Find a Veterans Thrift Store Near You: Donation Guide

Veterans Thrift Stores in 2026: What You Need to Know

Veterans thrift stores are nonprofit retail shops operated by organizations like DAV, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. They accept donations of clothing, household goods, and furniture, then sell those items to fund veterans programs including claims assistance, housing, healthcare, and employment services. Many offer free donation pickup. Use the store locators on each organization’s website to find one near you.

Quick Facts

What Is a Veterans Thrift Store?

A veterans thrift store is a nonprofit retail operation that sells donated goods to fund programs serving veterans, service members, and their families. Unlike regular thrift stores, the proceeds from veterans thrift stores go directly toward veterans services.

How Veterans Thrift Stores Work

1. Donors give clothing, household items, and furniture to the organization.

2. The organization sorts and distributes donations to its thrift stores or partner stores.

3. Stores sell items at reduced prices to the general public.

4. Proceeds fund veterans programs such as claims assistance, housing support, healthcare, and employment services.

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) operates differently from other organizations. VVA does not run its own thrift stores. Instead, its donation pickup program collects items from homes, then sells them to retail thrift stores. The stores pay VVA for the goods, generating revenue that funds veteran programs. According to Quentin Butcher, Director of Fundraising and Development for VVA, this approach represents 65–70% of the organization’s total revenue in a good year, funding claims assistance, advocacy, and local chapter outreach.

Major Veterans Thrift Store Organizations

DAV Thrift Stores: Locations and Donation Guide

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) operates thrift stores under names including DAV Thrift Stores and Red Racks Thrift Stores. These stores fund DAV’s mission of supporting disabled veterans and their families.

DAV Thrift Store Locations

DAV thrift stores operate in multiple states. Notable locations include:

Source: localvintagestores.com, ne211.org, redracksthriftstores.com

DAV Thrift Store Hours

DAV thrift store hours vary by location. The DAV Thrift Store in Davenport, Iowa, is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The DAV Thrift Store in Williamsburg, Virginia, operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Check your local store’s hours before visiting.

DAV Donation Pickup

DAV offers free donation pickup from single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. The organization does not pick up from businesses, apartment buildings, or condos. Drivers begin their routes at 7:00 AM and can pick up anytime after that. To schedule a pickup, contact your local DAV office.

Important pickup guidelines:

• Drivers do not enter homes to pick up donations.

• Donations must be clearly labeled “DAV” if using a plastic bag.

• Furniture pickups require a special request and advance scheduling.

• Items must be clean, in good condition, and easily lifted.

• Drivers do not pick up damaged items or items in soggy paper bags or boxes.

DAV Donation Drop-Off Options

DAV offers four ways to donate:

1. Pickup — Schedule a free pickup by calling your local DAV office.

2. Store Drop-Off — Bring items to any DAV thrift store location.

3. Donation Bin — Drop off items at any DAV donation bin.

4. Mail-A-Bag — Fill a blue bag with donations and leave it outside on the specified pickup date.

DAV Tax Deduction Information

Donations to DAV are tax-deductible. Donors may deduct the fair market value of donated clothing or household items if the deduction is less than $500 per item and the item is in good used condition or better. For deductions over $500, the donor must file a qualified appraisal with their tax return. DAV provides receipts for donations but cannot provide appraisals or sign donor’s itemized lists. More information is available in IRS Publication 561.

AMVETS Thrift Stores: Locations and Donation Guide

AMVETS (American Veterans) operates thrift stores that fund veterans services. AMVETS thrift stores offer clothing, household goods, electronics, books, and furniture.

AMVETS Thrift Store Locations

Source: localvintagestores.com, chamberofcommerce.com

The AMVETS Thrift Store in Fresno operates daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and accepts donations from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The store receives over 25,000 new items weekly.

AMVETS Donation Guidelines

AMVETS accepts gently used clothing and household items for resale. Effective immediately, all furniture donations must be screened and approved prior to scheduling a pickup. Furniture will only be considered if it meets these criteria:

• Excellent condition — clean, free of stains, odors, pet damage, and excessive wear.

• Safe transport — structurally sound and safe for the team to load.

• Route capacity — fits within current truck scheduling and route availability.

• Visual verification — photos may be requested.

Items AMVETS does not accept:

• Household hazardous waste

• Beds and mattresses

• Dirty, stained, or damaged clothing, toys, or furniture

• Oversized items.

