Goodwill vs Veterans Thrift Store Donations: Complete 2026 Guide

Goodwill vs. Veterans Thrift Store Donations: Complete 2026 Comparison Guide

Goodwill and veterans thrift stores (DAV, AMVETS, VVA) both accept donated clothing, furniture, electronics, and household goods — but your donation supports different missions. Goodwill funds general workforce development and job training. Veterans thrift stores fund veteran-specific programs including VA disability claims assistance, housing, and employment services. Pickup availability, tax deductions, and accepted items vary by organization and location.

Quick Facts

What Is Goodwill?

Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization founded in 1902 that operates thrift stores to fund job training, employment placement, and community-based programs. Goodwill is not a veteran-specific organization. Its mission is to eliminate barriers to opportunity and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.

Goodwill operates more than 3,300 stores across the United States and employs over 100,000 people. The organization provides employment and training services to more than 930,000 people annually. Its programs serve veterans, individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, and the formerly incarcerated.

How Goodwill Uses Donations

• Job training and workforce development — Goodwill’s primary mission is employment services. Donations fund job search assistance, resume writing, interview training, and vocational programs.

• Veteran employment programs — Goodwill operates veteran-specific employment programs in many regions. Goodwill Manasota’s American Veterans and Their Families Program, created in 2013, provides comprehensive case management and reintegration support.

• Re-entry services — Programs for formerly incarcerated individuals and others facing barriers to employment.

• Community resource centers — Some Goodwill territories operate centers offering career coaching, job search classes, and networking events.

Goodwill’s Veterans Services

Goodwill provides veteran-specific employment services through regional programs. These include:

• Career and vocational services — Job search assistance, resume and cover letter writing, and interview skills training

• Comprehensive case management — Personalized support to navigate individual needs and goals

• Barrier removal — Helping veterans overcome obstacles to employment and stability

• Connections to resources — Assistance with housing, food, transportation, and emergency financial aid

• Weekly VA Coffee Social — Networking events for veterans in some regions

Some Goodwill locations also connect veterans with County Veterans Service Officers to review benefits under the PACT Act and assist with VA disability claims.

What Are Veterans Thrift Stores?

Veterans thrift stores are operated by congressionally chartered veterans service organizations (VSOs) like DAV, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America. These organizations were founded by and for veterans, and their thrift store proceeds directly fund veteran-specific programs.

DAV (Disabled American Veterans)

DAV was founded in 1920 and is congressionally chartered. Its thrift stores fund free professional assistance to veterans navigating the VA system, including:

• VA disability claims assistance — DAV national service officers help veterans file VA Form 21-526EZ, gather evidence for C&P exams, and appeal denials

• Transportation to VA medical appointments — Free rides for veterans who cannot drive

• Employment resources — Job training and placement for veterans and their families

• Legislative advocacy — DAV lobbies Congress on veterans’ issues including PACT Act implementation

AMVETS (American Veterans)

AMVETS was founded in 1944 and chartered by Congress. Its thrift stores fund veteran programs including scholarships, community service, and VA claims assistance. AMVETS regularly picks up gently used clothing and household items, which are sold at local thrift stores.

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

VVA was founded in 1978 and is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated exclusively to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. VVA thrift store proceeds fund veteran advocacy, VA claims assistance, and housing programs. ClothingDonations.org is a service of VVA that picks up used clothes and household goods to support programs addressing the needs of all veterans.

Goodwill vs. Veterans Thrift Stores: Side-by-Side Comparison

The core difference is mission focus. Goodwill serves the broader community with employment services. Veterans thrift stores serve veterans specifically with benefits assistance, advocacy, and direct aid.

Donation Pickup: Which Organizations Offer It?

DAV, AMVETS, and VVA offer veteran-focused donation pickup. Goodwill offers pickup through a paid partnership with ReSupply, a veteran-owned logistics company.

Goodwill Pickup via ReSupply

Goodwill has partnered with ReSupply, a veteran-founded logistics company, to offer home pickups for furniture, clothing, and household items. ReSupply was founded by veterans in 2015 and its mission closely aligns with Goodwill’s focus on work and training.

