Ten unexpectedly wonderful charity donations
If you were asked to think about what unneeded items a business could donate to local charities, you’d likely come up with items such as computers, stationery, and furniture.
But while those items are incredibly valuable and sought-after, so are many other (much less obvious) things. A charity representative we spoke to recently summed it up: “There's actually almost nothing we wouldn't want.”
Charities are resourceful – they have to be. They use donations in the most creative of ways. From everyday essentials to unique, unexpected items, each donation can make a significant impact on those in need.
Unusual donations that make a big impact
We thought we would round up ten of the most interesting and unusual donations that have made a difference to charities via the A Good Thing platform.
1. StressPlanet’s anti-stress goldfish toys are a powerful gift for children with anxiety
What could a big box of squishy goldfish toys be used for? Surprisingly, something pretty special.
StressPlanet, a producer of stress-reliever toys, used A Good Thing to donate 200 anti-stress goldfish toys to Cocoon Kids, a non-profit CIC. Helene Griffin of Cocoon Kids explained that the toys are perfect for helping children manage stress and anxiety during counselling sessions. The size and durability of the toys also mean the children can take them home in their pockets or schoolbags, providing continuous support even when they leave the sessions.
2. Bottletop’s painted panels brighten Brent Mencap’s garden
Who would have thought some pieces of painted wood could make such a difference?
Bottletop donated 50 beautiful and brightly-coloured, painted wooden panels to the Mencap learning disability charity in Brent via A Good Thing. The team at Brent Mencap, in northwest London, were in the process of updating their offices and garden. The panels were used to jazz up the covered walkway and garden room, adding vibrant splashes of colour and creating an inviting space for those supported by the charity.
Creative contributions have the power to completely transform an environment for those using it.
3. Let’s Sanitise’s products support community well-being
Let's Sanitise makes regular charity donations – not because they have unneeded items hanging around, but because supporting causes in need is part of their ethos.
The firm has donated a selection of sanitising products via the A Good Thing platform – from mini kits to 5-litre handwash refills. A range of different charities and initiatives have benefitted from these donations, including local Brownie groups, heart disease charity Cardiomyopathy, Lifted (a charity working with parents and carers of children and adults with special learning needs), and others.
These products help improve hygiene and safety across different community activities: health-focused donations may seem a little unexpected, but can play a big part in supporting community well-being.
4. Allwag’s colourful shopping bags support the homeless
We all love a fancy new shopping bag for trips to the supermarket, but how easily could something as simple as a bag support a charity’s good work?
Allwag Promotions, a Certified B Corp, used A Good Thing to arrange the donation of 25 colourful shopping bags to Chess Homeless. Typically, the team at Chess Homeless distributes winter warmer packs to rough sleepers in plastic carrier bags. This more sustainable and visually appealing alternative was well-received, transforming the way essentials like snacks, thermal blankets, and clothing are handed out.
5. Hyatt Place London Heathrow’s old uniforms help low-income families
Those who wear uniforms to work every day often overlook their importance, viewing them as something to be worn out of necessity, and change out of them as soon as possible. However, for people without access to neat, smart clothing, they can serve as a stepping stone to improving their quality of life.
After introducing new staff outfits, Hyatt Place London Heathrow kindly donated its used hotel uniforms to local charity the Riana Development Network. The Executive Director of the network expressed gratitude, as these clothing items were able to be distributed to local low-income families. For many, these uniforms were items they couldn’t otherwise afford: there was a significant impact on their sense of well-being and on their belief in the opportunities available to them.
6. Hotel Co 51’s pillows bring comfort to families at Ronald McDonald Houses
Hotels receive tough reviews for everything, especially the quality of their beds, so it’s necessary to keep things looking and feeling fresh and new for guests. Thanks to platforms like A Good Thing, replacing nearly-new items doesn’t have to be as wasteful and unsustainable as you might think.
Hotel Co 51’s donation of hundreds of pillows provided much-needed relief to families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses. Rachel, a representative from the charity, shared that these pillows were distributed across the family bedrooms, offering a little extra comfort for those staying close to their hospitalised children.
7. Staycity’s buggies rescued for YMCA charity shops
Staycity saved 20 used buggies from landfill by donating them to the YMCA via A Good Thing. Tina, retail stock and logistics manager at the YMCA, explained that these 20 buggies are making a big difference in the local community. They are being sold in YMCA charity shops, providing an affordable option for families in need: the funds raised from these sales will then support the charity’s broader mission to offer a strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
8. The Body Shop’s wicker baskets and pots support community projects
Old storage containers don’t need to be destined for the rubbish pile. In the right hands, they can have a whole new lease of life.
The Body Shop donated wicker baskets and pots to Leamington Sky Garden CIC through the A Good Thing platform. These new pots and baskets were the perfect thing for the charity’s community gardening project, which aims to transform an unused viaduct above Leamington Old Town into a natural outdoor area for the community.
9. Mulalley & Co’s construction materials build hope for the homeless
To the average person, a load of leftover construction materials doesn’t exactly sound like an exciting donation. But it changed lives.
Mulalley & Co’s unexpected donation of construction materials to The London and Slough Charitable Trust has had a wonderful impact on the homeless community. These materials are being used to build vital new kitchens, providing a space where those in need can cook and enjoy warm meals. This contribution goes beyond mere construction; it helps create a sense of stability and comfort for the homeless individuals who benefit from these new facilities.
10. WCMA’s lanyards and ID badges improve outreach efforts
A big bunch of lanyards is a common find in the back of many office cupboards. Just sitting there with seemingly no purpose. Well, if this is the case in your office, dig them out and get donating!
WCMA’s donation of thousands of lanyards and ID badges might not seem the most glamorous listing, but they have been incredibly valuable to Red Kite Rape and Sexual Abuse Service and Safe Places. Both charities have used these items to support their outreach programs, helping volunteers to be easily identified and gain trust from the people they support.