How to Donate Books to the Salvation Army

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, began the organization for England's homeless.

The Salvation Army, founded in 1881, aims to assist people in need through 119 U.S.-based locations. By accepting monetary donations, donations of goods and the hard work of volunteers, the Salvation Army is able to provide substance abuse assistance, inexpensive child care for at-risk kids and domestic violence intervention. In some cases, the Salvation Army will send a truck to pick up donated items, including books. You can also visit your local Salvation Army location to donate your books.

Instructions

1. Find a local Salvation Army Family Store or drop-off location by using the Salvation Army's online locator tool. Enter your ZIP code or your city and state. Most Salvation Army Thrift Stores are equipped to accept donations. Call the location to determine whether they accept books. According to the Salvation Army's Donation Value Guide, the organization accepts books and classifies them as "miscellaneous donations."

2. Call [phone] if your book donation is too large for you to drop off personally or you cannot find a drop-off location near you. Make an appointment for the Salvation Army to send a truck to pick up your books.

3. Prepare your donation of books before the truck arrives. Present them with your books and ask for a receipt. Many Salvation Army donations can be used as charitable contribution tax write-offs with the Internal Revenue Service.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not donate books with excessively torn or missing pages. The Salvation Army may reject your donation if the books are in poor condition.

References

• Salvation Army: Donation Value Guide
• Salvation Army: FAQs
• Salvation Army: Donations