How it works:

1. Visit your local Goodwill website and click “Schedule a Pickup”

2. Provide details about your items

3. ReSupply confirms your quote and pickup time

4. ReSupply crews handle lifting, disassembly, and transport

5. Most pickups are completed within 24 to 48 hours

6. You receive a tax receipt for accepted items

Eligibility: Same-day courier pickup requires donating up to five bags and/or boxes and a willingness to bring them directly to the driver. ReSupply also picks up furniture, household appliances, and other heavy items for a cost.

Limitations: Pickup is limited to select communities. Not all Goodwill territories offer this service. Items that Goodwill cannot take are redirected to other nonprofits or responsibly recycled.

DAV Donation Pickup

DAV operates donation pickup in the greater Charlotte and Staten Island areas, with plans to expand. Donors schedule a pickup, leave bags or boxes outside labeled “Donation Pickup,” and the driver leaves a tax deduction receipt.

Accepted items: Clothing, shoes, accessories, small household items, electronics, books, toys, and small furnishings. DAV specifically states items must be small and light enough for one person to easily lift and carry.

Not accepted: Large furniture (couches, mattresses, box springs), large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators), tires, food, and CRT televisions.

Pickup: Free. Rain or shine.

AMVETS Donation Pickup

AMVETS offers furniture pickup in limited service areas — currently parts of Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Illinois, and Indiana.

Updated 2026 policy: All furniture donations must be screened and approved prior to scheduling a pickup. AMVETS now requires:

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

• Safe transport — structurally sound and safe to load

• Route capacity — pickup must fit within current truck scheduling

• Visual verification — photos may be requested

AMVETS regularly picks up gently used clothing and household items at no charge.

VVA Donation Pickup

VVA offers nationwide donation pickup through ClothingDonations.org. Trucks collect clothing, furniture, and household items directly from homes, then deliver those items to retail thrift stores.

How to schedule:

1. Visit ClothingDonations.org or call 1-800-775-8387

2. Enter your ZIP code

3. Schedule a pickup for your address

4. Leave items outside your door by the scheduled time

Pickup frequency: Some VVA chapters pick up every two weeks. Items up to 5 feet tall are accepted for furniture.

Military base pickups: Donations must be brought to the guard station — the driver cannot enter the base.

How Your Donation Is Used: Goodwill vs. Veterans Thrift Stores

Your donated items fund different programs depending on where you donate. This is the most important factor in choosing between Goodwill and a veterans thrift store.

Goodwill: Employment and Workforce Development

Goodwill’s stated mission is “eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work”. When you donate to Goodwill:

• Items are sold at Goodwill stores

• Proceeds fund job training, employment placement, and community programs

• Veterans are among the populations served — but not the exclusive focus

• Programs serve individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, the formerly incarcerated, and others

Goodwill operates veteran-specific employment programs in many regions. Goodwill Manasota’s program, for example, is staffed by veterans and provides comprehensive case management to help veterans reintegrate into their families, communities, and jobs.

DAV: Veteran Benefits and Claims Assistance

When you donate to DAV:

• Items are sold at DAV thrift stores or to local thrift store partners

• Proceeds fund DAV’s veteran programs

• DAV employs national service officers who provide free professional assistance to veterans filing VA disability claims, gathering evidence for C&P exams, and appealing denials

• DAV provides transportation to VA medical appointments

• DAV advocates for veterans’ interests before Congress

DAV’s focus is direct, hands-on assistance to veterans navigating the VA system — the most complex and consequential bureaucratic process most veterans will face.

AMVETS: Veteran Programs and Scholarships

When you donate to AMVETS:

• Items are sold at AMVETS thrift stores

• Proceeds fund veteran aid and assistance programs

• AMVETS puts people to work in local communities

• AMVETS provides scholarships and community service programs

VVA: Veteran Advocacy and Housing

When you donate to VVA:

• Items support programs that address the concerns and needs of all veterans

• Proceeds fund veteran advocacy, VA claims assistance, and housing programs

• VVA was instrumental in securing benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange

Tax Deductions: Goodwill vs. Veterans Thrift Stores

Donations to Goodwill, DAV, AMVETS, and VVA are all tax-deductible if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return. All four organizations are qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

What You Need for Your Tax Return

• Itemized receipt from the organization

• Fair market value of donated items (what they would sell for at a thrift store)

• Form 8283 if total non-cash donations exceed $500

• Form 1040, Schedule A to itemize

New for 2025 and 2026: Expanded Deductibility

Beginning in 2025, a charitable contribution made to any federally chartered veteran service organization exempt under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code is deductible for federal income tax purposes. This includes DAV, AMVETS, and VVA.

