About Goonj:

• Goonj, a multi award winning social enterprise redefines giving by addressing basic, often overlooked needs like clothing and sanitary pads for rural and slum communities in India. Founded in 1999, Goonj aims to create an equitable relationship of strength, sustenance and dignity between urban and rural areas by using under utilized materials as tools for development with dignity. 
• Their mission is to use urban surplus as a catalyst to address the neglected but essential needs of the financially and materially disadvantaged. By involving communities in designing and implementing their own solutions, Goonj promotes local resourcefulness and traditional wisdom while emphasizing the dignity of receivers rather than the pride of donors.

Why donate items with Goonj?

• Supports Rural communities.

Your donations can help empower underprivileged communities, providing essential resources and foster self-reliance. 

• Promotes sustainability.

Goonj’s model champions a circular economy by repurposing reusable materials to minimize waste and maximize impact, keeping items out of landfills.

• Make a difference.

Every donation triggers positive change by addressing neglected needs, such as education, health and disaster relief. Your gently used  items can bring dignity and hope to someone in need.

What to donate?

Goonj accepts gently used items including:

• Clothes
• Books
• Toys 
• Furniture
• Blankets 
• Dry ration etc

While it is important to ensure that the items you are donating are fit to use for someone in need.

How are your donations to Goonj used?

• Educational support 

Donated books and stationery are distributed to schools and students in underserved areas, bridging the gap in educational resources.

• Clothes donation.

Clothing donations are repurposed as resources for daily needs and                   development initiatives, ensuring dignity for recipients.

• Disaster relief (Rahat) 

In times of crisis, donated items are channeled to disaster-hit regions, providing critical support for families rebuilding their lives.

Your donations have the power to change lives and bring hope to those in need. Make a difference today by donating to Goonj. You can check out their website (Knowing Goonj | Goonj)  for more details and share the joy and let your generosity create meaningful change!

FAQ’s

• What items can I donate?

You can donate items like clothing, household goods, stationery, toys, furniture, bedding, dry rations, blankets, and more—anything no longer in use but valuable to someone else. Clothing, a basic yet overlooked need, symbolizes dignity and provides protection. Goonj prioritizes making it a focus while also accepting other essentials. For a detailed list and guidelines, visit their website for queries about unlisted items.

• What happens to my donations after they are collected?

Through initiatives like Cloth for Work, communities build schools, wells, and bridges in exchange for materials. The School to School program supplies educational resources to remote areas, and “Not Just a Piece of Cloth” provides rural women with sanitary napkins, addressing vital hygiene needs. Your donations are sorted and repurposed for educational support, disaster relief, or community development, creating lasting impact where it’s needed most.

• Do I need to prepare my items before donating?

Please ensure all items are clean, in good condition, and ready to use. For ease, it is recommended to label your donated items to manage better. 

• Is there a weight limit for items I can donate for pick-up?

They do not provide a pick-up facility and in the case of large donations like    furniture, please send them to their nearest office. 

• Can I donate during public holidays or weekends? 

Goonj is available on weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. For more details, please visit our website.