I regret to report that this Goodwill has now gone the way of all East Bay Goodwills. Clothing…read moreracks are packed so full they can't be perused and workers roam the aisles, elbowing past you to cram even more shirts onto already over-capacity racks. Customers have to remove clothing from the racks to be able to browse so everything is chaotic and disorganized. You'll go home with your hands reeking of fabuloso. RIP to the last decent goodwill.

Dropping off small quantities of clothes, small furniture, appliances at the University Ave…read morelocation in Berkeley is easy especially if you can access the street front drop off spot on University.

gina anstore rep or manager is the bomb. i purchased a small vacuum and it did not come with the…read morecord to recharge it. i thought easy fix ive got tons of cords at home...to my dismay i couldn't find. brought the vac back to see if infact there cpuld be something.... and the something was gina. .amazing customer svc assisting me with looking through the plethora of inventory and the above approach to support me. and i wanted to add the gent named david. provided great customer svc with the added personalization... ill be back vince the sunday shopper!!!

Just a terrible experience all around. I will never donate here again, and likely never shop here…read moreagain. First, they treated my donations with absolute disrespect and disregard. Although the young man helping to take my donations was friendly and polite, after I specifically pointed out a breakable item, he proceeded to THROW it into a bin and I literally heard a crash as if it had shattered. I really couldn't find the words and so didn't say anything, but really?? Why would I drive all the way down here for you to literally trash my belongings, when I could have thrown them in the trash at home myself with a lot less hassle? How management is allowing this when all Goodwill seems to care about is making money anyway is beyond me. Speaking of which, I don't know how they survive with their inflated prices and run-down, dingy store. Half the shelves in the back were empty (which is bizarre considering I KNOW they are getting a ton of donations - I saw the bins!) and the rest was filled with dirty-looking junk. There might have been some decent clothes, but a lot are overpriced and there's nowhere to try them on anyway (couldn't even find a mirror). Being in there just makes me feel sad. Next time I will literally throw things in the trash before donating here. So done with Goodwill in general. In fact I'd rather call it Ill Will, because that is what it makes me feel.

They POSITIVELY need to Double Bag " Beadable Items " !!!…read more I love this li'l THRIFT STORE, and Especially the " Charitable Causes ' they Support ' !!! Have been shopping wiith them since the Mid '90's in SF !!! Also am not too crazy about the Goodwill in El Cerrito which leaves this Store to browse, Re-use & Re-Cycle !!!!!! Luckily the Cashier warned me to be Extra Careful as I exited the Store having bought 2 Ceramic Plates and 2 Bowls... Maybe Taller Grocery type Handled " Paper Bagd would be Ideal.... From what I've been hearing from merchants locally ' Berkeley has Banned PLASTIC Shopping Bags !!! Their Wares and the Selection are Awesome although ' QUITE STEEP PRICES ' on Used Crockery I thought. Selections are Always Quite Charming & I do hope the Store remains in Business !!!!!! Am a Senior with a DISABILITY, and arriving home the Paper Bag Tore Badly even as I went to retrieve it from the Floorboard of My Car !!! Was a Chore tryin' to " Ascend a Flight of about 12 wooden risers and Guarding the Contents !!! He was kind and thoughtful enough to ask if I'd like the " Crockery " wrapped in Newspaper !!! The 10% Senior Discount helps a lot !!!!! Five Stars for "" SELECTION & 3 for Packagong Breakables = 4 STARS !!! Workers are " Always Polite " !!!!!!

I was in the area and wanted to thrift a bit, I looked up open stores near me and found this spot…read more We were greeted upon entering which I appreciate and there were several people working around the store available for questions. We got there maybe 20 minutes before closing so I didn't get to explore the way I would like, but I really dug the book section. Hard covers are two dollars and soft covers are one dollar. They're arranged by color which I thought was very visually appealing. It was easier to look through the titles that way. I'll be going back soon to check out the store a bit more and I'll update my review accordingly. I'm totally happy with my book purchases.

