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Thrift Stores Accepting Donations in Ames, IA

4 of the 7 thrift stores we list in Ames have donation drop-off.

A store's "thrift store" category on Google doesn't tell you whether it actually takes donations — some are consignment-only, some fund a specific charity and only want certain items, and some have stopped accepting drop-offs altogether. Every thrift store on this page has its donation policy confirmed on the store's own website, not assumed from the category.

  1. Goodwill of Central Iowa

    3718 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014-3401

    Accepts donationsFurniture
    Call Website Directions

  2. Ames Salvation Army Service Extension Office Dropoff

    703 E Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010

    Accepts donationsFurniture
    Call Website Directions

  3. Overflow Thrift Store

    202 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010-6642

    Accepts donationsOnline store
    Call Website Directions

  4. Overflow Thrift Store Furniture & More

    125 Kitty Hawk Dr, Ames, IA 50014

    Accepts donationsOnline store
    Call Website Directions
Call ahead if you have furniture or electronics. Most thrift stores gladly take clothing, housewares, and books anytime, but bulky items like furniture, mattresses, and electronics are often restricted, seasonal, or require a scheduled drop-off.

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Good to know

Do thrift stores give tax receipts for donations?

Nonprofit-run thrift stores — Goodwill, Salvation Army, and similar charity operations — typically hand out a blank donation receipt you fill in yourself for tax purposes, since IRS rules require the donor, not the charity, to estimate the value. For-profit resale shops usually don't offer receipts since donations aren't tax-deductible there.

What items do thrift stores not accept?

Most won't take items that are stained, broken, recalled, or missing safety parts — think damaged furniture, expired car seats, or exposed electrical cords. Many also decline mattresses, box springs, and old CRT televisions due to disposal costs or local regulations.