Come and explore!
Please review our donation guide before bringing items to donate.
125 Lincoln Square, Urbana, IL 61801
We are located in the southwest corner of the Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana, accessible from the South parking lot.
LOCATION
HOURS
Questions?
For any questions about donating, products we have in stock, or any other general question, send us an email at donations@the-idea-store.org or call the store at 217-352-7878 during regular store hours.
If you would like to be a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application! If you have questions concerning volunteering or the application process, email us at volunteers@the-idea-store.org.
Would you like The Idea Store to take part in your event? Please contact our Board of Directors at board@the-idea-store.org with community outreach opportunities!
Latest News
Donate Your Stuff!
What are you donating?
We aren't your average thrift store! Collect your lightly-loved items and pack them into a container you can part with.
Items we love:
☑ Arts and crafts supplies ☑ Yarn & fabric ☑ Jewelry ☑ School supplies
We currently cannot accept:
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Carpet, flooring, & countertop samples
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CD covers
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Christmas decorations (crafts are okay)
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Craft foam
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Dolls, doll clothes, and doll parts
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Electronics & hardware
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Felt
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Foam
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Glass jars
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Greeting cards
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Magazines
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Neck ties
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Photo slides and carousels
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Plastic bottle caps
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Plastic containers
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Plastic silverware
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Rubber stamp sets
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Tiles
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Tins
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Toys
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Trophies/trophy parts
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Sheet music/music books
We NEVER accept:
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Aerosol cans
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Clothing & clothing scraps
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Clothes hangers
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Computer Monitors
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Cosmetics/face paint
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Egg cartons
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Large Furniture (Couches, Chairs, TV Stands, etc.)
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Household recyclables (junk mail, tin cans, plastic bottles, etc.)
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House paint
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Light bulbs
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Medical supplies and equipment
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Pill bottles
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Pine cones
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Plastic grocery bags (using them to contain other donation items is okay)
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Printer ink cartridges
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Toilet paper tubes (paper towel tubes are fine)
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Toothbrushes/toiletries
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Used cleaning
Donations containing these items will be rejected
Please make sure your items are free of mold and rust, have not held food or been used for personal care, and are culturally appropriate. Items like clothes, furniture, & appliances would be better appreciated by another local resale outlet.
For more information about what we can accept, see our official donation policy.
How much
do you have?
One grocery bag or less
No appointment needed!
Read further.
Up to three boxes or bags
To help us manage the rate that donations come in, please sign up for an appointment below.
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If you have more to donate, please make multiple appointments, or give us a call.
Leave it to us!
Donations are only accepted at our outdoor receiving zone, during donation hours. Please come at your scheduled time, if you had to make an appointment.
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Pull your car up to our donation drop-off spot, and call the number on the door to let us know you're here. Pop your trunk and our donation staff will take care of the rest!
Thank you for supporting our community through creative reuse!
☒ NO DUMPING ☒ NO DONATIONS IN-STORE
