My sisters 65th birthday was a few weeks ago and I wanted to make my present memorable so was able to make a donation in her name! She was so touched by this because she received a nice note from A Wider Circle explaining what the group did and who they helped. A thoughtful organization! read more

A wonderful place to donate. They make good use of the items (which they need is listed on their website), supplied directly to immigrants and those who are formerly homeless. Extremely efficient and pleasant drop-off of items. read more

Furniture, kitchen items, professional clothing are accepted and provided for FREE to refugees, people running from abusers and formerly homeless people who now have a place to live, but not funds to furnish the home. They only accept certain items, so know that you'll need to add a few more stops to donate all the items you may have. Goodwill Rockville, MD, will accept most items that A Wider Circle cannot use. https://dcgoodwill.org/locations/rockville-maryland-store-donation-center/ Montgomery Friends of the Library, Rockville, MD, can accept large numbers of books and is in the same strip mall as the Goodwill Rockville, MD, so an easy stop for you/your movers to donate books to find new homes. https://www.folmc.org/ Lions Clubs in Maryland each have free lending libraries of medical devices. https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/club-locator read more

Miss Thelma and Ms. Louise are amazing. With exemplary customer service but also exemplary people. The values of this business really is seen in its work. read more

Preparing for a move across country is daunting enough. Being able to bring items that are in very good condition but not necessarily worth hauling across the US to Wider Circle was a WIN. I greatly appreciated the staffer " under the umbrella" at the entrance who directed me. But the team at the unloading dock... they were helpful, incredibly gracious, and were genuinely appreciative. Thank you for a great donation process. read more

This place is awesome. If you have furniture or household items that you want to donate, I would suggest bringing it to A Wider Circle. The volunteers are outstanding. The CEO sleeps on a couch because he believes it isn't fair to have a plush bed when so many people are struggling. How amazing is that? Hubby helps collect furniture and household items and delivers it to the warehouse. The organization is wonderful. They help those in need. It can be confusing finding the entrance but there are volunteers who stand outside to guide you in. read more

I have taken items to this Organization and they are fantastic! People help with heavy items. I like their Mission and recommend them to friends. read more

An excellent organization. I have donated to them for many years. They have found a home for furniture, furnishings, pots & pans, gently used clothing fir dress fir success. In turn A Wider Circle helps those in need to furnish their new homes, and a step up. I highly recommend A Wider Circle read more

I do social work in the area and have referred clients to A Wider Circle through 3 different local organizations over the past 5 years. The staff is always kind, knowledgeable and very helpful and they provide a much needed service to the community. The selection of things is always varied as they depend on donations, however there was a wide variety of good quality furniture and household items when I visited today. They were a little light on beds, though that is something I'm sure they struggle with often as donated mattresses in good and sanitary condition are hard to come by. As for the reviewer that mentioned a long wait for an appointment, I know that occasionally this can be trying. The need in our community is great and relying on the public to donate can mean that sometimes the need is greater than the supply. I personally have never had an appointment take more than a few weeks following a referral. I always recommend donating to A Wider Circle when I have friends that are moving or replacing furnishings and consistently refer my consumers when they have need. Keep up the good work, guys! read more

A Wider Circle - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

See all

Really exceptional and professional service. I had some furniture that I needed to get moved out in a hurry. Despite the fact that they were slammed because of end-of-the-year giving, they managed to find an appointment to come and get my unwanted furniture within the timeframe I needed. They arrived exactly within the time-frame they stated they would, and were polite and appreciative of the donation. read more

The number one spot in town to donate. Here, you know your donation will sure go people who really need it, unlike other place where to owner pocket the profit. Once you visit the place you will see the high quality of a business these good people are running. read more

Well-organized and friendly furniture/household goods donation service with a wonderful mission: "We redistribute furniture and home goods to individuals and families transitioning out of homeless situations... Once a piece of furniture is donated, it leaves our warehouse and enters a client's home in 1-2 days." Wow! I've donated to A Wider Circle four times so far over the course of about six years, and definitely will again in the future. (Three times, they picked up at my home; once, they came to my storage area.) They've gratefully accepted everything from a large sectional sofa to lamps and toasters, and they've been great about picking them up on time and efficiently getting things out of my home and on their way. They're more careful than some movers I've used, without nary a scuff on a wall. They provide a receipt so you can itemize your donations for a tax deduction. Win-win! Be smart and check ahead of time about what they accept and what they don't. Also, please really do consider the dignity of those you're trying to help, and only donate things that are in good shape. Keep in mind that if AWC's volunteers show up and your intended donations aren't on their list of accepted items, or aren't in good shape, they won't take them. Partly, that's out of respect for the recipients; partly, it's so it doesn't cost the charity money to pay dump fees for crummy, unusable stuff. Also, plan ahead - they schedule pick-ups pretty far in advance at busier times of the year. As they say on their website, poverty is the responsibility of us all. Make a difference! read more

