Minnesota nonprofits offer free clothing and affordable secondhand essentials, with eligibility varying by program. cottonbro studio/Pexels
Updated October 2026
Are you in need of clothes, a bed, household basics or a computer? Many of the organizations in Give Me The Mike’s Minnesota donation guide help people get those items for free or at affordable prices.
Some welcome anyone. Others serve certain cities, age groups or households, or require an appointment or referral. This guide explains those differences so you can find a place that fits your needs.
Inventory depends on donations. Check the linked organization’s shopping or client-service information before visiting; donation drop-off hours can be different from the hours when you can receive help. A public thrift store’s prices are resale prices, not a guaranteed percentage off retail.
Jump to…
- Free Clothing and Everyday Essentials
- Free Clothing With Local Residency or Client Requirements
- Children’s Clothing, Baby Supplies and Family Support
- Furniture and Beds
- Veterans, Young Adults and Gender-Affirming Clothing
- Computers, Mobility and Medical Equipment
- Shoes, Bikes, Pianos and Affordable Borrowing Programs
- Programs That Distribute Through Partners or Outreach
- Nonprofit Thrift Stores Open for Paid Shopping
- Other Assistance With Specific Eligibility
- Before You Make a Trip
Free Clothing and Everyday Essentials
Central Lutheran Church’s Free Store, Minneapolis
Who can use it: People in need. No referral or ID is required.
What you can get: Free clothing, household items, books and toys
Shopping hours: 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday
Mobile Free Store: 3-4:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at 651 Nicollet Mall
How to get help: Visit during Free Store shopping hours. Entry numbers are distributed before shopping begins; check the website for the current process. Some days have a two-grocery-bag limit.
Location: 333 S. 12th St., Minneapolis
Joseph’s Coat, St. Paul
Who can use it: People in need. No referral is necessary, but a photo ID is required.
What you can get: Free clothing, personal-care items and available household basics
Shopping hours: Monday and Wednesday, by appointment only
How to get help: Schedule a shopping appointment for Monday or Wednesday through the organization’s contact page. Shopping is limited to one 30-minute appointment per month. Appointments are individual; children ages 14 and older need their own appointments.
Location: 1107 W. Seventh St., St. Paul
Mercy Room at Peace Church, Eagan
Who can use it: People in need. The church’s description does not list an income or residency restriction.
What you can get: Free clothing and toiletries
Shopping hours: Noon-3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month
How to get help: Visit during Mercy Room shopping hours
Location: 2180 Glory Dr., Eagan
St. Philip’s Lutheran Church Food & Clothing Shelf, Fridley
Who can use it: People in need. Bring a valid ID if you have one, but the church says you will not be turned away without it.
What you can get: Free emergency food, clothing and hygiene items
Shopping hours: 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Friday; 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday
How to get help: Visit during posted service hours through Door 3. Each household can receive one bag of clothing and two bags of food every 30 days.
Location: 6180 Hwy. 65 NE, Fridley
Sharing and Caring Hands, Minneapolis
Who can use it: People in need, including people experiencing homelessness. Its website does not publish a specific income cutoff for clothing.
What you can get: Free clothing through its clothing closet, along with other basic-needs services
Service-request hours: 10-11 a.m. and noon-1 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 10-11 a.m. Thursday
How to get help: Check the organization’s day-service information for clothing access before visiting. Donated household and family items are distributed according to need and availability.
Location: 525 N. Seventh St., Minneapolis
Willmar CommUNITY Closet, Willmar
Who can use it: People in need. Its organization-authored description emphasizes access without financial barriers.
What you can get: Free clothing and shoes
Shopping hours: Check the organization’s distribution calendar for current dates and times
How to get help: Current shopping hours and intake requirements were not confirmed for this guide.
Free Clothing With Local Residency or Client Requirements
STEP’s Clothes Closet, St. Louis Park
Who can use it: St. Louis Park residents who register with a STEP social worker
What you can get: Free adult and children’s clothing, including winter coats and winter wear. Bedding and linens are sometimes available.
Shopping hours: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday; 1-3 p.m. Wednesday; 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Thursday
Restrictions: Annual address verification is required. Accepted proof includes a medical bill, utility bill or government mail postmarked within the past 30 days.
How to get help: Register first, then visit during Clothes Closet hours.