Over the weekend I had quite the luck. I tend to luck up here often, though not all of the time and…read moreit's definitely been a while. First up, the find of the day was the Kate Spade leather purse. It was untagged and sold to me for $10. It doesn't need much TLC, so I'll call that a come up. The second is the animal print bag by Anthropologie. Calf hair on the outside and though there's some wear, it is so minimal. It was a good find especially because I prefer smaller bags. The tan bag might not be leather, but it was cute and reminded me of simpler times so I got it. It's an easy book bag or something to throw a kindle/iPad in and head out. Lastly is the Abbott Vintage leatherwork bag. Practically new and $6.99. I've come here over the years and have lucked up on bags, sometimes shoes, and usually coats or blazers. I'll continue to come back as long as they're here, though I lucked up so good that it might be a while. Oh wait... all clothing is $2.99 January 23 & 24. I just might be back sooner than later!

Eekkkkk I'm so sorry to have to post this but this thrift store feels dirty. The streets feel…read moredirty, the entrance is dirty, inside it's like you're in a dirty basement. In all fairness, there was an employee vigorously wiping down all the shelves. Won't be coming back.

Help fund a much-needed new building for Berkeley Humane (5/5 Green Stars)…read moreIn early November, the Berkeley Humane opened a second thrift store - right here in the Elmwood! I was already a fan of the Solano store - I think it's one of the nicest thrift shops in Berkeley. This branch is smaller but it's really focused on the nicest things, arranged beautifully. If you've never wandered into a thrift store and have reservations about going in, then start right here. Many items are brand new, with tags still attached, and I think the prices are reasonable, considering this. A large portion of the clothes are women's (although that hasn't stopped me shopping for a winter jacket) but there is also a small men's section behind the changing room. Check out the cool collection of Christmas ornaments, right now! 100% of proceeds benefit the Berkeley Humane nonprofit - particularly to help fund a new building that they need after a fire in 2010 destroyed a large part of their building on 9th and Carlton. As you may know, back in the 1970s, the BH made a commitment that no healthy or treatable shelter animals in the Society's care would be euthanized. It's amazing that the BH got started almost 120 years ago - in 1905, the Berkeley branch of the SPCA was set up with a mission to improve conditions at the "pound" (which were reportedly not good at the time). The current facility on 9th and Carlton was acquired all the way back in 1933. The new building will be named the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC), and will include a veterinary medical hospital and adoption center and will include more services for people with pets who might be in need of a little extra support. It will feature significantly enlarged space for cat adoptions, including several "catios" that will provide felines with natural light and fresh air. Berkeley Humane is a private non-profit organization that does not receive government funding, so community support is essential to its mission. I'm giving the Berkeley Humane Thrift shop 5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. This takes very little explaining. Buying clothes and other items from thrift shops is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint and improve your social impact. You are avoiding the production of new materials, with all problems of the fast-fashion-driven textile industry. At the same time you are supporting a nonprofit that has taken care of local neglected or abandoned animals for more than a century. This year, Berkeley Humane will have over $400,000 in expenses to medically prepare over 1,000 animals for adoption. Your support will save lives.

Wonderful collection with something for everyone. I love browsing here and nearly always find a…read morefew nice things for myself or a gift for a friend.

Likely best free Bay area breakfast oatmeal/grits…read more Likely best free Bay area macaroni and cheese. Though likely dependant of cook. You may complain garbage bins everywhere but, there is recycling and compost. IMPORTANT. Right outside, Farmer's Market.

their breakfast usually suck, but their lunches are top notch. Thank you for everything!read more

The only problem I have about El Cerrito Recycling Center is the parking spaces. I am horrible on…read morereversing my car and aligning with the space. Am I going to give El Cerrito Recycling Center a bad review...NO! I was able to recycle used motor oil, regular AA/AAA batteries, Bluetooth Speakers, Computer monitors, Computer towers, printers, scanners, perhaps anything I am allowed to recycle at this location. I have been going to the El Cerrito Recycling Center since 1998. This place has gone through a lot of changes especially the parking spaces (yes I will continuing mention that). Thankfully nobody has DARE to trash this location and it is a good thing that they manage to keep the area in great condition. Keep the great work!

