March 2026
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A FEW WORDS ON: Spring Cleaning
We live in the land of plenty in an age of excess, and our closets runneth over. Stuff is stacked like layers of stratified earth: yarn from my knitting era under blankets from my twin bed era under the jeans I wore to pieces in my low-rise era. It's time to excavate with a spring cleaning!
Our consumer culture seemingly offers us easy ways to offload all of the stuff that we've accumulated. With more than 100 locations in the Los Angeles metro, you'll find a Goodwill in almost every neighborhood. Clothing recycling bins are even simpler-- just tip your stuff through the slot and walk away.
But if I am committed to being a good neighbor, I must be more thoughtful. It's not fair to my community to dig myself out of a pile of stuff only to dump it elsewhere. When I'm sorting through the items I no longer need, I ask myself who else would want them: Would someone else feel comfortable and dignified wearing my stained and holey castoffs? Probably not -- those belong with a textile recycler (but I'll stick with reputable reuse groups instead of anonymous, moldy bins). Craft supplies could go to a family in my neighborhood. People looking for work might want my dressy clothes for interviews; and folks moving into a new housing situation might need my housewares or furniture. We've listed some resources below to help you connect to the people and orgs who could find a great second life foryour stuff.
This process definitely takes longer than loading up a broken laundry basket with everything I haven't worn in a year, but mutual aid requires that I and the receiver of my stuff both benefit from the relationship. For me, I'll be glad to have a tidy closet again, and having a thoughtful exit plan for my stuff has taught me to buy less and repair and reuse more. And with a little research, I can share what I have and my neighbors will be glad to have what they need.
Written by Liz who is learning how to be a better steward of stuff and a better neighbor to people
Clothing/Beauty and Personal Care Items
Aetna Street Solidarity
Where: 6270 Van Nuys Blvd (SFV)
When: (Usually) Second Saturday of the Month, 1-5pm
The People’s Free Boutique by Quirk
Where: 755 South Spring Street, ground level (DTLA)
When: By appointment only
Project Ropa
Check out this post for up to date info on what they need most, and use this link to arrange a donation drop off.
Where: 13970 Van Ness Ave, Gardena CA 90249 (Glendale) or mobile distribution
When: Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00 am- 2:30 pm plus 1st and 3rd Saturdays: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
Trans Wellness Center LA
Check to see what they need most–and what they don’t need! Call 323-993-2900 to arrange donations of substantial size.
Where: 3055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 360 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (MacArthur Park)
When: Monday-Friday 10:00am- 7:00pm
Chrysalis
Follow this link to check out their wishlist and in demand items, as well as the addresses for their locations (bottom of the page).
Where: Downtown Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, San Fernando Valley, and Santa Monica (addresses in above link).
When: Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Art Supplies
Remainders Creative Reuse
Find out what they accept (and don’t!), and for larger donations click here to schedule an appointment.
Where: 787 E Washington Blvd, Suite 101 Pasadena, CA 91104
When: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am- 5:00 pm (NO donations Tuesday or Sunday)
MALAN Open Art Supply
Email: OpenArtSupply@mutualaidla.org to arrange a pick up or drop off!
Repair and Refresh
Suay Sew Shop
Follow this link for more info on the Community Dye Bath. If you want to drop off in store, please stop by at the address below. Or set up a mail order.
Where: 905 Mateo St. in DTLA
When: Monday - Friday, 12pm - 6pm, and Saturday & Saturday from 10am until 6pm.
Echo Park Repair Fair
Keep an eye on their Instagram for more info on their upcoming Repair Fair, which will take place on Sunday April the 12th.
As well as offering repair on a wide range of items at their repair fairs, they are always looking for volunteers! Follow this link to sign up.
Where: Echo Park
LA County Library Fixit Clinic
Provided space, tools, and expert coaches to help troubleshoot and repair your well-loved items. Keep an eye on their event calendar to make sure to catch the next clinic!
Where: Location changes, but always at an LA County branch library.
Lost Causes
LA County Hazardous Household Waste and E-Waste
This site can help you figure out where to recycle the things that are either too hazardous or too difficult for you to recycle on your own.
Follow this link for a schedule of HHW/E-Waste roundup events near you.
Make use of a permanent collection center, or attend a City of LA collection event.
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