AMVETS Pickup Service

AMVETS picks up gently used clothing and household items. To schedule a pickup, call 1-855-411-4650. AMVETS operates pickup services in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Delaware, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Donation Guide

Vietnam Veterans of America operates a nationwide donation pickup program but does not run its own thrift stores. Donated items are sold to retail thrift stores, and the proceeds fund VVA’s veteran programs.

How VVA Donation Pickup Works

1. Schedule online at vva.org or by calling 800-775-8387.

2. Place items outside on your scheduled pickup day, clearly labeled “Vietnam Veterans of America” or “VVA.”

3. Drivers pick up from the street; they do not enter homes.

4. Items are sold to partner thrift stores, generating revenue for veteran programs.

What VVA Accepts

VVA accepts a wide range of items including:

• Clothing of all types and sizes (men’s, women’s, children’s, baby’s)

• Clothing accessories, shoes, baby items

• Housewares and glassware

• Books, toys, bikes

• Stereos, radios, portable TVs

• Bedding, draperies, curtains

• Kitchenware

• Small furniture and rugs

• Small appliances

• Tools

• Jewelry and cosmetics

VVA Pickup Areas

VVA operates pickup trucks across much of the country. To schedule a pickup, enter your zip code at vva.org or clothingdonations.org. Note that in order to pick up from military bases, donations must be brought to the guard station as drivers cannot enter the base.

Goodwill: Veterans Programs and Donation Guide

Goodwill Industries operates thrift stores that fund job training and employment services, including programs specifically for veterans.

Goodwill Veterans Employment Programs

Goodwill operates Veteran Employment Programs in many regions. Goodwill Houston serves all military veterans regardless of discharge status or time in service, helping them re-integrate into the civilian labor market. Goodwill Southern California offers Veteran Program Specialists and Service Navigators who help veterans access employment services.

Goodwill Donation Pickup with ReSupply

Goodwill has partnered with ReSupply, a veteran-owned and operated pickup service, to offer priority donation pickups. ReSupply offers pickup in 48 hours or less and will pick up everything you want to donate, regardless of staircases or disassembly. The service is fee-based for heavy items like furniture and appliances, but free for smaller donations of up to five bags or boxes.

Goodwill Store Locator

To find a Goodwill store near you, visit goodwill.org and use the store locator feature.

Salvation Army: Veterans Services and Thrift Stores

The Salvation Army operates thrift stores and provides direct services to veterans, including shelter, counseling, and emergency assistance.

Salvation Army Veterans Services

The Salvation Army serves hundreds of thousands of veterans in need every year, providing comfort, support, counseling, and shelter. Services include:

• Emergency shelter and transitional housing

• Casework services and emergency financial assistance

• Food pantries and nutrition programs

• Alcohol and drug treatment

• Military personnel assistance

Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Louisiana

For veterans in the Alexandria, Louisiana area, the Salvation Army operates:

Source: salvationarmyusa.org

Salvation Army Donation Pickup

The Salvation Army offers home pickup for free in some areas. Where pickup is not available, the organization partners with ReSupply for fee-based priority pickup (24–48 hours). To schedule a pickup, visit satruck.org/donate/choose and enter your zip code, or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).

Military Base Thrift Stores

Military base thrift stores serve active-duty service members, retirees, and their families. These stores operate on installations and are often run by volunteer organizations.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Thrift Shops

The NMCRS operates 39 thrift shops and uniform lockers worldwide, including new locations at Fallon, Nevada, and Fort Worth, Texas. These shops provide affordable goods and assistance to military families. Proceeds from every purchase fund NMCRS assistance programs, including financial assistance, education, and family support services.

Airmen’s Attic

The Airmen’s Attic at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware is a free thrift store for Airmen E-5 and below and their dependents. On Saturdays, all ranks including retirees and officers are welcome. The Attic provides canned goods, clothing, and household goods for free. Airmen can pick out up to ten items per visit. In 2025, the Attic helped 3,335 families and had 1,048 volunteer hours.

Finding Base Thrift Stores

To find a thrift store on your installation, contact your base’s Family Support Center or check the installation’s directory. Military OneSource also provides information on base thrift stores.