Location: 6812 W. Lake St., St. Louis Park
Closet of Hope at Bloomington Covenant Church, Bloomington
Who can use it: Bloomington and Richfield residents in need
What you can get: Free clothing for all ages, shoes, coats, bedding and towels, plus available diapers and toiletries
Shopping hours: Monthly registered time slots at 8:30, 9:05, 9:35 and 10:05 a.m. Shopping dates vary by month. Check the program page and your assigned time; arrive 15 minutes early.
Restrictions: Online registration is required each month. Bring an ID showing local residency; new guests also need proof of residency and birth certificates or passports for children. One adult shops per family, with an exception allowing a helper age 16 or older for families with four or more children. Shopping is limited to 25 minutes and 20 items per person, with additional limits on certain items.
How to get help: Request the registration link through the contact listed on the program page. Registration opens on the first of each month and closes by the 10th, or earlier if full.
Location: 10150 Xerxes Ave. S., Bloomington
Interfaith Outreach’s The Shop, Plymouth
Who can use it: IOCP clients living in its service area: Plymouth west of I-494, Hamel, Long Lake, Medina, Orono and Wayzata
What you can get: Free clothing for the whole family. Shoe availability varies.
Shopping hours: 2-7 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Friday
Resale Select shopping hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month
Restrictions: A new referral from an IOCP Client Services staff member is required each month. Use it within seven days; multiple visits within that window are allowed if needed. Item quantities are explained at The Shop. New socks and undergarments are seasonal offerings, currently listed for November.
How to get help: Ask your IOCP case manager or service navigator for a referral, or use the client-intake contact on the program page.
Location: 1605 County Rd. 101 N., Plymouth. The Shop is separate from the public Resale Select thrift store.
Valley Outreach’s StyleXchange, Stillwater
Who can use it: Anyone can shop the paid thrift store. Free clothing requires enrollment as a Valley Outreach client. Valley Outreach welcomes people needing food or clothing and says it typically serves households within 300% of the federal poverty line.
What you can get: Free clothing through the client Clothing Program, or affordable clothing through the public thrift store
Shopping hours: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday and Friday; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
How to get help: Enroll in the main client lobby or visit the Help Desk. Clients can also enroll and receive clothing vouchers during a food appointment. No appointment is needed to shop at StyleXchange after enrollment.
Location: 1901 Curve Crest Blvd. W., Stillwater
Neighbors Inc., South St. Paul
Who can use it: The paid thrift store is open to everyone. Neighbors’ assistance services serve people experiencing financial hardship in South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Lilydale and Sunfish Lake.
What you can get: Clothing and household-item assistance based on need, plus a public thrift store selling clothing, bedding, towels and kitchenware
Thrift-store shopping hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Arrange free clothing assistance separately with staff.
Restrictions: Assistance requires address verification, such as a bill dated within the previous 30 days. Ask staff about current clothing-assistance intake and availability; it is separate from ordinary thrift-store purchases.
Location: 222 Grand Ave. W., South St. Paul
Hastings Family Service’s Rivertown Treasures, Hastings
Who can use it: Anyone can shop the paid store. Clothing and household vouchers serve individuals and families living in Independent School District 200.
What you can get: Clothing and household goods through assistance vouchers, or low-cost items through the public thrift store
Shopping hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, subject to the posted seasonal schedule. The store announces Saturday closures beginning Nov. 7, with a special opening from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 28. Check its current calendar before a Saturday trip.
How to get help: Contact Hastings Family Service about voucher intake before shopping. Be prepared to verify residency and provide photo ID. Ask staff about current voucher amounts and frequency.
Location: 301 Second St. E., Hastings
Basic Needs, Cottage Grove
Who can use it: The emergency voucher program helps families facing a crisis, subject to an eligibility assessment. The public thrift shop is a separate paid option.
What you can get: Approved vouchers for clothing, hygiene products, diapers, household items and other essentials at its thrift shop.
Thrift-store shopping hours: 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Voucher intake requires a separate appointment.
Restrictions: A social services professional starts the request. Registration gathers family size, income and demographic information, followed by an intake appointment. Voucher amounts depend on need. The program is one time per person, and vouchers expire after nine months.
Location: 6990 80th St. S., Suite 200, Cottage Grove
Anoka County Brotherhood Council, Anoka
Who can use it: Paid thrift shopping is open to the public without an appointment. Voucher access is connected to food-shelf client appointments.
