How do I make an appointment?
To book an appointment, click here, call us at (217) 352-7878, or email us at donations@the-idea-store.org. At the date and time of your appointment, please take your donations to our back door. Once there, call our phone number and an associate will come out to pick up your donations. If you have a grocery bag or less, you do not need an appointment and can bring it to our back door at any time during our regular donation hours.
What can i donate?
We aren't your average thrift store! Collect your lightly-loved items and pack them into a container you can part with.
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Items we love:
☑ Arts and crafts supplies ☑ Yarn & fabric ☑ Jewelry
☑ School supplies ☑ Electronics & media​​​​​
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​Greeting cards
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Magazines
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Neck ties
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Photo paper
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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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Tiles
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Tins
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Toys & games
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Trophies/trophy parts
We currently cannot accept:
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Binders
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Cardboard tubes
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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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Electronics & hardware
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Felt
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Foam
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Glass jars
Please make sure your items are
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free of mold and rust
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have not held food or been used for personal care
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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!
When can I Donate?
Our donations hours are
Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Donations are closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
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If we are unavailable to take donations, please do not leave them outside our doors unattended. This is a fire and security hazard
Where do I donate?
Our donation drop-off area is located on off the south parking lot of Lincoln Square Mall, between the mall and the church. you should see a white shed, 3 dumpsters, and a big blue door with our name and phone number on it. Try to park as close to the blue door as you can. This is a shared space, so there may be utility trucks and other vehicles. If you get lost, give us a call and we will try our best to direct you to the right place. Once there, call our phone number and an associate will come out to grab your donations.
