables, sofas, desks, and small office furniture in good condition.
- Household Items: Kitchenware, linens, bedding, decor, and other household goods.
- Electronics: ARC accepts certain electronics, such as TVs (flat screens only), small appliances, and computer accessories.
- Toys and Games: Donations for kids’ toys, board games, and puzzles are welcome.
- Books and Media: Books, DVDs, CDs, and similar media items.
Items ARC Cannot Accept: While ARC welcomes a wide range of donations, certain items, such as large appliances, mattresses, hazardous materials, and broken items, cannot be accepted for health, safety, or regulatory reasons. Always check ARC’s website for the most up-to-date list of acceptable donations.
Benefits of Using ARC’s Donation Pickup Service
- Convenience and Time-Saving
ARC’s free donation pickup saves you time and effort, especially for large or heavy items that would be difficult to transport. - Supporting Local Causes
Donations to ARC directly support the local community by funding essential programs for individuals with disabilities in Colorado. ARC is one of the state’s largest employers of individuals with disabilities, creating jobs and providing workplace training. - Tax Deduction Eligibility
ARC provides a receipt for all donations, making it easy to claim a tax deduction for your contributions. Keep a detailed list of your donated items to ensure an accurate deduction on your tax return. - Environmental Impact
Donating to ARC aligns with environmentally conscious practices. ARC’s model of repurposing items reduces waste and promotes sustainability by extending the lifespan of goods.
Since 1968, ARC Thrift Stores has served Colorado communities with a mission to provide affordable shopping options while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With 36 locations across the state, each store offers an accessible, welcoming place to donate, shop, and make a difference. Below are some of ARC’s standout locations in the Denver metro area and beyond.
Denver Metro Area
South Broadway Location
- Address: 1515 S Broadway, Denver
- Highlights: As ARC’s first-ever location, the South Broadway store is historic and loved by the community. It’s well-rated for its wide variety of items and dedication to quality, making it an ideal spot for donations and bargain hunting.
- Customer Rating: 4.0 (673 reviews)
Centennial – University Towne Center
- Address: 7450 S University Blvd, Centennial
- Highlights: Known for its spacious layout and excellent selection, this location consistently restocks items, offering shoppers a fresh inventory. It’s a go-to for Centennial residents looking for an organized, enjoyable shopping experience.
Glendale – Central Park Shopping Center
- Address: 7429 E Iliff Ave, Denver
- Highlights: This store is recognized for its spacious aisles and well-organized sections. Whether you’re dropping off donations or searching for quality finds, the Glendale ARC store ensures a smooth and pleasant visit.
Littleton Area
Woodlawn Center
- Address: 1400 W Littleton Blvd, Littleton
- Highlights: With natural lighting and a well-maintained interior, the Woodlawn Center location offers a comfortable shopping atmosphere, attracting many repeat donors and shoppers.
Bowles Marketplace
- Highlights: Known for its well-organized layout, this store offers an impressive book selection, making it a favorite among book lovers. It’s a convenient stop for residents around Bowles Marketplace looking for quality secondhand items.
New SouthPark Location
- Highlights: Opened in August 2024, the SouthPark location is ARC’s second store in Littleton, located in the SouthPark business center. As one of the newest stores, it features a modern layout and is a popular spot for donations and shopping.
Other Notable Locations
Bear Valley – Sheridan
- Address: 3125 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver
- Highlights: This newer location boasts a broad selection and is known for being less crowded, allowing for a relaxed shopping and donation experience.
Arvada Plaza
- Address: 9661 W 58th Ave, Arvada
- Highlights: Serving the Arvada community, this store offers everything from home goods to apparel and is a convenient place to shop and donate.
Colorado Springs
- Address: 1830 W Uintah, Colorado Springs
- Highlights: One of ARC’s southern Colorado locations, this store offers the same quality selection and service with a convenient location for Colorado Springs residents.
Giving Back to the Community
ARC Thrift Stores serves as a community resource for affordable shopping and supports Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many stores host half-off sales every Saturday, making a difference in the community by providing budget-friendly options. Whether you’re dropping off donations, hunting for unique finds, or supporting local programs, ARC Thrift Stores make it easy to connect with and give back to Colorado’s communities.
Tips for a Successful Donation Pickup
- Check ARC’s Acceptable Donation List: Ensure your items are eligible for donation before scheduling. Items that don’t meet ARC’s criteria may not be picked up.
- Bundle Smaller Items Together: Consider bagging or boxing for a more straightforward, more organized pickup of items like clothing and linens.
- Label Breakable Items: If donating fragile items, label them as such to ensure careful handling.
- Clean and Prep Your Items: Ensure all items are clean, functioning, and gently used. Wipe down furniture and make sure electronics are operable.
How to Schedule Your ARC Donation Pickup
Scheduling a pickup with ARC is simple. Here’s how:
- Visit ARC Thrift Store’s Website: Go to the “Donation” page on ARC’s official site and look for the pickup scheduling section.
- Fill Out the Pickup Request Form: Complete your contact information, item details, and preferred pickup time.
- Confirm the Pickup: ARC’s team will reach out to confirm your pickup date and provide any additional instructions.
You can also call ARC’s dedicated donation line to speak directly with a representative.
Making a Lasting Impact with ARC Donations
Choosing to donate to ARC Thrift Stores extends beyond clearing clutter; it’s about contributing to a community-driven organization that uplifts others and promotes sustainability. Your donation has a twofold impact: it helps provide affordable items to the Denver community and supports services for individuals with disabilities across Colorado. By donating, you’re giving back in ways that truly matter.
In Summary
For Denver residents, ARC Thrift Stores offers a convenient, impactful, and environmentally friendly way to donate unused items. With donation pickup services, ARC makes it easier to support the local community, reduce waste, and help fund programs for individuals with disabilities. Schedule a donation pickup today and make a difference with ARC Thrift Stores in Denver!
