Don't Throw It Out — Families Need It

Written By Karen Sawyer

Spring cleaning. A move. A basement that got out of control. Whatever the reason, most of us have things we no longer need — and most of us aren't sure what to do with them.

Before you book a junk removal truck, consider this: what you no longer want might be exactly what a family in Halton or Peel needs right now.

At Safetynet Children & Youth Charities, based at 166 South Service Rd East in Oakville, we accept a wide range of donated items and put them directly into the hands of families experiencing financial hardship — free of charge.

Here's what we need, and how to donate.

Clothing, Footwear and Accessories

Our clothing bank accommodates 5,000 appointments every year. We accept gently used clothing and footwear for men, women, children and babies — spring, summer, fall and winter — as well as purses and belts.

When you're sorting before you donate, please separate items into two bags:

  • Good condition — gently used, clean, wearable

  • Recycle — stained, torn or well-worn items, labelled RECYCLE

Please don't throw out worn or damaged items — we recycle tonnes of material every year and receive funds by the pound. Your worn-out clothes directly fund our programs, keeping them out of landfill and putting money back into services for families.

Donations can be dropped off at the charity during open hours, or left in the bins out front after hours.

Furniture

We accept gently used furniture — sofas, tables, chairs, dressers and more. Please note we do not accept used mattresses.

For furniture donations, email furniture@safetynetservices.ca with this information to arrange for a pick up.

Housewares and Kitchen Items

We accept gently used kitchen supplies and small appliances, including:

  • Sets of dishes, glasses and mugs

  • Sets of cutlery

  • Pots, pans and cooking implements

  • Kettles, blenders and toasters

If you're upgrading your kitchen, these items are always in demand.

Linens, Towels and Blankets

Gently used bed sheet sets, towels and blankets are always welcome. These are everyday essentials that families often can't afford to replace.

Toys, Books and Home Décor

These items aren't essentials we keep on hand, but they don't have to go to waste. We have a partnership with Talize, who accepts these items and pays us by the pound — keeping usable items out of landfill while directly funding the charity.

New Items Always Needed

If you'd like to purchase something to donate, the items most consistently needed are:

  • New socks (all ages)

  • New underwear (men's and women's, size Medium most needed)

  • Diapers

  • Deodorant

  • Feminine hygiene products and personal care essentials

These are everyday items that can put a real strain on a family's budget.

How to Donate

Drop off: 166 South Service Rd East, Oakville — visit safetynetservices.ca for current hours. After-hours bins are available out front for clothing donations.

Furniture: Email furniture@safetynetservices.ca

Online donation: Visit safetynetservices.ca to donate by eTransfer or credit card.

Why It Matters

We've served nearly 10,000 families across Halton and Peel over 20 years. Every clothing item, every pot, every bag of socks makes a real difference to a family starting over or simply trying to get through the month.

This year, we're celebrating our 20th anniversary — two decades of community generosity turned into real support for real families right here in our community.

If you have something to give, there's a family that needs it.

Safetynet Children & Youth Charities | 166 South Service Rd East, Oakville | safetynetservices.ca

Karen Sawyer

Board Chair, Safetynet Charities