I regularly find usable items on the footpath &/or towpath of our local canal. A bit of cleaning up or laundering then take them to a Charity shop. The US equivalent might be a Thrift shop, run by charities.

My preferred charity is "Help for Heros" - supporting ex soldiers etc - let's face it: when the government can't cope - who ya gonna call?

It is being said that these charity shops may not be as numerous soon, the rental barely allows for profit. And I am pondering: will the next recession, overdue IMNSHO, increase sales or reduce donations, or both?