If you live in the Cayman Islands, you know that we highly value Cayman kindness, and that includes helping out others in need. Multitudes of charitable and voluntary organisations in Cayman accept an array of used items such as second-hand clothing, books and homewares. On this page, we tell you which organisations accept which kind of donations and how you would go about donating them.
Condition Requirements
When donating second-hand clothing, shoes, homewares, and accessories:
- Your items must not have any holes, tears/rips, stains or mould
- Household items that need minor cosmetic touch-ups can still be donated (e.g. items with scratches, dings or scrapes)
- Bathing suits or undergarments can only be donated if they are still new, i.e. are in their original packaging with the original tags
- Remember the rule of thumb: if you cannot use the item in its current state, neither can a charity. Do not donate items that are in disrepair or missing important parts.
Below is a list of organisations in the Cayman Islands that accept second-hand items. In each case, we have stated what items are accepted, pick up services and relevant addresses. Please get in touch with the organisations directly if you are unsure about an item you would like to donate.
Find out more about charities in Cayman.
Cayman Islands Humane Society Book Loft
A not-for-profit organisation funded by grants, fundraisers and other community support. The Humane Society Book Loft helps fund food supplies and veterinary care for animals at the shelter.
Items Accepted: Books, CDs, DVDs, games (electronic and board games, children's puzzles) and gifts.
Address: 153 North Sound Road, George Town.
Drop-Off Times: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. (There is also a drop box at the Humane Society which is always open for donations.)
Humane Society Thrift Shop (The ‘Claws-It’)
Items Accepted: Gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children, toys, electronics, arts and crafts and household items.
Drop-Off Times: Mondays and Fridays: 9am-1pm ONLY (except public holidays) and any day that the shop is open. Drop box available at The Human Society. Please do not leave bags outside the shop.
Pick-Up Available? Yes. If you have items that will not fit into the box easily/safely and would like The Humane Society to pick them up, please give them a call to arrange.
Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC)/TAYA Lounge
Established in 2003, they have been providing a safe sanctuary and shelter, free from violence towards women and their children.
Items Accepted: Appliances, clothing, office supplies, toiletries, cleaning products, food items, baby items. Unfortunately, the CICC does not have the space to store furniture, however if you tell them what you have and send a picture to their email, they will ask any of their clients if they would like the items.
Drop-Off Address: 226 Mini Warehouse 2, Industrial Park, Dorcy Drive (directly opposite Brand Source)
Drop-Off Times: Wednesdays, 12pm-1pm
The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) Thrift Shop
The Cayman Islands Red Cross responds to humanitarian crises in the Cayman Islands and beyond. Goods donated to the Red Cross Thrift Shop are either given or sold to members of the community. Any items that are sold (at a minimal cost) benefit key programmes such as HIV/AIDS education.
Items Accepted: Household goods (cutlery, dishes, pots and pans, etc.), books, entertainment materials (DVDs, games, CDs, etc.), children’s items (toys, bicycles, cribs), exercise equipment, linens and towels, to name a few. The CIRC Thrift Shop also accepts furniture donations.
Address: 294 North Sound Road, George Town.
Drop-Off Times: Tuesday 9am-2pm, Thursday 9am-2pm, Saturday 8am-3pm.
Pick-Up Available? They'll pick up large items in good condition from your home.
'New To You' Bargain Shop by NCVO
The NCVO is dedicated to the care, education and well-being of children and families in the Cayman Islands. They are currently accepting donations for their new shop: New to You, by NCVO.
Items Accepted: Lightly used items: clothing (washed and sorted), shoes, baby items, household items, working electronics, toys and books. (Furniture can be accepted if you contact the NVCO in advance).
Address: 90 Anthony Drive, George Town. The drop box is located in the parking lot and donations can be left in the box at any time.
Website: www.facebook.com/NCVOCaymanIslands
Cayman’s ARK - Acts of Random Kindness
Acts of Random Kindness is dedicated to improving the standard of living in under-privileged homes. They strive to ensure no one goes hungry or homeless, providing education and aiding families in life-threatening medical or crises situations. They now have a thrift shop in Bodden Town called ARK Kindness Thriftique.
Items Accepted: Men's clothes, women's clothes, baby clothes, baby and toddler items, furniture and more. ARK will also inform the public when they need donations, often as a result of a natural disaster or another instance where a family requires urgent assistance. Please only drop off donations when the shop is open (Tuesday-Thursday 2pm-6pm, Friday and Saturday 2pm-7pm)
Tel: (345) 323 0719
Email: info@arkcayman.com
Website: www.arkcayman.com
Drop-Off Address: Unit 1, Odessa Plaza, 533 Bodden Town Road, Bodden Town.
BLESSED
BLESSED are a non-profit organisation dedicated to the collection and donation of lightly-used clothing.
Items Accepted: Men's clothes, women's clothes, baby clothes, baby and toddler items, furniture and more.
Tel: (345) 925 9867
Drop-Off Address: The BLESSED Warehouse is located in George Town. When you contact BLESSED they will provide you with location details.
Facebook Page: facebook.com/blessedcayman
Please contact BLESSED if you are interested in donating your gently-used clothing! They will provide you with further information including address(es) and drop off times.
________________________________________________________________
If you are a charitable organisation who regularly accepts second-hand donations and would like to be on this page, please email joanna@acorn.ky with the following information: name of organisation, short description of organisation, items accepted, pick-up and drop-off information (including addresses/locations and times), your telephone number, email and website.