Is There Goodwill in Greece? A Real-World Second-Hand & Donation Guide for Expats

Zacharenia Piperaki
Jul 11
3 min read

Updated: Jul 13

Moving to Greece or Downsizing? Here's What Expats Need to Know

If you're an expat living in Greece, chances are you’ve wondered: Where can I donate my old stuff? Is there a Goodwill equivalent here? Whether you’re decluttering after inheriting a property or furnishing a new apartment, this guide breaks down your real-world second-hand options in Greece.

Spoiler: There’s no "Goodwill Greece," but there’s an entire ecosystem of donation centers, second-hand shops, recycling networks, and informal markets that serve the same purpose and are often better suited to the local culture and economy.

Quick Answer: There Isn't Goodwill in Greece, But Lots of Options

Greece doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all chain like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. Instead, donations and second-hand buying happen through a mix of:

Local charities and NGOs (Boroume, Caritas, Praksis, Reto, etc.)
Municipal donation points (clothing bins, community recycling)
Thrift stores and vintage shops (mostly in Athens and Thessaloniki)
Online resale platforms (Facebook Marketplace, XE.gr)
Religious organizations (Greek Orthodox parishes)

Where to Donate: Clothing, Furniture, and Household Items

1. Clothing & Textiles

Boroume: National network that connects donors with charities. You don’t donate to Boroume, they help you find where to donate.
Municipal Clothing Bins: Located in most neighborhoods; accept shoes and wearable clothes.

Red Cross Greece: Accepts clothing for refugees and low-income households.

Reto: Accepts all household items for resale to support recovering addicts and thier families.

Praksis & Caritas: Athens-based NGOs that accept seasonal clothing.

2. Furniture

Kivotos Charity Shops (Athens): Call ahead, they sometimes arrange pickups.
Local Facebook Groups: Expats often use groups like "Athens Buy Nothing" or "Thessaloniki Expats" to donate or trade.
Reto: Will come and pickup items. Calling ahead is a must, as they often book many weeks in the future.
Xe.gr: Greek classifieds site, post under Επίπλα χειροπρήσσιματα (Free Offers)

3. Kitchenware, Bedding, Toys, Misc.

Refugee centers: Accept gently used essentials
Local churches: Often maintain a donation room ("Koinoniko Pantopoleio")
Shelters and women's support centers: Discreet but open to well-kept, functional items

Where to Buy: Second-Hand and Vintage in Greece

1. Thrift and Vintage Stores in Athens

Yesterday's Bread: Edgy thrift shop in Exarchia with everything from denim to antiques.
Tag @ Second Hand: Upscale consignment in Kolonaki.
Kilo Shop Athens: Pay-by-weight thrift store in Monastiraki.

2. Markets & Street Finds

Monastiraki Flea Market: Athens’ go-to spot for eclectic second-hand treasures.
Open-Air Laikes Agores: Farmers’ markets that occasionally have second-hand vendors in each neighborhood.
Thessaloniki Sunday Market: Great for vintage, furniture, and records.

3. Online Second-Hand Platforms

Facebook Marketplace: Most active for buying and selling used furniture.
Xe.gr: Widely used for appliances, furniture, and household goods.
Car.gr: Surprisingly good for tools, bikes, and electronics.

Understanding the Local Donation Culture

Donating isn’t as plug-and-play as it is in the US or UK. Many charities in Greece operate on a smaller scale and have limited pickup options. But don’t let that stop you. If you’re willing to:

Make a call or send a message in Greek (or via Google Translate)
Deliver the items yourself

What Expats Should Know Before Donating

No Tax Write-Offs: Donations aren’t tax deductible for individuals.
Condition Matters: Moldy mattresses or broken electronics are likely to be rejected.
Use WhatsApp & Facebook: Most informal donations happen through messaging, not forms.
Ask Locals: Greek neighbors often know which nearby parish or group is in need.

FREE Checklist PDF

"The Expat’s Donation & Thrift Survival Kit (Athens Edition)"

What’s Inside:

Top 10 Donation Drop-Off Points (with hours & contacts)
Facebook groups to join for second-hand goods
Quick-translate phrases to message NGOs and sellers in Greek
How to describe your furniture in Greek listings

Click Here to Download Your Free Checklist

Use this to skip the trial-and-error and actually get your donations or shopping done without frustration.

Local Alternatives to Recycling

Recycling in Greece is improving, but it’s still spotty. Here’s what to expect:

Blue Bins: Paper, plastic, glass, metals.
Purple Bins: Clothes
Green Drop Boxes: For electronics and batteries.
Municipal Reuse Centers: Operate in some cities for large items.
Upcycling Groups: Look for "DIY Athens" or "Trash Art Greece" communities.

Final Thoughts: Giving and Getting More for Less

You don’t need Goodwill to give back or furnish your home affordably in Greece. With a little effort, you’ll find plenty of ways to pass on what you no longer need — or pick up something with a story behind it.

And in true Greek style, the process often comes with a chat, a coffee, and a sense of community that’s worth more than a tax receipt.

Need Help Clearing Out an Inherited Home? Consider it Handled.