How to Donate Used Sporting Goods

Where to donate those tennis rackets

Most people have a few unusued pieces of sports equipment cluttering up the bedroom, den or garage. Those unused tennis rackets, mini-trampolines or golf clubs that are taking up space in your home can be put to good use, by recycling to organizations who distribute the items to sports fans around the country or even around the globe. Here are some places that will gladly accept your used sporting goods.

Instructions

1. Probably the simplest and lowest-tech option is to check with your local gym if you have equipment such as free weights, mats or fitness balls. They may be glad to use them in their exercise classes. For items such as tennis rackets, skis, golf clubs and soccer gear, your local high school may be interested, too. Especially now that the economy is in a downturn and funding for many public schools has been cut, the sports programs are often suffering. Local charter schools are always on the lookout for usable and good quality sporting goods as well.

2. If you have Internet access, check out Freecycle (see Resources). With 4 million members, this organization matches donors with recipients on a local and worldwide basis.

3. Another online option is the National Alliance for Youth Sports (see Resources), a nonprofit association that accepts donated sporting goods and distributes to third world countries.

4. Schools that are seeking donors of sporting goods often use the Internet to link with donors who would like to help aspiring athletes.

5. Finally, the local Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and community centers are often in need of sporting goods. Do an Internet search to find the one closest to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to get a receipt when donating your sports equipment and keep it for next year's taxes.

• Be sure to ask if you will be responsible for shipping costs when donating items to non-profit organizations.

Resources

• Freecycle
• NAYS