From Clutter to Creativity: Donate Household Items for Preschool Art Projects

As a home organizer, I help clients let go of things they no longer use. Letting go doesn’t always mean throwing away or dropping items off at a donation center. In fact, some of your "junk drawer" treasures can be repurposed and turned into masterpieces:

🎨 By donating them to local preschools for art projects!

Preschools that focus on creativity, process art, and hands-on learning are always in need of unique, inexpensive supplies. And the best part? Many of these materials are already hiding in your closets, drawers, and garage. With permission and often enthusiasm of clients Happy Helper Organizing sets aside a box for donations to take to a Reggio Emilia-inspired school located in the North Atlanta Suburbs. Sometimes I receive pictures of projects made from donations and am able to share them with people so they can see how their items have been repurposed as preschool art.

Why Preschools Love These Items

Preschools love open-ended materials — things that spark imagination and don’t have a “right” way to use them. What looks like clutter to us is often the foundation of a child’s next masterpiece.

Imagine this:

• 🪵 Wood blocks become building towers or printing stamps

• 👔 Neckties are used for weaving or dramatic play

• 🎀 Ribbon and string are turned into mobiles or collages

• 🔩 Screws and washers become part of robot sculptures

• 🧥 Wire hangers hold items for a hanging mobile

To a child, these materials are treasurers

What to Donate

Here’s a quick list of common items that many preschools love receiving:

Craft & Fabric Items

• Ribbon, yarn, and string

• Fabric scraps, felt, lace

• Old buttons and beads

• Costume jewelry

• Neckties, scarves, or belts

Hardware & Tools (Safe & Clean)

• Small wood pieces (unfinished or sanded)

• Screws, bolts, washers

• Wire hangers

• Clean bottle caps and lids

Household Items

• Cardboard tubes (from paper towels or toilet paper)

• Egg cartons (clean and dry)

• Popsicle sticks

• Corks

• Takeout containers (washed)

💡 Tip: Always check for safety — avoid sharp edges, choking hazards, or anything dirty or broken.

Where to Donate

Before dropping off your items, reach out to local:

• Preschools and daycares

• Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired schools

• Community art centers or co-ops

• Nature or forest-based programs

• Teachers or early childhood educators

📞 A quick call or email will let you know what they can use — and you might make a teacher’s day in the process!

Decluttering That Makes a Difference

Decluttering your home doesn’t just create a more peaceful space — it also gives you the chance to support local teachers and inspire little artists.

Instead of tossing things in the trash, ask yourself:

Could a child turn this into art?

If the answer is yes, you’ve found the perfect new home for your “extras.”

Ready to Declutter With Purpose?

If you're overwhelmed by odds and ends and want to declutter with intention, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll organize your space and find meaningful ways to repurpose what you no longer need — including supporting young minds through art!

👉 Contact me today to schedule your home organizing session.