If you’re looking to carry out a random act of kindness, clean your closet or be in the giving spirit, there are plenty of local charities that could create lasting impact with your donation.

With so many organizations nearby, it can be hard to narrow down the options and figure out what exactly you’d like to give. This guide details Boston area charities that accept some of the most commonly donated items, including clothing, books, furniture and bikes.

Leemarie Mosca, president and CEO of the shelter Rosie’s Place, said the donations they receive are meaningful. “They help us provide dignified support to our community’s most vulnerable women.”

This list is not exhaustive. Rather, it’s meant to give you some direction. You can always contact a charity directly to ask about what donations they accept.

And if you’re looking to donate money to a charity, we also have tips for that.

Clothes

St. Francis House
Where to donate: Drop off at 39 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, every day 9-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m., except Wednesdays when they’re close at 2 p.m.
Pickup can be coordinated for large donations.
Contact: 617-542-4211
St. Francis House supports people who are experiencing housing instability and is the largest day shelter in Massachusetts. The organization accepts gently used clothing. They accept everyday clothing, business casual items and shoes. They do not accept children’s clothes, costumes, or used socks or underwear.

Second Chances
Where to donate: Donation bins in Arlington, Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Medford
Contact: info@secondchances.org
Second Chances collects clothing to distribute to shelters and other providers supporting folks in Cambridge, Somerville and neighboring communities who are experiencing poverty, housing instability or crisis. The organization accepts clothes for adults and children, shoes, outwear, wearable accessories, purses and bags, bathing suits, athletic wear, and aprons.

Haley House
Where to Donate: 23 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116
Contact: 617-236-8132, in-kind-donations@haleyhouse.org
Haley House provides housing and operates a soup kitchen. The organization is in need of men’s clothing and travel-sized toiletries. They also accept some food donations for their pantry.

Books

More Than Words
Where to donate: Drop off at 242 E. Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02118, Saturday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Or drop off at 56 Felton St., Waltham, MA 02453, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pickup can be coordinated for large donations.
Contact: (617)-674-5565
More Than Words helps system-involved youth ages 16-24 gain skills through operating the organization’s business of reselling goods. The organization is looking for books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, video games, and gently worn clothing, shoes and jewelry.
“By contributing to this, you’re allowing our young people to really find their voice and their value and make an impact on themselves, but also continuing the mission for other young people that come after them,” said Emily Zango, associate director of development at More Than Words.

Furniture

Mission of Deeds
Where to donate: Drop off at 6 Chapin Ave., Reading, MA 01867, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pickups must be scheduled.
Contact: 781-944-9797, furniture@missionofdeeds.org
Mission of Deeds gives beds, furniture and basic household items to those in need in Reading and surrounding communities. The organization accepts tables, chairs, bookcases, desks, sofas and loveseats, dressers and other furniture. Household items they accept include pots and pans, dishes, toasters, microwaves, clocks and children’s books.

Bikes

Bikes Not Bombs
Where to donate: Drop off at 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, Tuesday-Friday noon to 7 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: 617-522-0222
Bikes Not Bombs collects bicycles, bike parts and accessories to support people in need. Their Bike Match program pairs people in need of transportation with a bicycle. Other bikes they help local youth fix up and sell at their Jamaica Plain shop, or ship to international partners.
If you have more than 10 bikes to donate, you can set up an appointment.

Other

Rosie’s Place
Where to donate: Schedule a drop off at 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118
Contact: 617-442-9322, volunteer@rosiesplace.org
Rosie’s Place is a women’s shelter. They are looking for new items like socks, toiletries, hairbrushes, undergarments, yarn and crochet hooks. They also will accept like new books, but not textbooks.