What you can get: Clothing and available small household goods through its thrift store
Thrift-store shopping hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; noon-5 p.m. Tuesday; noon-7 p.m. Thursday
How to get help: Schedule a Food Shelf Market appointment and ask about vouchers. The thrift-store page does not publish a separate voucher income cutoff or value; confirm those details during intake.
Location: 2615 Ninth Ave. N., Anoka
Vine + Branches at Hope Church, Richfield
Who can use it: Anyone can shop the paid store. Free clothing is for people with pressing, unmet clothing needs who receive a referral.
What you can get: Low-cost clothing, household items, toys and books. One-time free clothing appointments are available through referrals.
Shopping hours: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday; 1-4 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
How to get help: Ask a social worker or case manager to use the referral instructions on the program page. The published free offering is clothing; do not assume the referral covers everything sold in the store.
Location: 7132 Portland Ave. S., Richfield
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul
Who can use it: Paid thrift shopping is public. Free assistance depends on the referring conference, nonprofit or free-store event.
What you can get: Low-cost thrift merchandise, assistance vouchers through St. Vincent de Paul conferences and other nonprofits, and clothing or housewares at separate free-store events
Thrift-store shopping hours: Minneapolis: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; St. Paul: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Free-store events have separate schedules.
How to get help: Ask the organization about the nearest assistance conference or current free-store event. A thrift-store location is not automatically an all-day free store.
Thrift locations: 2939 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis; 461 W. Seventh St., St. Paul
Someplace Safe, Alexandria, Fergus Falls and Morris
Who can use it: The paid stores serve public shoppers. Free voucher assistance is connected to victim services for people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault or other crimes.
What you can get: Low-cost thrift items. Victims and survivors may also qualify for vouchers for clothing, household goods or furniture.
Shopping hours: Confirm with the Alexandria, Fergus Falls or Morris store before visiting. Current store hours could not be verified from its official pages.
How to get help: Meet with a local Someplace Safe Community Advocate to discuss your situation and possible vouchers. Assistance is assessed individually. The voucher process is described in the organization’s United Way agency listing.
Children’s Clothing, Baby Supplies and Family Support
Baby Blanket & Beyond, Lindstrom
Who can use it: Everyone is welcome. No documentation, qualification or appointment is required.
What you can get: Free children’s clothing from newborn through size 6, maternity clothing, limited emergency diapers and wipes, and available baby basics
Restrictions: Families are invited to shop approximately every other month. Diapers and wipes are small emergency quantities, not a full recurring supply. Cribs and car seats belong to a separate program with its own requirements.
Shopping hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday
Location: St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church, 13060 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom. Use Door 2 on the north side.
Kaitlyn’s Kloset, Eagan
Who can use it: Individuals and families are welcome regardless of caregiver status or socioeconomic status. No appointment is needed.
What you can get: Free items for children, food and personal-care essentials, plus help finding other resources
Restrictions: Arrive at least one hour before closing. The program’s focus is children’s items and family essentials, rather than a general adult clothing store.
Shopping hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Arrive by 3 p.m. on weekdays or 1 p.m. Saturday.
Location: Saints Martha and Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan
Tandem Family Resource Center, Minneapolis
Who can use it: Mothers and families needing support
Its material-assistance description does not publish a specific income cutoff or residency boundary.
What you can get: Material assistance that may include children’s clothing, diapers, formula, toys, books and gently used baby equipment
Thrift-store shopping hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday for Moxie and Little Ones
Arrange material-assistance visits separately with an advocate.
How to get help: Connect with an advocate to assemble a care package every three months. Emergency diaper and formula help and Diaper Depot are additional offerings. Moxie and Little Ones are separate paid thrift stores supporting Tandem’s programs.
Location: 4105 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis
Swaddling Clothes, Aurora and Silver Bay
Who can use it: Families in need, including teen and single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren and foster families. The program says volunteers try to accommodate everyone who comes through its doors.
What you can get: Free maternity and baby clothing, diapers, wipes and available baby essentials
Distribution hours: Aurora: 9 a.m.-noon on the second Saturday of the month; Silver Bay: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the third Saturday and 5-7 p.m. on the following Thursday
How to get help: Contact the local center or visit its scheduled distribution. Confirm local registration, quantities and current shopping dates; the national description does not establish identical intake rules for every center.
Locations: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 500 W. Central Ave., Aurora; Faith Lutheran Church, 105 Outer Dr., Silver Bay
Bundles of Love Charity
Who can use it: Minnesota families experiencing poverty with newborns
What you can get: Newborn bundles containing handmade clothing, bedding and baby-care essentials
How to get help: Bundles are distributed through community partners. Ask your hospital, clinic or family-service provider about access, or contact Bundles of Love for a partner connection.