What to Donate: Accepted Items and Guidelines

Items Accepted by Most Veterans Thrift Stores

Items Typically NOT Accepted

• Household hazardous waste

• Mattresses and box springs

• Dirty, stained, or damaged items

• Broken or missing parts

• Items with strong odors (smoke, pets)

• Oversized furniture that cannot be safely transported

• Undergarments (at some locations)

How to Prepare Your Donation

1. Clean items — wash clothing, wipe down household goods.

2. Sort by category — separate clothing from housewares.

3. Bag or box loose items — use sturdy bags or boxes.

4. Label clearly — mark bags with the organization’s name (e.g., “DAV,” “VVA”).

5. Check hours — confirm store or pickup hours before arriving or setting items out.

6. Ask for a receipt — for tax deduction purposes.

Tax Deductions for Thrift Store Donations

Donations to veterans thrift stores are tax-deductible because these organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. You can deduct the fair market value of donated items if you itemize deductions on your tax return.

Tax Deduction Rules

How to Value Your Donation

The fair market value of an item is what it would sell for in a thrift store — typically far less than its original purchase price. The IRS provides guidance in Publication 561, “Determining the Value of Donated Property.” Donors are responsible for determining the value of their donated items.

Getting a Receipt

Always ask for a donation receipt. DAV, AMVETS, VVA, and other organizations provide receipts. Keep your receipts with your tax records. For deductions over $500, you must obtain a qualified appraisal before donating.

How to Find a Veterans Thrift Store Near You

Online Store Locators

Using the DAV Store Locator

1. Visit dav.org and click “Find a Thrift Store.”

2. Enter your zip code or city and state.

3. Browse results with addresses, hours, and phone numbers.

4. Call ahead to confirm donation hours and current needs.

Using the AMVETS Store Locator

1. Visit amvets.org and click “Thrift Stores.”

2. Enter your location.

3. View store details and donation guidelines.

4. Call to schedule a pickup if needed.

Using the VVA Pickup Locator

1. Visit vva.org/pickup-locations or clothingdonations.org.

2. Enter your zip code.

3. Schedule a pickup date online.

4. Place labeled donations outside on your scheduled day.

Financial Impact of Veterans Thrift Stores

Veterans thrift stores generate significant revenue that funds programs serving veterans and their families.

DAV Industries Financial Data

Veterans Thrift Stores (DAV Industries) reported total revenues of $12,154,167 in fiscal year 2025, with total expenses of $11,312,105. The organization employs 272 people and has total assets of $22,699,142. Grants made by the organization include $355,356 to the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary for salaries and transport, $40,000 to the University of San Diego for education, and $40,000 to All From the Heart for support.

Vietnam Veterans of America Revenue Impact

Vietnam Veterans of America’s donation pickup program represents 65–70% of the organization’s total revenue in a good year. These funds support veteran service officers who help veterans seek benefits through the VA, including representing veterans whose claims have been denied. The pickup program also keeps usable items out of landfills and makes affordable goods available in communities.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Impact

The NMCRS thrift shop at NAS Pensacola generated about $78,000 in a recent year, with that money supporting assistance for service members and families facing emergencies.

Common Questions

1. What is a veterans thrift store?

A veterans thrift store is a nonprofit retail shop that sells donated goods to fund programs serving veterans, service members, and their families. Major operators include DAV, AMVETS, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. Proceeds fund claims assistance, housing, healthcare, and employment services.

2. Where can I find a veterans thrift store near me?

Use online store locators: dav.org for DAV stores, amvets.org for AMVETS, vva.org for Vietnam Veterans of America pickup, goodwill.org for Goodwill, and satruck.org for Salvation Army. Enter your zip code to find the nearest location. Military base thrift stores can be found through your installation’s Family Support Center.

3. Does DAV pick up donations?

Yes. DAV offers free donation pickup from single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Drivers do not enter homes. Schedule a pickup by calling your local DAV office. Furniture pickups require special scheduling. Donations must be labeled “DAV” if using plastic bags.

4. What items can I donate to a veterans thrift store?

Most veterans thrift stores accept clothing, shoes, household goods, kitchenware, books, toys, small appliances, and furniture in good condition. Items should be clean and free of stains, odors, and damage. Mattresses, hazardous waste, and broken items are generally not accepted.

5. Are donations to veterans thrift stores tax-deductible?

Yes. Donations to 501(c)(3) organizations like DAV, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America are tax-deductible. You can deduct the fair market value of donated items. Get a receipt for your donation. For deductions over $500, you must obtain a qualified appraisal.

6. How does Vietnam Veterans of America use donations?

VVA does not operate its own thrift stores. Instead, its donation pickup program collects items from homes and sells them to retail thrift stores. The stores pay VVA for the goods, generating revenue that funds veteran programs. This represents 65–70% of VVA’s total revenue in a good year.