This place is wonderful. Wider Circle helps many many people who are struggling, so for those who complain about long wait times, you must understand that they simply do not have enough for everyone. They run off of grants and donations, and must organize truckloads of donations and clean all of the softly used furniture etc to make sure customers can shop with integrity. The people who work here are quite frankly overworked and underpaid, so they've got some volunteer programs available for people who enjoy serving their communities! Very nice staff and such an amazing organization. I hope they continue to grow! read more

I don't know about the person that FELT they got burned but I visited this place and they were helping numerous families and they had great staff that was very polite and friendly while making sure several times if things were ok. The only true negative I saw which isn't their fault is the location, here is no easy handicap access as it is a warehouse like facility with stairs two different metal stairs. If you see this review and have furniture you are done using and want to get rid of. First stop immediately and call A Wider Circle so they can give it to people who need it and recycle those goods you no longer need!!!!! read more

I am so lucky that a colleague of mine told me about a Wider Circle. The person who assisted me was Adam. He is very friendly and punctual. He helped me prepare for interviews and improve my cover letter and CV. His tips were very helpful that one month later, I got my dream job! I am so grateful for a Wider circle. I had an excellence service for free! Those people are the best! read more

The Wider Circle is absolutely AWESOME! It's hands down one of the best community outreach services and help for those who need it most.

We asked to pick our beds and chest of drawers up from home. They arrived on time and did the job very carefully. I am very impressed for their diligence and professionalism. The whole experience was very pleasant. read more

Sadly I can't recommend this charity anymore. I've given in the past, but this time I tried to donate furniture, I got a a snippy response from Alison in their donation pick-up dept. I'd filled out the online request, went through the trouble of taking, emailing, downsizing and uploading photos as requested. Hearing nothing, I called them and was told 'It takes 24-48 hours to process a request', Great! Put that right on the web page so people won't be left hanging. Then I was told, we're scheduling in your area (DC, so not the hinterlands) in 3 months. OK, that would be nice to know too. How much effort does it take to keep relevant information up to date on a website? Especially when you depend on donations? Pick another charity, they don't deserve your donation. read more

Fantastic volunteer experience. Founder of the organization is smart and knows what he is doing. He connects to all, and has a passion that is infectious. I've donated professional suits in excellent condition and feel heartened they will go to good use. read more

LOVE their mission and emphasis on affirming dignity through the quality resources and furnishings that they provide to individuals and families escaping homelessness and housing insecurity. That said, I was a bit disappointed in their in-kind donation process, transparency, and follow-up. I was in the process of moving and had a beautiful wooden dresser that had been gently loved on for many years in my family that we were ready to part with and see on to a good home. I submitted the requested information and awaited for follow-up which started out very responsive. Upon describing the dresser I was asked to submit photos so that they could better gauge whether the dresser fit their "dignity condition" standards (in a quality that we, ourselves, would want in our new home) and would be something of interest to their clients. Once I submitted the photos via email, I failed to hear back from them for several days and after some prodding on my end, I FINALLY received a call-back only to be told that the dresser was too tall and that their clients likely wouldn't be able to transport it themselves -a stipulation that is nowhere mentioned on their website and would have been incredibly helpful to know upfront. For an organization whose mission is to alleviate the barriers of poverty by, in part, helping financially-vulnerable clients gain stability, to put the onus on clients to transport the furniture items themselves seems like a significant barrier that many without access to vehicles would not be able to surmount. Additionally, I was told that aside from beds, dressers are the second most requested item and yet how many quality-made dressers can really fit in a standard-sized car? I still love the mission and really appreciate the services that A Wider Circle is providing but would recommend that they 1.) be more upfront with prospective donors on their website about the restrictions they place on furniture donations (by mentioning that they require clients to transport their own furnishings and thus they need to be small enough to fit in a standard car), and 2.) reform said-current policy requiring clients to provide their own transport for these furnishings and, instead, provide a delivery option that allows their clients to truly access the "best" and not "throw-away" quality pieces that they so eloquently discourage against in their dignity condition statement. read more

This place is great! I actually just got back from dropping off my donation today. The people are super nice and very helpful. They accepted my very old chest drawer, even though most of the handles had fallen off. I'm so grateful they were able to take it off my hands, especially since all the other organizations I called wouldn't even accept it. I highly recommend this place, especially if you're struggling to find an organization that will accept worn furniture. read more

I have donated goods over many years and have always been pleased by the appreciation of the volunteers greeting me or picking up. The amount of homes furnished yearly now, over 4000, is amazing. Mark Bergel and his staff have deep and compassionate understanding of the needs of the poor. Recently I was amazed to visit the warehouse to see it bright and clean and welcoming. It is a charity that continues to expand thoughtfully its services as it evaluates the needs of the people it serves. read more

I was surprised to find that there was a three month backlog to donate furniture. I didn't know 3 months ago that I would be moving! It's too bad, since I know this group does great work, and they were my first choice for donation! read more

