Where to Give this Holiday Season: Cincinnati Edition

The holiday season is a time of giving, reflection, and spreading joy. One of the best ways to embody the holiday spirit is by supporting those in need. Whether you’re cleaning out your closet, stocking up on nonperishables, or donating to your favorite cause, your contributions make a real difference. Use this guide to learn where to donate food, clothes, and furniture near Cincinnati, as well as tax tips to get the most out of your generosity.  

Where to donate clothes 

Donating clothes is a simple yet impactful way to help individuals and families in need, especially during challenging times. For many, access to affordable clothing can make a significant difference in their daily lives—providing warmth in the winter, appropriate attire for job interviews, or simply restoring a sense of dignity. 

Nearby nonprofits:  

• St. Vincent dePaul. There are multiple St. Vincent dePaul locations in and around Cincinnati that will take clothing, home goods, and more.   
• Mathew 25 Ministries. Matthew 25: Ministries is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization based in Blue Ash. They have convenient clothing donation bins throughout Greater Cincinnati, allowing community members to contribute gently used clothing and household linens. 
• Pathways to Home. Pathways to Home—a General Electric Credit Union Giveback Partner—supports families in crisis by providing essential items like clothing, toiletries, and other necessities.  

Where to donate furniture 

If you’ve recently purchased new furniture as a holiday treat for yourself or to get your home guest-ready, consider donating your gently used pieces to help others. When donating furniture, ensure items are in good condition—free of stains, tears, or major damage—so they can be immediately useful to someone in need. Before donating, check the nonprofit’s specific guidelines for what they accept and whether they offer pickup services. 

Nearby nonprofits:   

• New Life Furniture Bank. This organization is also one of GECU’s Giveback Partners. They provide gently used furniture and household items to individuals and families, transitioning from homelessness into stable housing. 
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Donating furniture to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great way to support affordable housing initiatives in your community. These stores accept gently used furniture, appliances, and home goods, selling them to raise funds for Habitat’s mission of building homes for families in need. 

Where to donate food 

When donating food, it’s important to think about what will be most helpful for those in need. Nonperishable items like canned vegetables, soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and boxed meals are always in high demand. Look for nutrient-rich options with long shelf lives, and avoid items in glass containers, as they can break easily. 

Always check expiration dates to ensure the food is safe to distribute, and if possible, contact the organization you’re donating to for a list of their most-needed items. Thoughtful donations can help create balanced meals and bring comfort to those facing food insecurity. 

Nearby nonprofits:  

• Freestore Foodbank. Freestore Foodbank is one of the largest food banks in the region, serving thousands of families every month. They accept nonperishable food items, and during the holidays, they run special campaigns to ensure every family has access to a festive meal. 
• Pathways to Home. In addition to clothing, Pathways to Home also accepts food donations to support their efforts in providing comprehensive assistance to families in need. 

Other ways to give 

You can still give back this holidays season even if you don’t have items to donate. Consider volunteering your time or making a monetary donation instead! This approach will open the door to even more deserving non-profits. Whether you help stock shelves at Freestore Foodbank, donate money to a diaper bank, or care for cats and dogs in need at Save the Animals Foundation—another GECU Giveback Partner—you’ll feel good knowing you’re making a difference in the community.  

Maximize your impact: 2025 tax season tips for holiday giving 

As you spread goodwill, keep in mind that your monetary and material donations could also provide tax benefits.

Here’s how to make the most of your contributions: 

• Itemize your deductions. To claim charitable donations on your tax return, you’ll need to itemize your deductions. Keep receipts or acknowledgment letters from the organizations you support. 
• Understand donation limits. The IRS allows you to deduct donations up to 60% of your adjusted gross income for most charities. For non-cash donations like clothes or furniture, make sure to get a written acknowledgment for any item worth $500 or more. 
• Value your non-cash donations. When donating clothes, furniture, or other items, use fair market value to estimate your deduction. Tools like IRS Publication 561 can help guide you. 
• Give thoughtfully. Not all nonprofits qualify for tax-deductible donations. Check the IRS’s Exempt Organizations Select Check tool to verify that the organization you’re donating to is eligible. 
• Donate before December 31^st. To claim a deduction for this tax year, make your donation by December 31^st. Contributions made after this date will count toward the next tax year. 

Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re helping families find comfort, feeding the hungry, or giving shelter animals a second chance, your generosity leaves a lasting impact. Cincinnati has a wealth of nonprofits dedicated to making the world brighter—choose a cause that speaks to your heart and make this holiday season one of kindness and connection.