Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island





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Frequently Asked Questions

About BBBSLI and the Donation Center
How can I schedule a pick-up or where can I drop off my donation?
What type of donations do you accept?
Pick-up day information
How to get involved



Who is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island is a private, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island is to promote the positive growth and development of Long Island’s children by providing families with quality mentoring, education and support services.

What is the Donation Center?
The Donation Center was established in 1997 to assist Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island become a self-sustaining organization and enable them to continue to serve and increase service to the children and families across Long Island.

We send our fleet of trucks across Long Island six days a week and pick up gently used items at your doorstep—including clothing, coats, shoes, and small household items. The Donation Center turns these items into cash, and then we donate 100% of net profits to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

How long have you been in operation?
The Donation Center has been picking up clothes since 1997, but Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island has been serving Long Island for over 30 years.

Who do you support?
We donate the proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

What happens to my donations? Do you give the clothing away to needy families?
When you donate clothing and other items to the Donation Center, we distribute some items to our families who are in need and to other Long Island charities for their clients. We then sell the bulk of your donations to thrift stores, like Savers. All profits go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.


How do I schedule a pick-up?
Complete our Online Scheduling Form and receive a scheduled pickup date within 48 hours or call us at (631) 234-0000.

How do I know when you will be picking up in my area?
We send out mailers in advance of a town-wide pickup, and we do make phone calls to residents with listed phone numbers, however you may schedule a personal pickup at your convenience by completing our Online Scheduling Form or by calling (631) 234-0000.

Where can I drop off my donation?
You can drop off a donation at any of the bin locations across Long Island.

What items do you take?
We accept donations of: Gently used clothing (for men, women and children), Shoes, Blankets, All fabrics and bolts of fabric, Books (NO encyclopedias, textbooks or magazines), Curtains, Dishes (must be packed for moving), purses, Jewelry (Real & Costume), Cosmetics, Dishes (wrapped & packaged separate from clothing), Glassware (wrapped & packaged separate from clothing), Ceramic items, Knickknacks, Pictures & picture frames (18” or less), Vases, Pots & pans, Silverware (Flatware), Tv’s (19 Inch or Smaller), Stereo’s, Radio’s, VCR’s/DVD’s, Microwaves, Toasters, Toaster Ovens, Can Openers, Irons, Vacuums (18” or less), Coffeemakers, Blenders, Food Processors, Small area rugs, Clocks (Wall & Alarm), Table Lamps (no pole lamps), Stuffed animals, Sporting equipment (Balls, Bats, Golf Clubs, Bowling Balls), Toys (NO outdoor toys or hot wheels), (Bikes, new condition), Luggage

What items don't you take?
Click here for a complete list of items we DO and DO NOT accept.

What if I have a question about my Donation?
Please call the Donation Center directly at (631) 234-0000.

Do you pick up furniture?
We do pick up furniture, click here for more details. You must schedule an appointment specifically for furniture. Please complete our Online Scheduling Form or call (631) 234-0000.

I have a car, truck or boat that I would like to donate.
For all car, truck or boat donations, please call (800) 710-9145.

Can I donate cash?
Yes! Please visit our Financial Donation page to make a secure, online donation directly to the organization. Or, you may write a check payable to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and mail it to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
The E. David Woycik, Jr. Building
70 Acorn Lane
Levittown NY 11756

How do I pack my items?
All clothing should be placed in bags and labeled BBBS. Dishes and any other breakable items should be packed in boxes as if you were moving. Small miscellaneous household items should be packed in a box, sealed, and labeled BBBS. In bad weather, place items in a plastic garbage bag, then tie the bag, label it BBBS.

Where do I put my donation?
Your donation should be placed outside in a visible place. Examples include: front porch, front steps, side porch, sidewalk, driveway, by the garage, by the mailbox, in a lobby, or in a vestibule.

Will the driver come inside to pick up my donations?
No, our drivers are not permitted to enter residences. We ask that you have your items bagged or boxed and labeled BBBS. They should then be left outside by 7 am for the driver to pick up.

What time will my items be picked up?
Your donation will be picked up sometime between 7:00 am until dusk. Because our drivers stop at more than 100 houses per day, we cannot tell you the specific time when we will pick up your donation. Please place your donations outside by 7:00 am, as you may be our first stop. Again, please label your bags/boxes with BBBS so our drivers will take the correct bags.

What do I do if my donation was not picked up on the scheduled day?
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you! You may email us or call the Donation Center directly at (631) 234-0000 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. A Customer Service Representative will identify the problem and reschedule your pick-up as quickly as possible.

What if I did not receive a receipt?
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused! Our drivers are not able to leave a receipt in your mailbox due to federal regulations. The drivers may place the receipt in the storm or screen door, afix it to the front mat, etc. In the event you cannot locate the receipt, please email us or call (631) 234-0000 and a Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you.

I know someone else who would like to make a donation. Can you go to their house too?
Absolutely! Please have them fill out our Online Scheduling Form or call us directly to schedule a pickup that is convenient for them (631) 234-0000 .

How can my school, office or organization get involved in helping Big Brothers Big Sisters?
There are several ways in which your school, business or organization can get involved in our agency!

For more information on becoming a volunteer mentor, please click here.

Have a clothing drive! Our customer relations specialist can assist you with the details of setting up a clothing drive at your school, office or within your organization. Please email us.

Attend or sponsor our agency events! Check out the Events page for upcoming events across Long Island. Many offer networking opportunities and sponsorship packages!




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