Receiver guide: how to request donated items on My Joy of Giving

How to request a donated item, step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Find an item near you

   Browse donations and use the category and location filters to see what is available in your city.

2. 2

   Step 2: Sign in and open the item

   Open the donation to see its photos, condition, quantity and area. You need to be signed in to send a request.

3. 3

   Step 3: Send your request

   Write a short message, enter the quantity you need and say who it is for. You cannot request your own donation, and only one request can be active on an item at a time.

4. 4

   Step 4: Wait for the owner to accept

   You can send up to 5 requests a day (verified NGOs are not limited). Donors can keep up to 3 open requests for someone else. When the owner accepts, you can see their contact details.

5. 5

   Step 5: Collect the item and confirm

   Agree on a pickup time with the owner, collect the item and confirm that you received it from your requests page.

6. 6

   Step 6: Request surplus food too

   Receivers can also request food listed on the Food Rescue board. You can hold up to 2 open food pickups at a time, so collect one before you request another.

7. 7

   Step 7: Keep track of your requests

   Your dashboard lists every request with its current status, so you can see whether it is pending, accepted, expired or completed.