Volunteer

FAQs

• What can I donate?

  We accept items that can be resold in our stores. All donations must be clean, in good condition, and not in need of repair.

  Please note: even if an item is in excellent condition, it may not be accepted if it does not sell well in our stores or we do not have space for it.

  Items We Accept: 

  We gladly accept the following:

  • Aluminum cans (for recycling)

  • Bedding, curtains, linens

  • Bicycles (in good condition)

  • Blinds (new, in original packaging)

  • Books, music, and movies

  • Clothing and shoes

  • Cookware and dishes

  • Countertop appliances

  • Decorative items and home décor

  • Fabric and yarn

  • Floral arrangements

  • Furniture (clean, good condition, no smoke or pet odors)

  • Games and puzzles

  • Unopened health & beauty items

  • Home healthcare equipment (wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc.)

  • Household items and utensils

  • Jewelry and purses

  • Lamps and luggage

  • Metal (for recycling)

  • Office and school supplies

  • Pots and pans

  • Seasonal items (accepted year-round)

  • Sewing machines

  • Small tools

  • Telephones

  • Toys

  • Wicker baskets

  • New auto parts (small, in box only)

  • Baby bath seats and newer changing tables

  • Hair dryers

  • Inflatable items (new only)

   

  Items We Do NOT Accept: 

  Due to disposal costs, safety regulations, or lack of resale value, we cannot accept:

  • Auto parts (unless small and new in box)

  • Baby items such as cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs, playpens, and walkers

  • Batteries (unless new in package)

  • Bean bag chairs

  • Used blinds (slatted or roll-up)

  • Building materials

  • Bunk beds

  • Cassette tapes

  • Computer equipment (monitors, towers, keyboards, printers)

  • Cribs

  • Encyclopedia sets

  • Large exercise equipment

  • Fire extinguishers

  • Fax machines

  • Fish tanks

  • Food or beverages

  • Furnaces

  • Halogen lamps

  • Hazardous materials

  • Used inflatable items

  • Items in need of repair

  • Used or opened makeup

  • Mattresses and box springs

  • Anything alive (plants or animals)

  • Oil or paint

  • Pianos and organs

  • Reader’s Digest condensed books

  • Televisions

  • Toys made of soft plastic or painted wood

  • Typewriters

  • Waterbeds

  • Window shades (roll-ups)

   

  Why Are Some Items Not Accepted?

  Some items cannot be accepted due to:

  • Safety and government regulations

  • High disposal costs

  • Limited storage space

  • Low resale demand

   

  Still Have Questions?

  If you’re unsure about an item, please contact your nearest Lily PADS store before donating. Our team is happy to help!

• What are Stores hours?

  Retail shopping is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Sundays. 

  Donation Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed on Sundays. 

• How Can I Volunteer in the Stores?

  Volunteering at Lily PADS is a great way to make a direct impact in your community!

  Our stores have over 20 different departments, offering a variety of ways to get involved. As a volunteer, you can:

  • Choose one or two departments to support
  • Clean, sort, price, and stock items on the sales floor
  • Assist customers and help with cashiering at checkout
  • Rotate inventory by removing items that have not sold after 5 weeks

  To get started, simply visit the Volunteer tab on our website and submit an application. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

• Are donations tax-deductible?

  Yes, Illinois Valley Pads is a 501(c)3 organization and will provide a tax receipt with the donations. 

• How Is My Donation Used?

  Your donations make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

  Here’s how the process works:

  • Supports Our Mission
    All proceeds—after expenses—go directly toward operating our two local PADS homeless shelters.

  • Careful Sorting
    Donations are reviewed for quality and resale potential.

  • Sustainability Matters
    Items that cannot be sold are responsibly recycled, including metal, clothing, shoes, belts, and purses—helping generate additional funding.

  • In-Store Sales
    Sellable items are priced and displayed on the retail floor for purchase by the community.

  • Helping Shelter Clients
    Items are also made available to shelter clients through our voucher program at no cost, providing access to essential clothing and household goods.

  • Supporting Fresh Starts
    Clients transitioning into housing can receive furniture and household items to help furnish their new homes—also at no cost.