Furniture and Beds
The PROP Shop, Eden Prairie
Who can use it: Family Services assists Eden Prairie and Chanhassen residents needing help. Paid resale shopping is a separate option.
What you can get: Free clothing, household goods and furniture through Family Services. The organization also has a paid resale store.
Resale-store shopping hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free Family Services shopping is by appointment only.
Restrictions: An appointment is required; no walk-ins. Bring a picture ID and proof of residency every visit. Residency documents must show your name and local address and be dated within the past 30 days. New clients complete paperwork.
How to get help: Submit the assistance form or use the Family Services contact on the program page.
Location: 15195 Martin Dr., Eden Prairie
Bridging, Bloomington, Plymouth and Roseville
Who can use it: People pursuing housing stability who need most of the items necessary to furnish a home
What you can get: A basic home setup that may include furniture, a mattress and box spring, linens, dishes and other housewares
Shopping hours: By referred appointment only
Cost: $80 per appointment. Optional delivery costs an additional $230 and is available within the seven-county metro. Picking up your own items has no additional charge. A referring agency may be able to help with fees.
Restrictions: A referral from a registered agency partner is required. Bridging does not offer appointments for only a few items. Inventory varies; unavailable items do not receive rain checks.
How to get help: Ask your caseworker for a referral or use Bridging’s agency finder. Your referral determines the appointment location.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, multiple Minnesota chapters
Who can use it: Children ages 3-17 who live within an active chapter’s delivery area and lack an appropriate bed
What you can get: A bed and bedding at no cost for an eligible child without a suitable bed
Restrictions: A guardian or referring school, social service or other local agency must apply. Delivery coverage and capacity vary by chapter. This is a children’s bed program, not a general adult mattress giveaway.
How to get help: Apply online and select the chapter serving your address.
Veterans, Young Adults and Gender-Affirming Clothing
Every Third Saturday, Minneapolis
Who can use it: Veterans and their immediate family members
What you can get: Free clothing, footwear, blankets, hygiene items and other available essentials
Shopping hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, as listed for the Supply Store on the homepage
Restrictions: Proof of veteran status is required, such as a VA ID, DD214 or a state ID identifying veteran status. Supply-store visits are limited to once per month.
Location: 5402 43rd Ave. S., Minneapolis
Dress for Success Twin Cities
Who can use it: Women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18 and older across Minnesota
What you can get: Workplace clothing through its client services, along with career coaching and classes. Services are free.
Clothing-service hours: By appointment after client orientation
Restrictions: New clients must attend the Welcome to DFSTC orientation before becoming eligible to order clothing. This is not a walk-in clothing closet or an immediate emergency clothing source.
How to get help: Start through the new-client sign-up on its program page. Client services are by appointment.
Rainbow Wardrobe, Minneapolis
Who can use it: LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people exploring their identity and people seeking a safe place for clothing that affirms their identity. The page does not publish an income cutoff or local residency requirement.
What you can get: Free gender-affirming clothing and available items such as binders, tucking underwear and packers
Appointment hours: Confirm your time through the appointment request form. Monthly open houses have separate event hours.
Restrictions: Regular visits require a 45-minute appointment; advertised monthly open houses do not. Bring your own bags and take what you need.
Location: 1201 Harmon Place, Suite 104, Minneapolis. Use the entrance on S. 12th St.
HOPE 4 Youth, Anoka
Who can use it: Young people ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Its focus is the northern Twin Cities metro.
What you can get: Clothing, food, hygiene items and other basic-needs support, plus showers and laundry
Drop-in hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 1-7 p.m. Wednesday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday
How to get help: No appointment is necessary to visit the Youth Center
Location: 2665 N. Fourth Ave., Suite 40, Anoka. The new Blaine center is projected to open in 2027; it is not the current service location.
YouthLink, Minneapolis
Who can use it: Young people ages 16-24 needing support, including those experiencing homelessness
What you can get: Free clothing, hygiene supplies, diapers, meals and laundry, plus other services
Drop-in hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday. The Wednesday T.R.U.E. Group runs 6-8 p.m. Ask staff about clothing-closet access during evening programming.
Restrictions: YouthLink says ID, proof of income and insurance are not required for basic services. Additional housing or benefit programs can have separate eligibility rules.
