Does Goodwill Take Board Games

Yes, Goodwill generally accepts donations of board games in good condition.

Have you ever wondered what to do with your old board games? You know, the ones gathering dust in the back of the closet. A common question arises: does goodwill take board games? Many people have them and this is a question they ask when trying to declutter.

Goodwill is often a great option for donating items, and board games are usually on their list. They allow others to enjoy these forgotten games and give them a new life. It’s nice to give a board game a new home.

Does Goodwill Take Board Games? Sorting Through the Donation Pile

So, you’ve got a stack of board games gathering dust? Maybe your family has moved on to new favorites, or perhaps you’re just doing some spring cleaning. A great way to find these games a new home is to donate them! But a big question pops up: does Goodwill actually take board games? The answer, like many things, isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s dive into what Goodwill typically accepts, what kind of board games they prefer, and how to make sure your donation is a good fit.

The General Policy: What Goodwill Usually Accepts

Goodwill is a fantastic place to donate items you no longer need. They accept a wide variety of items, which they then resell in their stores to fund job training and community programs. This is great! However, not everything is accepted, and policies can change slightly from location to location. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check with your local Goodwill branch if you’re unsure. Generally speaking, Goodwill looks for items that are clean, in good working order, and are reasonably saleable. This is key for board games. Think about it from the point of view of someone browsing the store, what would you want to purchase?

Commonly Accepted Items at Goodwill

To give you a general idea, here’s a list of common items Goodwill often accepts:

Clothing (clean and in good condition)
Shoes
Household items (like dishes, pots, pans)
Books
Toys and games
Small furniture
Electronics (in working condition)

See? Board games are in that list. That sounds promising! But let’s get more specific about the types of board games that tend to do well with Goodwill.

Board Games: What Makes Them Acceptable Donations?

When it comes to board games, Goodwill has a few specific things they look for. Remember, they want to resell these items, so their condition is super important. A missing piece or a ripped box can mean the game won’t sell.

Condition is Key

The single most important factor is the condition of the game. This breaks down into several points.

Completeness: Is the game complete? Are all the pieces there? A missing die, a few pawns, or even just one card can make a game unplayable. Goodwill needs to know a customer will be able to play the game they purchase. Before donating, carefully check that all the necessary parts are present. This might mean digging out those instruction manuals!
Cleanliness: Is the game clean? Are there food stains, sticky bits, or grime? Giving it a good wipe-down helps a lot. Even the outside box, if dirty, might not get picked up. It’s always better to make a great first impression.
Box Condition: Is the box in good shape? A smashed or heavily torn box might not be worth reselling, even if the game is fine inside. Try to tape up minor tears if you can, but badly damaged boxes are often a no-go. If the box looks battered, perhaps consider alternative donation options.
Functionality: Does the game still work as it should? If there are any moving parts, like a spinner, check that they work.

Types of Games That Are Often Accepted

Some types of games tend to do better than others at Goodwill. Here’s a general guide:

Popular Family Games: Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, and other classic family-friendly options are usually in demand. These have wide appeal and are often what people look for in a thrift store.
Strategy Games: Games like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Carcassonne are great, provided all the pieces are present. These can be harder to sell if they’re incomplete, but if they’re complete, they have strong appeal.
Card Games: Games like Uno, Phase 10, and even decks of playing cards can be good donations if they’re in good condition. Remember to check that all cards are there.
Children’s Games: Games for younger children, like picture matching games or simple board games, are often welcome.

Games That Might Not Be Accepted

There are some types of games that are less likely to be accepted.

Games with Missing Pieces: As mentioned, incomplete games are often a no-go. Unless the missing pieces are easily replaced (like some dice), these can be difficult to resell.
Very Old or Obscure Games: While some might find vintage games appealing, extremely old or obscure games might not be something that sells well. If it’s something very niche, it might be better suited to an online marketplace or donation to a board game specific group.
Games with Significant Damage: Games with major tears, water damage, or other significant damage are usually not accepted.
Games That Are Not Clean: Sticky, dirty, or generally grimy games will likely be passed over.
Games that are Not Popular: There are some types of board games that just don’t sell well, so these might not be accepted.

Making Your Donation Successful: Tips & Tricks

So you have a stack of games and you are ready to donate? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your donation is successful:

Preparation is Key

Inventory Your Games: Before packing them up, do a thorough check. Make a checklist of pieces (many instruction manuals will have a list of contents) and make sure everything is there.
Clean the Games: Wipe down the boxes and boards. Use a damp cloth for any dirty bits (but make sure you don’t get any of the pieces wet, especially if they are paper or cardboard!). A quick clean can make a world of difference!
Secure the Pieces: For games with lots of small pieces, put them in resealable bags. This will stop them from getting lost during transport and while being looked at by customers.
Box it Up: If possible, place the games into a sturdy box. This helps with transport and makes things easier for the Goodwill staff.

Contact Your Local Goodwill

Before you make the trip, you could call your local Goodwill branch and ask about their specific policies on game donations. Policies vary slightly, and they will be happy to tell you what they’re currently accepting. They may also be able to tell you if there are certain types of games that are particularly in need. You can find the phone number or email address for the Goodwill in your area on their website.

Consider Alternative Donation Options

If your local Goodwill branch doesn’t take your games, don’t give up! There are plenty of other places that might be happy to take them.

Other Places to Donate Board Games

Local Libraries: Some libraries accept games to add to their collection. Many have game nights and are always happy to expand their offerings.
Children’s Hospitals or Community Centers: These organizations often accept donations of games to keep children entertained. A donation like this is a great way to put your unwanted games to good use.
Schools and After-School Programs: Schools are also often happy to receive donated board games, especially ones that are great for kids in classroom settings.
Homeless Shelters and Family Shelters: Games provide entertainment and can offer some structure. They also offer a fun activity for families who are going through a difficult time.
Board Game Meetup Groups or Clubs: If you have a very niche or unique game, try to find a local board game group. They might appreciate something you don’t want.

Why Donating Games is Great

Donating your old board games is more than just getting rid of clutter. It has many positive effects.

Benefits of Donating

Helps Others: You are giving someone the chance to experience the joy of game nights.
Supports Good Causes: Goodwill uses the money made from selling donated items to fund valuable job training programs.
Reduces Waste: Rather than throwing games away, you are giving them a second life. This is great for the environment.
Clears Clutter: Getting rid of unwanted things can free up space in your home and is a great feeling!

A Final Check Before You Donate

Okay, you’ve checked the condition, you know what kind of games Goodwill tends to take, and you’ve packed everything up. Before you load the car, do one final check:

Are the games complete?
Are they clean?
Are the boxes in good condition?
Did you secure loose pieces?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you’re ready to go!

By following these simple steps, you can make sure that your board game donation is a valuable and helpful one. It’s a great way to get rid of games you no longer want and to give them a new home. And you’re helping your community at the same time!

So, does Goodwill take board games? Yes, they often do. But it’s all about making sure those games are in good shape and ready for their next adventure with a new family. Have fun with it and give them a second chance to provide joy!

Can I find video games at this goodwill?

Final Thoughts

Goodwill stores often accept donations of various items, and board games are frequently among them. Their policy can vary by location, so checking with your local branch first is wise. Condition of the game matters; complete sets with all pieces have a higher chance of acceptance.

‘Does goodwill take board games?’ The answer usually is yes, provided they are in usable condition. You must be mindful to donate games that are still enjoyable for others. Ultimately, donating old games is a way to give them a second life.