Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I receive a yellow card asking for clothing and household discards?
The National Kidney Foundation conducts many different types of fundraising activities to provide services to families and patients in need. Our clothing donation program is just one way you can help. By contacting the community for donations of used clothing and other household discards, the National Kidney Foundation can turn your donations into needed funding through a thrift store program. Utilizing direct mail is less intrusive for our customers and allows for customers to participate should they choose. Read more information about the NKF Pickup Program here.
I received a yellow card.
What should I do?
Just follow the instructions on the card. The date we are picking up from your street is in red under your address. Should you have special instructions for us or have additional questions, you may contact (link to contact us page) one of our representatives Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm.
I did not receive a card.
Can I still schedule a pick up?
Contact us. One of our representatives will look your address up to see if we pick up in your area or when will be in your area in the near future.
What happens to my donations?
Your donations are sold to a local thrift store operator. The funds from this transaction are forwarded to National Kidney Foundation to use for preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney diseases and to increase the availability of all organs for transplant. The program also helps to raise awareness for our programs and services.Read more information about the NKF Pickup Program here.
Is my donation tax deductable?
Yes. The National Kidney Foundation is a recognized charitable organization and maintains a 501(c)(3) registration with the Internal Revenue Service. Read more on about your Tax Deduction here.
I need a tax receipt?
What if I didn’t receive a receipt?
Our drivers will leave a tax receipt at the door of each home that leaves donations for us. However, sometimes they may blow away or are forgotten. You may fill out our online tax receipt request , or you may contact our office to request a tax receipt.
What items do you accept?
You may view the list of our acceptable donations. All donations must be useable. Items deemed unusable may not be picked up. We do not have the ability to repair or sanitize any donations.
Do you pick up furniture or large appliances?
At this time, we do not pick up any large items. ie: furniture, appliances, mattresses, TV’s over 27inches. Please call the office to see if a special pickup is available.
Do you pick up computer equipment?
Due to restrictions imposed by local and state government entities, we do not pick up any type of computer equipment. ie: printers, faxes, monitors, CPUs, or keyboards & mouse. However, we have provided links to county recycling centers who will accept these items. Please recycle these items responsibly.
Where can I recycle items that you do not accept?
Florida Residents: Here are some helpful links:
Can you pick my items up before/after the pick up date?
Never before the pick-up date, but we can up to one week after. We send out our yellow cards weeks in advance of the pickup date and operate on a schedule. Therefore, our drivers are committed to a route every day.
Where do I place my items?
Our card states that you may place your items curbside by 8:00am on the day of pick-up, and you should attach the yellow card to your items. If you would like to place your items anywhere other than curbside (ie: front door, driveway), please contact our office. We will take your information and give our driver a ticket with the specific instructions you provide.
My donations will get taken if I put them curbside, where else should I put them?
It is Garbage Day, what should I do?
If this is a problem in your area, contact us. We will get your information and give our driver a ticket with specific instructions on where to find your items. It is our experience that people are less likely to remove items from front porches or areas closer to the home.
It is almost impossible for us to schedule around garbage pick-up schedules. However, we recommend placing your items somewhere else like your front porch or in front of your garage. When you call, we will create a ticket for our driver with specific instructions on where to find your items.
What should I do if my donations were missed?
To ensure your donations are not missed, please follow the exact instructions listed on the yellow card for this program. Additionally, our drivers are instructed to leave items that are not marked with a “K” (click here for printable K sheets) or with the yellow card that was sent to you. If your donation was missed and is not clearly marked, this could be the reason. For other circumstances, please call us immediately. We will get your address and schedule our trucks to pick-up your donations the following week.
What time will you be on my street?
It is very difficult for us to determine what time our driver will down your street. Our drivers are typically in your neighborhood between 8:00am-6:00pm.
I lost my yellow card. What should I do?
Contact us. We can give you the date of your pick-up, and we get your information and give our driver a ticket to insure your items are not missed.
When will you be in my area again?
We currently service most customers in the Tampa Bay surrounding area, including Polk County. Covering such an expansive area takes time and we typically cover each area every few months.
I can’t get through to a representative, what should I do?
Business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm. If you have received our recording, we apologize. We are on the phone assisting other customers. Please continue to try back another time. You may use any of the phone lines listed on our yellow card.
Do you have bags/boxes on your trucks?
Please have all your donations in bags or boxes. Please ensure sharp or jagged edges are properly wrapped and protected to avoid injury. Our trucks do not carry bags or boxes, and will not be able to pick up your donations if they are not properly concealed.