How to get help: Visit the drop-in center during posted hours.
Location: 41 N. 12th St., Minneapolis
Listening House of St. Paul, St. Paul
Who can use it: Adults needing a daytime place of support, particularly people facing homelessness, poverty or isolation. Its clothing service focuses on adult needs.
What you can get: Clothing and hygiene supplies for guests, along with meals, showers and practical support
Guest-service hours: 2-8 p.m. Saturday-Thursday
How to get help: Visit during guest-service hours and check in with staff. Clothing availability depends on current inventory.
Location: 421 E. Seventh St., St. Paul
Computers, Mobility and Medical Equipment
PCs for People, Mankato and St. Paul
Who can use it: Customers meeting the current eligibility guideline of 80% of area median income, or participating in an accepted assistance program
What you can get: Affordable refurbished computers and related technology. Free devices depend on specific funded programs.
Shopping hours: St. Paul Mission Market: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Mankato Mission Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Shopping locations: 1481 Marshall Ave., St. Paul; 103 E. Walnut St., Mankato. These are retail hours, which differ from recycling hours.
Restrictions: Photo ID and proof of current household income or qualifying assistance are required. Benefit documentation generally must be current and from the past 12 months. Staff review eligibility. Proof of citizenship is not required.
Minnesota Tech for Success
Who can use it: Minnesota residents or students who cannot afford a computer needed for education or employment purposes. Learners of any age can apply.
What you can get: A computer through its need-based Tech Connect placement program. Schools, educational organizations and nonprofits can also purchase refurbished equipment through separate low-cost sales programs.
How to get help: Apply through Tech Connect. Requests are subject to program availability and review. This is not an unrestricted walk-in electronics giveaway.
Free Geek Twin Cities, Minneapolis
Who can use it: Public thrift shopping is available without client enrollment. Subsidized or free-device access has separate requirements that should be confirmed with staff; current universal free-laptop eligibility was not verified.
What you can get: Low-cost computers, electronics and accessories through its public thrift store. It also distributes free laptops through community work.
Shopping hours: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Location: 2537 25th Ave. S., Minneapolis
ConnectAbility of MN, Duluth, Rochester and Waite Park
Who can use it: People who need available donated equipment. Its pickup page does not publish an income cutoff.
What you can get: Donated adaptive equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs and other available mobility or daily-living aids, through its free donated-equipment program
Equipment-pickup hours: 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Monday-Friday at all three locations; 9 a.m.-noon on the second Saturday of the month in Waite Park only
Restrictions: Recipients must sign a release of liability. When possible, the person who will use the equipment should attend. Equipment is supplied without a warranty, and selection differs by location.
How to get help: Check current inventory and visit during equipment-pickup hours. This is separate from the organization’s equipment-purchase assistance program, which has its own application.
AEOA Medical Loan Closet, Virginia
Who can use it: Residents with temporary or permanent disabilities. The page does not specify a detailed residency boundary or income cutoff; confirm eligibility and fees with staff.
What you can get: Loans of wheelchairs, shower chairs, walkers, canes, crutches, commodes and similar durable equipment
Cost: A one-time rental fee per item; the amount varies by equipment. This is a paid lending program, not a free ownership transfer.
How to get help: Complete the interest form or contact the program to check equipment availability and register.
Location: AEOA, 702 Third Ave. S., Virginia
ALS Association Independence & Mobility Program
Who can use it: People living with ALS, including those facing insurance delays or lacking coverage
What you can get: Access to loaned or otherwise program-provided mobility, transfer, bathing and communication equipment, subject to available inventory and funding
Restrictions: This is ALS-specific support. Equipment should be identified with the person’s ALS clinic or neurologist; communication equipment may require input from a speech-language pathologist. Confirm the local equipment arrangement and any costs with Care Services.
How to get help: Connect with the Minnesota Care Services team rather than visiting a donation drop-off unannounced.
Shoes, Bikes, Pianos and Affordable Borrowing Programs
Good in the ’Hood’s Shoe Away Hunger, multiple event locations
Who can use it: People needing affordable footwear. Public shoe events are listed on its calendar; the program page does not publish an income cutoff.
What you can get: Donated shoes and boots
Cost: A small suggested donation, or whatever someone can afford
How to get help: Find a current Shoe Away Hunger event. The warehouse donation address is not automatically a public shopping location.