7. What is the Airmen’s Attic?

The Airmen’s Attic is a free thrift store at Dover Air Force Base for Airmen E-5 and below and their dependents. On Saturdays, all ranks including retirees and officers can shop. It provides canned goods, clothing, and household goods for free. Airmen can pick out up to ten items per visit.

8. How do I prepare items for donation?

Clean items thoroughly, sort by category, bag or box loose items, and label bags with the organization’s name. Check store or pickup hours before arriving. Ask for a donation receipt for tax purposes.

9. Does AMVETS pick up furniture?

AMVETS picks up furniture, but all furniture donations must be screened and approved prior to scheduling a pickup. Furniture must be in excellent condition, structurally sound, and fit within current truck scheduling. Photos may be requested. AMVETS operates pickup in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., Delaware, Texas, and Oklahoma.

10. What is the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shop?

The NMCRS operates 39 thrift shops and uniform lockers on military bases worldwide. These shops provide affordable goods and assistance to military families. Proceeds fund NMCRS assistance programs including financial assistance, education, and family support. The NMCRS thrift shop at NAS Pensacola generated about $78,000 in a recent year.

11. How much can I deduct for donated clothing?

You can deduct the fair market value of donated clothing — what it would sell for in a thrift store, which is typically far less than its original price. For deductions under $500 per item, no appraisal is needed if the item is in good used condition. For deductions over $500, you need a qualified appraisal. See IRS Publication 561.

12. Does Goodwill support veterans?

Yes. Goodwill operates Veteran Employment Programs in many regions. Goodwill Houston serves all military veterans regardless of discharge status, helping them re-integrate into the civilian labor market. Goodwill Southern California offers Veteran Program Specialists and Service Navigators.

13. Where is the Salvation Army in Alexandria, Louisiana?

The Salvation Army Alexandria Corps is at 620 Beauregard St, Alexandria, LA 71301. The phone number is (318) 442-0445. Services include rehabilitation, emergency shelter, food pantry, casework services, and transitional housing for veterans.

14. Can I schedule a pickup online for Vietnam Veterans of America?

Yes. Visit vva.org or clothingdonations.org to schedule a pickup online. Enter your zip code to find available pickup dates in your area. You can also call 800-775-8387. Place labeled items outside on your scheduled day.

15. What is the financial impact of veterans thrift stores?

Veterans Thrift Stores (DAV Industries) reported total revenues of $12,154,167 in fiscal year 2025. Vietnam Veterans of America’s donation program represents 65–70% of its total revenue in a good year. These funds support veteran service officers, claims assistance, housing, and other programs.

Key Takeaways

• Veterans thrift stores are nonprofit shops funding veterans programs through resale of donated goods.

• Major operators: DAV (Red Racks, DAV Thrift Stores), AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America (pickup only), Goodwill, Salvation Army, and NMCRS.

• DAV pickup: Free pickup from single-family homes; drivers don’t enter homes; furniture requires special scheduling.

• AMVETS pickup: Available in MD, VA, D.C., DE, TX, OK; furniture must be pre-approved.

• VVA pickup: Schedule online at vva.org; items sold to partner stores; represents 65–70% of VVA revenue.

• Goodwill + ReSupply: Veteran-owned pickup service; 48-hour pickup; free for small donations, fee-based for heavy items.

• Tax deductions: Donations to 501(c)(3) thrift stores are tax-deductible; get a receipt; appraisal required over $500.

• What to donate: Clothing, household goods, furniture, electronics, books, toys — clean and in good condition.

• What NOT to donate: Mattresses, hazardous waste, damaged items, items with odors.

• Base thrift stores: NMCRS operates 39 thrift shops worldwide; Airmen’s Attic offers free items to junior enlisted.

• Financial impact: DAV Industries reported $12.1 million in revenue in FY 2025; VVA relies on thrift sales for 65–70% of revenue.

Official Resources

• DAV — dav.org; DAV thrift store locator and donation information

• AMVETS — amvets.org; AMVETS thrift store locator and donation guidelines

• Vietnam Veterans of America — vva.org; donation pickup scheduling

• ClothingDonations.org — VVA donation scheduling service

• Goodwill — goodwill.org; store locator and donation information

• Salvation Army — satruck.org; donation pickup scheduling

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society — nmcrs.org; thrift shop locations

• IRS Publication 561 — Determining the Value of Donated Property

• IRS.gov — Charitable contribution deduction information

• USA.gov — Government benefits finder

• VA.gov — Veterans benefits information

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