Maybe you want to clean out your closet. Maybe you want to help others with the things you no longer need. Or maybe, you just want to make a little more space. But whatever the reason you want to get rid of some things, the question is: where can you make donations in Budapest when you do?
Coming from the States, I knew I could take all of my pre-loved items to the nearest Goodwill or Value Village, but I wasn’t sure of the Budapest equivalents. So I made a list of charities in Budapest! Whether you want to clean out your closet, make a difference, or both, here are places in Budapest where you can make sure your clothes or food don’t go to waste!
The Salvation Army (Clothing, Food)
The Salvation Army has many support centers throughout Budapest, including transitional homes and rehabilitation services. As they serve a population in need, they are always open to accepting donations in Budapest. They claim they have an ongoing need of:
- non-perishable food
- used, clean clothing, shoes and accessories (in separate bags labeled for men, women and children)
- used toys and board games
- school and office supplies
- small appliances
- small household items
- regular size toiletries
Donation address: Salvation Army Headquarters (Üdvhadsereg), Budapest 1063, Rózsa utca 111, 2.em , Monday-Friday, 8:00-16:00
For more information on the centers, as well as volunteer opportunities, visit their page here.
Cseriti Pont (Clothing)
While thrifting is a bit of a foreign concept in Budapest, the goal of Cseriti is to bring the culture of charity shops abroad. Cseriti accepts donations of clean and functional clothing, household appliances, etc. (At time of writing, they have suspended donations of furniture.) They ask–for the sake of space–that you only donate seasonal clothes.
Cseriti has an ever-expanding network of shops around the country. If you’re looking to make donations in Budapest, check out this page to find shop locations and opening hours. If you have a large quantity of donations, Cseriti also has a collection service for a 2000HUF fee.
Food Not Bombs (Food)
Food Not Bombs is a community-led event that serves the homeless and vulnerable populations in Budapest by combatting food waste. This could be your place if you’re asking: “Where can I volunteer in Budapest?”. FNB collects expiring food from markets and then cooks it into a free, community meal. You can help with the food gathering, cooking, distributing or dish washing by commenting on their weekly event.
Donations: Sundays from 10:00-15:30 at Aurora Utca 11 (Astoria).
“We gladly accept everything that’s needed for the cooking and distribution: spices in bigger amounts, oil, salt, pasta, rice, tin veggies, dish soap, sponge, scrubber, rubbish bag, candies-bakery food in bigger amounts (in already portioned condition!). We always accept plastic boxes if their size is normal or bigger, if they are already washed and have tops. We can not use glass jars though.”
They also ask for feminine products for homeless women. They firmly ask only for sanitary pads and sanitary wipes, as tampons and menstrual cups lead to higher risk of infection.
Food Bank Aid (Food)
According to their website, FBA’s goal is “to provide a reliable source of food assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardship, while also working to reduce food waste in our community.” Aside from providing food, the center also has a cafe and play area, so that parents can socialize and relax a little while children can do the same. They even put on free weekly programming. A growing endeavor, they feed over 100 families a week and also furnish them with hygeine items. A drop-off point is located quite centrally in Budapest’s 7th District, so you can take your donation items straight there.
In-demand items:
- Sugar Cooking Oil (1 Litre)
- Rice (white rice)
- Paste (Dried, any type)
- Flour (General purpose)
- Tomatoes (canned)
- Corn (canned)
- Milk (long life)
- Tea (Black)
- Chocolate mousse/ dessert/ pudding powder
- Biscuits (sweet)
- Coffee (Instant)
- Juice (Orange long life)
- Jam
Adomány Taxi (Clothing, Furniture)
From the site:
“This initiative…makes people interested in donation by going straight to their home, picking up their unneeded objects and giving it to those in need. Despite the project’s name it’s more than a social service, it involves people by giving them a chance of meeting others from different backgrounds.”
Find more info on their Facebook here!
Charity Shops/Thrift Stores
As mentioned above, charity shops and thrift stores are catching on more and more, often they can be hard to keep track of. Thankfully, XpatLoop has created a wonderful resource. Check out this page for a small directory of thrift stores that XpatLoop has put together!
Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta
With the motto of “Defense of the Faith and assistance to the poor”, this organization has services throughout Hungary, especially in family care and childcare. For specific drop off information and volunteer opportunities, find their site here.
Cipődoboz (Shoebox)–Chistmas Toy Donation
This is a seasonal opportunity to give a gift to children in need. If you’re from the States like I am, it may remind you of Operation Christmas Child. The premise is simple: You fill a shoebox with toys and gifts, drop it off at one of the many collection centers in the city, and it’s delivered to a child for Christmas! Visit the website for packing details and dropoff locations. The official 2023 dropoff dates are: November 24-December 18.
If you don’t have time to pack a shoebox, there is also an online donation option where you can choose toys, books, etc. from partnering online vendors!
For whatever it is you’d like to donate–food, clothes, furniture, feminine products, or more–here is a list of places where you can make donations in Budapest! I hope you find what you’re looking for.
Denae Xx
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