Starting in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 if filing jointly) of cash contributions to certain qualified charities.

Record-Keeping Tips

• Photograph items before donation for your records

• Keep the receipt — it is your proof of donation

• Estimate fair market value using thrift store pricing as a guide

• Track cumulative donations throughout the year

Comparing Charity Ratings and Financial Transparency

Charity watchdog ratings differ significantly between Goodwill and veterans organizations. Understanding these differences matters if financial accountability influences your donation decisions.

Goodwill Ratings

CharityWatch has assigned Goodwill Industries International a “?” rating for its 2024 fiscal year. CharityWatch is concerned that the charity could be including certain fundraising expenses in its reported program expenses. CharityWatch contacted GII in August 2025 with questions about its financial reporting and had not received a response as of September 2025.

Goodwill’s national CEO, Steven C. Preston, received total reported compensation of $724,605 in the most recent filing, including an $82,809 bonus and incentive compensation. Local Goodwill agency CEOs may receive different compensation — Goodwill San Antonio’s CEO earns an average of $775,437, according to Salary.com data.

Goodwill’s national office has faced criticism for executive compensation levels. However, local Goodwill agencies set their own executive pay through independent board processes.

DAV Ratings

DAV operates as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, which places it outside Charity Navigator’s rating purview. The related DAV Service Trust is a 501(c)(3) charity rated by Charity Navigator. CharityWatch has downgraded DAV’s rating due to the organization having 3.2 years worth of available assets in reserve — a measure of financial caution rather than programmatic failure.

AMVETS Ratings

CharityWatch assigned AMVETS (American Veterans) a rating of “D” on its A+ to F scale for spending only 45% of its cash budget on programs and spending $28 to raise each $100 of cash support. However, AMVETS Charities Inc. and AMVETS National Service Foundation have received Four-Star ratings from Charity Navigator, with the National Service Foundation scoring 98%. These rating differences reflect different entities within the AMVETS organizational structure.

What this means for donors: Charity ratings measure financial efficiency, not mission impact. A “D” rating does not mean a charity is fraudulent — it means the organization spends a higher percentage on fundraising and overhead relative to program spending.

What Items Can You Donate?

Both Goodwill and veterans thrift stores accept similar categories of items. Acceptance varies by organization and location.

Commonly Accepted Items

Goodwill’s ReSupply Advantage

Goodwill’s partnership with ReSupply means donors with large furniture can schedule pickup even if the items cannot be sold at Goodwill. Items that Goodwill cannot take are redirected by ReSupply to other nonprofits or responsibly recycled. This is a unique feature that veteran thrift stores generally do not offer.

DAV’s Size Limitation

DAV specifically states it only accepts items that are small and light enough for one person to easily lift and carry. This means large furniture is not accepted, even though DAV pickup is free. If you have large furniture, AMVETS (with pre-approval) or Goodwill via ReSupply are better options.

AMVETS’ Pre-Approval Requirement

AMVETS now requires all furniture donations to be screened and approved before scheduling a pickup. Photos may be requested. Furniture must be in excellent condition — clean, free of stains and odors, and structurally sound. This policy was implemented to eliminate waste, lower operational costs, and maximize fundraising for veterans.

Donation Pickup by State: Availability Overview

Pickup availability varies significantly by state and organization. Here is a general overview:

What to do: Enter your ZIP code on each organization’s website to check availability. If no pickup is available in your area, you can drop off donations at the nearest thrift store location.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors to ensure a smooth donation and valid tax deduction.

1. Assuming Goodwill is a veteran charity. Goodwill serves veterans through employment programs, but its primary mission is general workforce development. If you want your donation to fund veteran-specific programs, choose DAV, AMVETS, or VVA.

