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Donations FAQs

Thank you for supporting Fitrah with your books, clothing, and shoes! We rely on the generosity of thousands of donors each year to help our youth run their business. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Are you still accepting donations in light of the concern over COVID-19?

We are currently still accepting donations left in donation bins and through pickups at local residences. Donation volume is down. As we seek to provide support and services to our most vulnerable youth during this time, we need contributions of books and clothes more than ever.

Out of precaution and for the safety of our staff and donors, donations for any scheduled pickups at a home or residence must be left outside the residence- this can include a front porch or step, driveway, garage, etc.  

What types of donations do you need?

We accept gently used donations of books, clothing, and shoes. Please see below for more details!

What types of book donations do you need?

We accept gently used donations of paperback and hardcover books, CDs, and DVDs in their original cases, records, and video games. Books can be in any genre as well as foreign language books. We also gladly accept textbooks but do ask that they be 10 years old or newer. 

We ask that if you have books that are torn or damaged that you recycle them, as we will unfortunately not be able to find a good use for them. Additionally, we do not accept: 
 

  • Encyclopedias  

  • Textbooks over 10 years old 

  • Magazines/Journals 

  • Audio cassettes 

  • VHS tapes 

  • Donations of furniture or household goods.

What types of clothing donations do you need?

We accept gently used donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories like bags and belts. Donations should be in usable condition, though minor tears or stains are acceptable. 

We can not accept donations of linens, bed sheets, blankets, or towels. 

We ask that you please do not donate clothing, shoes, or textiles that are wet, moldy, or excessively dirty. 

Where do my books and clothes go once I donate them?

Your donation goes directly to our young adults as they manage their retail stores, online marketplace, pop-up shops, and wholesale business giving them valuable work experience as well as earning revenue to support the program. 

 

Youth collect donations at our stores, from donation bins throughout the region, from partners like libraries, and through pickups at homes and businesses. The donations are brought to one of our sites in Boston or Waltham. Our youth team sort through the books and clothes to see what will sell online or in our stores, and receive them into our inventory. Anything that we cannot personally sell right into the hands of a customer is given to community partners or sold to wholesalers around the country. The wholesale business also provides valuable warehouse logistics and management jobs for youth. 

Does Fitrah take other donations such as furniture and household items?

No. Unfortunately, at this time Fitrah is not able to accept donations of furniture or household items. 

Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Absolutely! We are a registered 501(c)3 End will gladly provide you with a tax receipt form for your donation. You will be offered this form in person if you drop off your items in-store or if you pick them up. If you happen to drop off donations in one of our collection containers and would like to receive a receipt, please email us at  info@fitrah.org and we will respond within 2 business days. 

Do you pick up donations? 

Yes! We are happy to schedule pickups in the Greater Sacramento area as well as the surrounding town! Please note: due to new restrictions, Fitrah requires all donations to be placed outside at the time of pickup.

Will you pack my books? 

We expect the donations are packed in boxes or bags and moved outside when we arrive. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide passing services during covid-19. 

How soon can I schedule a pickup?

We schedule one or more weeks out depending on your location, size of the pickup, and season. We will offer you the soonest available dates when requesting a pickup. 

Can I drop off donations? 

Yes! We are happy to accept donations to either of our sites in Waltham or Boston. We also have multiple drop-off containers spread out across the state. 

How should I value my donation for tax purposes? Can you sign my receipt?

The value of the in-kind donation Is up to each donor. We will provide you with an email acknowledging a donation was made with a receipt for you to fill out identifying value of items you contributed. We are not permitted to value the donation or sign receipts.

Is there a fee for a pickup?

No! We have recently waived our pickup fees as we have a deep need for book donations right now during Covid-19. 

What do you do with the books that you can't sell/use?

​Books that are damaged or unusable will typically go to recycling, the books in good condition and re-purposed and given to community partners or sold in bulk all over the country! 

I am with a library, school, clothing store, or municipality and would like to arrange a regular pickup, partnership, or host a donation container. Can we talk?

Please contact our business development team at info@fitrah.org 

I still have questions! How can I reach you?

Please contact our business development team at info@fitrah.org And we will be happy to answer your questions! If you email kindly allow us 1 business day to respond.

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