Donations to the MTS
The McChord Thrift Shop is self-sustaining, meaning we receive no outside funding. We rely solely on our store sales to pay our bills and give back to the community! Your donations fuel that fire; we rely on YOU the donors to stay open!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I leave donations?
Donations can be left on the far end of our dock.
When can I donate?
Our donations dock is open 24/7. If you need assistance unloading donations, please stop by during business hours.
Please note: our dock is under 24-hour video surveillance.
What do you accept?
We accept most donations. Please see below for a list of items we do not accept.
Do I need to call ahead when I’m planning to donate furniture?
While we do appreciate a heads-up for any furniture or large donations, it is not a requirement to call ahead.
Can I get a receipt for my donations?
As a 501(c)4, donations to our store are not tax-deductible. We are unable to give receipts for donations at this time.
Common items we do not accept:
• Any items with fuel, gas, compressed gas or air
• Food (including dry goods)
• Items containing liquid
• Toiletries or cosmetics
• Magazines
• Free branded promotional items
• Any items that are broken, dirty, smelly, or missing parts
• Trash or personal recycle
• Mattresses or box springs
• Stuffed animals
• Car seats
• Helmets
• CPAPs or related supplies
• Breast pumps or related supplies
• Lightbulbs not in a lamp or fixture
• Underwear, socks, or bras that are not brand new with tags
• Home improvement/renovation items
Do not leave any of these items on Thrift Shop premises. This is considered dumping, and is illegal on JBLM.
When donating, please:
1. Keep all parts together.
If you are donating something with multiple pieces or parts, please group the parts together in a bag or box.
2. Group similar items.
Children's clothes with children's clothes, adult clothes with adult clothes, toys with toys, kitchen items with kitchen items, etc.
3. Give items a quick cleaning.
It doesn't have to be spotless! But a quick wipe-down or dusting by you can save our staff and volunteers a ton of work. Items that are excessively dirty are thrown away.
4. Do not leave loose donations on the dock.
Please put donations in a box or a tied bag. If you do not have one, we have supplied bins.
5. Mind the weather.
We’re in Western Washington where weather can be unpredictable. Please tuck your donations as far back on the dock as possible.
6. Throw away your trash.
We are not a place to leave your garbage. We do not sell anything that is broken, incomplete, or dirty. Please throw out your trash.