Hello to all, To Murangi M., I say to you that it is very possible you had a bad experience on your day. My experience with this organization has been nothing but position from day one of the experience. I found this organization through a charity fair as we were seeking to highlight an organization that provides outreach assistance to the community. What I found was an organization this is caring, professional and busy, more than likely because of the nature of their services. Each pick-up from my home has been professional and certainly a blessing to the many people who are in need. I found this organization to be a much better than a solution of donating to a thrift shop that re-sells items for outrageous prices! These folks take pride in their service to others. Thanks to "A Wider Circle" for making the experience of filling a home a loving experience. read more

First time referring a client for a furniture donation. The pick up appointment was scheduled for 12pm however there was no one at the desk labeled appointment check-in. Once I'm finally able to speak with someone I find out there's an additional check in step that I have to complete where they ask for the same information that was submitted on the referral form. Once they finally bring up the furniture it is 1:30 pm and I'm told there are still 2-3 families in front of me. I'm heated at this point and the poor employee assigned to me is doing her best to move things alone and keep me calm. There's absolutely no point in scheduling an appointment for clients if they are not going to stick to a schedule. I will be utilizing other resources for clients in the future. read more

This company is one that is supposed to be non profit whose purpose is to help the needy, the homeless, destitute and those that are starting over from scratch. I must say that my experience with these people has been under whelming. One of the ladies I spoke to on the phone was actually short with me and i understand shes the company director. I was homeless, sleeping in my car, couch surfing and staying in hostels from time to time, someone referred me to this place once I got a place and they told me that I had to wait for 6 months before I could even go in there to see if there was furniture I could use. I wasn't even asking for much but a bed, chair and desk. I told the lady that I just moved in and that im sleeping on the floor and she still said to wait 6 ms...only that she doesnt know that one of the volunteers there is a friend and had already confirmed to me that there was more than enough to help a couple of families. This is not a company I would recommend and if you go there, I hope your experience is different than mine!! read more

They do good work in setting up homeless persons in decent housing. And if you want to donate something small enough to transport yourself, it's fine. However, if you would like to donate furniture or any large item that would need to be picked up, heaven help you! The wait for a pick-up is 6-8 weeks. You read that right. 6-8 weeks. I wanted to give them 2 large items since I am facing a real estate transaction. In 6-8 weeks, I don't know if I will still be living here, much less available to wait for them. I really wanted their clients to have these items but the long wait time is totally unacceptable and I'm so disappointed. read more

One of my employment counselors told me about A Wider Circle (in Silver Spring Maryland) for obtaining outfits suitable for job interviews and helped refer me to a specialist. Hopefully, the ladies who helped me are fine with me sharing that I did enjoy the quality care and concern shown to me in selecting outfits for me and being truthful with me on which clothes looked presentable for my bodyshape. The range of clothes and accessories would have easily cost me at least over 200-300 dollars due to my bodysize, because of the high quality clothes selected for me just as three suit jackets that have pink, black, and the third one having gray with stripes in addition to two formal black pants, in addition to more nice clothes given to me (it is just that I'm unsure what I'm allowed to reveal). The women helping me to select the clothes were very approachable and compassionate. An appointment was necessary due to the extremely high demand for their services. I'm also grateful because currently my clothes budget mainly allows me just to shop at Burlington Clothing Factory or the nearby Value Village thrift store for my clothing budget. However, the caveat is that my clothing size in the formal clothes frequently sells out even at those stores, which leaves only a certain amount of clothes for my budget and bodysize. Fortunately, the job interview clothing help at A Wider Circle is a godsend because the women are completely honest yet also tactful when sharing how an outfit looks on the person being helped but also generously giving enough job interview clothes that helps a person out in case they are going to job fairs and/or job interviews more than one day out of the week. read more

I want to thank god that I hear about A Wider Circle back in high school. I want to say that the people there makes you feel welcome and help others that is in need. The classes help so much and I can't not explain how great full I am and that I still keep in touch with them. So please if you are the people that is in need, then don't be afraid to ask for help at A Wider Circle they love us all and would do their best for each and everyone of you. Thank you everyone for all your love and support. God please bless them all each and everyone of them. read more

I went by yesterday for the first time to help transport some furniture for a person in need. The several staff members I met were all helpful, friendly and compassionate. It was also obvious that this is a very busy charity and their hard work should be rewarded with patience. read more

I am writing this review right after two A Wider Circle employees left my house. They picked up my mattresses navigating my cramped basement skillfully. They were very polite and enthusiastic. As VERY few non-profit organizations take mattresses, I am happy to say that they not only provide this valuable service but also deliver good customer service as well. With this experience and a background in non-profit work, I feel comfortable encouraging others to either drop off or schedule a pick up for mattresses and other house hold items with A Wider CIrcle. Thanks for the great work guys! read more