2. Leaving items outside before confirming pickup. Items left without a scheduled pickup may be stolen or rained on.

3. Donating broken or soiled items. Thrift stores cannot sell damaged goods and may refuse the donation.

4. Forgetting to get a receipt. Without a receipt, you cannot claim a tax deduction.

5. Overvaluing donated items. The IRS expects fair market value, not original purchase price.

6. Assuming pickup is available everywhere. Rural areas often lack pickup services.

7. Not specifying large items. AMVETS requires pre-approval for furniture. DAV does not accept large furniture at all.

8. Expecting free pickup for everything. Goodwill’s ReSupply pickup is free for small items (up to five bags/boxes) but charges for furniture and heavy items.

9. Not checking the updated AMVETS furniture policy. As of 2026, all furniture must be pre-approved.

10. Confusing Goodwill’s national office with local agencies. Local Goodwill agencies are independently operated and may have different policies, hours, and programs.

Latest Changes for 2026

Several key changes affect donation pickup and charitable giving in 2026.

Goodwill + ReSupply Expansion

Goodwill of the Heartland, Goodwill Industries of San Joaquin Valley, and Goodwill of Youngstown are among the territories that have partnered with ReSupply for home pickup. The partnership launched in late 2025 and expanded through 2026. ReSupply is veteran-owned and operated, creating jobs for service members transitioning to civilian life.

AMVETS Furniture Policy Update

AMVETS implemented a new furniture pickup policy requiring pre-approval for all furniture donations. Photos may be requested, and items must be in excellent condition.

DAV Pickup Expansion

DAV launched its clothing donation pickup program in the greater Charlotte area and Staten Island, with plans to expand across the country.

IRS 501(c)(19) Deductibility

Beginning in 2025, donations to federally chartered veteran service organizations exempt under section 501(c)(19) are deductible for federal income tax purposes. This includes DAV, AMVETS, and VVA.

Expanded Charitable Deduction

Starting in 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 if filing jointly) of cash contributions to qualified charities.

Which Should You Choose? A Decision Guide

Choose Goodwill if:

• You want the convenience of ReSupply’s 24–48 hour pickup

• You have large furniture that needs professional moving and disassembly

• You support employment and job training programs for the broader community

• Your local Goodwill has a veteran-specific employment program you want to support

Choose DAV if:

• You want your donation to directly fund VA disability claims assistance

• You want to support transportation programs for veterans who cannot drive to VA appointments

• You have small household items and clothing (not large furniture)

• You live in the Charlotte or Staten Island areas where DAV pickup is currently available

Choose AMVETS if:

• You have furniture in excellent condition (pre-approval required)

• You live in one of the nine states where AMVETS furniture pickup operates

• You want to support veteran scholarships and community programs

Choose VVA if:

• You want your donation to support Vietnam-era veteran advocacy and housing

• You have clothing, household goods, or small furniture (up to 5 feet)

• You want nationwide pickup availability

Common Questions

Is Goodwill a veterans organization?

No. Goodwill Industries is a general nonprofit focused on job training and workforce development. It serves veterans through employment programs but is not a veteran-specific organization. If you want your donation to fund veteran-only programs, donate to DAV, AMVETS, or VVA instead.

Does Goodwill pick up donations for free?

Goodwill’s ReSupply partnership offers free courier pickup for up to five bags and/or boxes of small items. Furniture, appliances, and heavy items are picked up for a fee. Availability is limited to select markets. Visit your local Goodwill website to check.

Does DAV pick up furniture?

No. DAV specifically states it only accepts items that are small and light enough for one person to easily lift and carry. Large furniture such as couches, mattresses, and box springs is not accepted. For furniture pickup, use AMVETS (with pre-approval) or Goodwill via ReSupply.

Can I get a tax deduction for donating to Goodwill?

Yes, if you itemize deductions. Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You need an itemized receipt. If your total non-cash donations exceed $500, you must file Form 8283. The deduction is the fair market value of the donated items.

Are donations to veteran thrift stores tax-deductible?

Yes. DAV, AMVETS, and VVA are qualified nonprofits. Beginning in 2025, donations to federally chartered veteran service organizations exempt under section 501(c)(19) are deductible for federal income tax purposes. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

How long does donation pickup take?