Wonderful place to take stuff you need to get rid off…read more I finally got out here with some long fluorescent bulbs that have been in our garage for years and some printer cartridges. It's getting harder and harder to find places that take things like regular batteries, big bulbs and stuff like that but this place takes everything. It's really a well designed place - big giant half circle with all the bins you leave stuff with big signs. I couldn't figure out where to take the bulbs and some guy helped me right away. One thing my wife found out to be great - they take old planters - the things you put plants in. She's been leaving those out for people to take in front of our house and still has a lot. This place takes those. I wish I knew they took books too (just got rid of some old books). Great place and well run.

Any business that supports the health care, education welfare and safety of animals is a go to for…read moreme. Not only do I shop here...all my donations go directly to this Animal Charity Shop as well. As I am told...the thrift store in Albany and (the Elmwood, Berkeley store) are run by a few paid staff members and the rest of the work is by an incredible team of volunteers. The stores always look great, are very well organized, and the staff and volunteers are all very nice! Thank you all who support these stores for helping the animals.

My husband had a few bags of men's dress shirt, casual button down shirts, jackets, and slacks…read more They were very appreciative to receive the donation and said they were in need of more men's clothing. In the meantime, I was able to look at the women's clothing. I have purchased women's tops from this business before. They have a limited but great selection of women's clothing.

Walked in was greeted right away! Now those that know! That is an Aplus!…read more The same lady that was working her bins off! Complimented my daughter on her dress! Now that makes a persons day. Off to the cashier! She was the most funniest, sweetest lady ever! We will be back. My baby girl found a million good finds!

This is a strange Goodwill--very expensive and also extremely messy/chaotic inside…read more I give them points for having an outlet so you can test your electronics before purchase. I was overcharged for an item I did not buy, or something was scanned incorrectly, but I'll have to return either way to settle it. There is a parking lot but the spaces are tiny and the setup is weird.

Bay Area Rescue Mission provides real value through the services they offer to the community. I…read morepersonally referred someone there, and they were very helpful, especially in assisting a woman in her 80s. The staff showed patience, respect, and genuine care. It's reassuring to see an organization that truly follows through and supports people when they need it most.

Review is for volunteering experience:…read more This year, my work team decided to volunteer at the Richmond Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM). I did not know much about BARM, other than they do offer meals to the needy and are a Christian-faith organization. We had no idea what we'll be helping with on the day of arrival. Our entire group of 12 or so did have to pass a COVID Antigen test before entering. Our event turned out to be kitchen duties, like you read about in Kitchen Confidential or from cooking reality shows. Everyone was super friendly, but you feel the adrenalin of working hard in a commercial kitchen. You work as a team and you work safely, since you got hot surfaces, sharp objects, boiling liquids and occasionally wet floor everywhere. My main task was dishwasher, which brings back memories of my first job. Scrape, Rinse, Sanitize and dry! Those high-powered Hobart washing machines make cleanup a snap. The feel of the nozzle is great as it blasts away all food scraps. Wish I had these at home! My next task was helping cutting up some 30-50 pounds of chicken breast for a marinade. The chef was planning to make some coconut-curry soup so he occasionally dumped Five-Spice and Chili Sauce as we cut. Those Dexter Chef Knifes were super sharp and the blade was something like 10" to 12" long, like a short sword. I thought my home 6" Henckels Chef Knife was sharp but those Dexter knives were on a different level. At the end, I can show my blisters proudly. My other colleagues served food to customers, cooked, diced vegetables, cracked dozens of eggs, unloaded a delivery truck, and moved things to the freezers. They got some high-quality produce here from Costco, Sprouts, and Trader Joes, and some of it organic! Highly recommend considering BARM if you're interested in volunteering some time. Being in a commercial kitchen was also fun since you experience what its like to be part of the machine that cranks out food. Everyone had a role to play to make it possible to crank out 50-100 meals per shift.