Full Cycle, Minneapolis
Who can use it: Young people age 24 or younger without stable housing
What you can get: A free bike, lock, lights and helmet, or repairs to your existing bike
Free bike hours: By appointment
Bike shop hours: Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
Restrictions: An appointment is required.
How to get help: Use the scheduling contact on the free bike program page.
Location: 3515 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis
Keys 4/4 Kids, New Brighton
Who can use it: Individuals or families with demonstrated financial need and a desire to learn or continue playing, and qualifying organizations with a plan to use a piano for music education or programming
What you can get: A free piano through its Piano Placement Program, including delivery, tuning and essential music materials
Visit hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, by appointment
Restrictions: An application and selection process are required. Individual applicants must provide financial-need documentation. The application also includes promotional-use consent requirements.
How to get help: Apply through the piano-placement form. Approval and an appropriate available instrument are required.
MN Tool Library, Minneapolis and St. Paul
Who can use it: Household users age 18 and older who are listed on the membership and agree to the safety rules. You do not have to live in the branch’s neighborhood.
What you can get: Borrowed tools and access to shared workshop resources through a household membership
Tool-borrowing hours: Northeast Minneapolis: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 4-7 p.m. Wednesday. St. Paul: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. St. Paul also offers limited services from 4-7 p.m. Friday, but no tool checkout.
Cost: Annual membership fees apply. Partial membership and class scholarships are available for low-income people meeting Lifeline eligibility criteria.
Restrictions: Tools must be returned. Registration, a liability waiver and membership activation are required; this is not a tool giveaway.
Minnesota Toy Library, Minneapolis and St. Paul
Who can use it: An adult family member age 18 or older can enroll. Membership works across all three branches.
What you can get: Toys to borrow, primarily for children ages 0-5. Members can also use swap areas for children’s items.
Lending hours: South Minneapolis: 9 a.m.-noon Monday and Saturday and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday during the first and third weeks. Northeast Minneapolis: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-noon Monday and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday during the second and fourth weeks. St. Paul: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday and 5-8 p.m. Tuesday during the first and third weeks. The lending weeks start on Sundays. Check the lending calendar for exact dates and exceptions.
Cost: Sliding-scale memberships of $40-$100; a $20 volunteer membership requires volunteering at four events per year. Financial-assistance scholarships are available.
Restrictions: Borrowed toys must be returned; this is not a general free-toy giveaway.
Programs That Distribute Through Partners or Outreach
Hats & Mittens
What you can get: Free hats, mittens and other winter essentials through participating organizations
Restrictions: Requests must come from someone affiliated with a nonprofit located within the seven-county Twin Cities metro. Individuals should ask a school, shelter or other service organization for a connection rather than treating the warehouse as a public store.
Sock Drawers
What it provides: Socks, underwear, clothing and other essentials distributed to people experiencing homelessness
Access note: Its warehouse address and 24-hour donation box are for donating. The website does not establish walk-in shopping hours or a public client application. Contact the organization about current outreach connections.
Walking With a Purpose
What it provides: Clothing, food and camping supplies through outreach to people experiencing chronic homelessness
Access note: It distributes supplies directly and builds relationships with people living outside. Its storage location is not established as a public shopping site. Ask the organization or its host partner about current outreach access.
Other Assistance With Specific Eligibility
Newgate School’s Wheels for Women
Who can use it: A single female head of household with at least one dependent child under 18 living at home. Applicants must have lived in the seven-county metro for at least one year, work or attend school full time or combine the two, hold a valid Minnesota driver’s license, have annual income no higher than $35,000, and have no vehicle available to the household. School-age children must be enrolled in school.
What you can get: A refurbished vehicle at no charge if selected
Restrictions: Online application and verification are required. Insurance is required for ownership transfer. Vehicles are limited, and only a small share of applicants can be helped. Unselected applications are retained for six months.
Open Arms of Minnesota
Who can use it: People with HIV/AIDS, or with cancer, MS, ALS, end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure or COPD plus factors affecting their ability to cook or shop
What you can get: Free medically tailored meals through its core program. This is meal support, rather than a store distributing donated household goods.
Restrictions: A complete application and eligibility review are required. Delivery, shipping and pickup arrangements depend on the program and address. Separate county-waiver and private-pay programs have different rules; private-pay meals are not free.