Goodwill via ReSupply completes most pickups within 24 to 48 hours. DAV pickup schedules depend on your area. AMVETS and VVA pickup times vary by location and route availability.

What items does AMVETS accept for furniture pickup?

AMVETS accepts furniture in excellent condition — clean, free of stains and odors, and structurally sound. Tables with chairs, recliners, dressers, and quality estate sale items are accepted. All furniture must be pre-approved. Photos may be requested.

Is Goodwill’s CEO salary too high for a nonprofit?

Goodwill’s national CEO earned $724,605 in total compensation in the most recent filing. Local Goodwill agency CEOs may earn different amounts. CharityWatch has raised concerns about Goodwill’s financial reporting and assigned a “?” rating for 2024. This is a personal decision for donors.

Does VVA pick up donations nationwide?

VVA offers donation pickup through ClothingDonations.org in many markets nationwide. Enter your ZIP code on the website to check availability. Some VVA chapters pick up every two weeks. Furniture up to 5 feet tall is accepted.

What happens to items Goodwill can’t sell?

Through the ReSupply partnership, items that Goodwill cannot take are redirected to other nonprofits or responsibly recycled. This keeps usable goods out of landfills and helps more people in the community.

Can I choose which veteran program my donation supports?

No. Donations go into the organization’s general fund, which supports all programs. If you want to support a specific program, consider making a direct financial donation designated for that purpose.

Are donations to veterans thrift stores more impactful than Goodwill?

It depends on your definition of impact. Veterans thrift stores fund veteran-specific programs including VA claims assistance and housing. Goodwill funds broader workforce development that includes veterans. If veteran-specific impact matters most to you, donate to DAV, AMVETS, or VVA.

Does DAV pick up in my area?

DAV currently operates pickup in the greater Charlotte and Staten Island areas, with plans to expand. Visit DAV.org or email pickup@dav.org to check availability and request service in your area.

What is the difference between AMVETS and AMVETS Charities?

AMVETS (American Veterans) is the national veterans service organization. AMVETS Charities Inc. and AMVETS National Service Foundation are related 501(c)(3) entities. CharityWatch assigned AMVETS (American Veterans) a “D” rating for spending 45% of its cash budget on programs, while AMVETS National Service Foundation has a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.

How do I schedule a pickup with VVA?

Visit ClothingDonations.org or call 1-800-775-8387. Enter your ZIP code, select a pickup date, and leave items outside your door by the scheduled time. For military base pickups, bring donations to the guard station.

Key Takeaways

• Goodwill is not a veterans organization. It serves veterans through employment programs but its primary mission is general workforce development.

• DAV, AMVETS, and VVA are veteran-specific organizations whose thrift store proceeds fund VA claims assistance, housing, advocacy, and direct aid to veterans.

• Goodwill offers pickup through ReSupply, a veteran-owned company, with 24–48 hour service for small items (free) and furniture (for a fee).

• DAV pickup is free but limited to small items that one person can lift. No large furniture.

• AMVETS requires pre-approval for furniture as of 2026. Pickup is limited to nine states.

• VVA offers nationwide pickup through ClothingDonations.org for clothing, household goods, and small furniture.

• All four organizations are tax-deductible if you itemize. Starting in 2025, 501(c)(19) veteran organizations are explicitly deductible.

• Charity ratings differ significantly. Goodwill has a “?” rating from CharityWatch; AMVETS has a “D” rating from CharityWatch but Four-Star ratings from Charity Navigator for its foundation.

• Goodwill’s national CEO earned $724,605 in the most recent filing. This is a consideration for donors who prioritize low overhead.

• Choose based on mission alignment. If veteran-specific impact matters most, donate to DAV, AMVETS, or VVA.

Official Resources

• DAV (Disabled American Veterans) — dav.org

• AMVETS — amvets.org

• Vietnam Veterans of America — vva.org

• Goodwill Industries International — goodwill.org

• The Salvation Army — satruck.org

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov

• IRS Tax Information for Charitable Contributions — irs.gov/charities-non-profits

• USA.gov Military and Veterans Benefits — usa.gov/military-veterans-benefits

• CharityWatch — charitywatch.org

• Charity Navigator — charitynavigator.org

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