Nonprofit Thrift Stores Open for Paid Shopping
These stores sell donated or secondhand items to the public. Their nonprofit beneficiaries are not automatically eligibility restrictions on shoppers. For example, you do not need a developmental disability to shop at AbleLight or Arc’s Value Village, or to be an older adult to shop at Annadee’s Closet. No client enrollment is advertised for ordinary retail purchases at the stores below. Some have separate assistance programs described earlier.
| Organization | Where | What to look for | Shopping or savings note |
|---|---|---|---|
| AbleLight | Minnetonka | Clothing, housewares and available furniture | Public thrift shopping supports services for people with developmental disabilities |
| Annadee’s Closet | Red Wing | Clothing, furniture and housewares | Buy a $5 store tote and bring it back for 10% off purchases; public shopping supports older-adult programs |
| Arc’s Value Village | Bloomington, New Hope and Richfield | Clothing, accessories and household goods | Public thrift shopping; rewards program available |
| ArtStart’s ArtScraps | St. Paul | Art materials and creative reuse supplies | Retail reuse store at 1459 St. Clair Ave. |
| Better Futures Minnesota | Minneapolis | Reused building materials and home-improvement items | Check warehouse inventory and pricing |
| Common Goods | Baxter area, Crosslake and Crosby | Clothing, furniture and housewares | Reasonably priced resale supporting Bridges of Hope |
| Clothes Closet | Wells | Clothing, bedding, kitchen items, books and toys | Most items are listed at $1-$3; 112 S. Broadway |
| Community Helping Hand | Forest Lake | Clothing and household goods | Its assistance programs have Forest Lake School District rules; paid thrift shopping is separate |
| CROSS Services’ Sweet Repeat Boutique | Rogers | Clothing, shoes, accessories and small housewares | Affordable retail purchases; ask separately about eligibility for assistance services |
| Family Pathways | Multiple communities | Clothing, furniture and household goods | Check store-specific sales and rewards |
| Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota | Multiple locations and online | Clothing, housewares and other secondhand goods | Public stores; specials and outlet formats vary by location |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis and New Brighton | Appliances, cabinets, furniture, tools and building materials | Open to the public; no Habitat homeowner enrollment needed |
| Hidden Treasures | St. Anthony | Clothing, housewares and miscellaneous thrift items | Public resale shopping |
| Hope Renewed Thrift Store | Shakopee | Clothing, furniture and household items | Public resale shopping |
| Legacy Thrift | Crystal and Worthington | Clothing, furniture, books and household items | Public resale supporting Christian ministries |
| Local Imports, CAP Agency | Shakopee | Clothing, home goods, decor and books | 8085 Old Carriage Ct.; Thursday specials include $3 adult clothing and shoes and $1 children’s clothing |
| Love INC Big Woods Thrift Store | Buffalo | Clothing and other donated goods | Public resale store at 205 Fifth St. NE |
| PRISM’s Shop for Change | Golden Valley | Clothing, shoes, accessories and small housewares | Affordable resale; ask client-services staff separately about assistance vouchers |
| ReStored | Lakeville and Stillwater | Clothing, housewares and furniture | Public thrift shopping |
| SACA Thrift Store | Columbia Heights | Clothing, shoes and household goods | Open to the public; separate from food-shelf intake |
| Textile Center’s The Stashery | Minneapolis | Fabric, yarn, notions, sewing patterns and available machines | Secondhand supplies shop at 3000 University Ave. SE; Stashery purchases are final sale |
| Wise Penny Thrift Shoppe | Buffalo | Clothing and assorted secondhand household items | Check its posted daily sales; 310 Brighton Ave. S. |
Before You Make a Trip
Check eligibility: City boundaries, school districts, age limits and referral requirements can determine which program you can use.
Check the right hours: Look for shopping, distribution, equipment pickup or client-service hours. Donation hours describe when people can drop items off.
Ask about documents: Some programs require ID, recent proof of address, financial documentation or veteran-status verification. Others explicitly waive those requirements.
Check costs: Free assistance, approved vouchers, low-cost retail and equipment loans are different arrangements. Ask whether delivery, membership or appointment fees apply.
Check availability: A donation wish list does not guarantee that the item is in stock for recipients.
Research and Coverage Notes
This guide draws organizations from Give Me The Mike’s donation directory and checks recipient-facing program information. Linked names lead to official program pages whenever accessible; organization-authored GiveMN or United Way listings are identified where used. Details were checked Oct. 12, 2026.
DAV Minnesota, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, Vietnam Veterans of America and Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge are not listed as public sources of free donated goods solely because they collect donations.