Frequently Asked Questions about SPARE

  • SPARE (Sustainable Provisions for Arts, Reuse & Enrichment) is a nonprofit creative reuse store in Marin County focused on keeping arts, crafts, sewing, and making supplies in circulation instead of heading to landfill. We make donated materials affordable and accessible while creating a better way to shop—curated, useful, and community-centered.

  • SPARE is itself a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Right now, proceeds go directly back into keeping the shop running—rent, utilities, supplies, and the day-to-day costs of operating the store.

    Our first priority is building a sustainable community resource that keeps quality creative materials affordable and accessible while reducing waste. As we grow, we’ve also begun gradually supporting other community projects that align with our mission of arts access, education, and reuse.

  • We accept clean, usable arts, crafts, sewing, knitting, quilting, paper arts, jewelry-making, and creative materials that still have life in them.

    This includes things like:

    • Fabric, yarn, thread, notions

    • Sewing tools and machines

    • Beads, jewelry supplies

    • Paint, brushes, canvases

    • Paper crafts and stationery

    • Knitting, crochet, embroidery supplies

    • Craft books and how-to books

  • We generally do not accept:

    • Broken or heavily damaged items

    • Moldy, musty, or pest-damaged materials

    • Incomplete puzzles or heavily used kits

    • Old chemicals, dried paint, or unsafe materials

    • Household goods unrelated to creative reuse

    • Clothing (unless it’s vintage textiles, trims, or fabric-worthy)

    We reserve the right to decline donations based on condition, storage limits, and current needs.

  • We accept donations during store hours:

    Tuesday–Saturday
    10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    For small, easy-to-carry donations, you can simply stop by during store hours.

    For larger donations—multiple tubs, boxes, furniture, or anything that takes more time to unload—please call ahead so we can coordinate.

  • Yes—but not in the usual sense.

    SPARE is a curated creative reuse shop. Many items are brand new and unopened. Most items are priced well below retail, typically 40–60% less than buying new.

    The goal is simple: before you buy new, check SPARE first.

  • Yes. Supporting teachers has been one of our core missions from the beginning.

    We offer a 15% teacher discount for classroom and personal creative use purchases. Please ask at checkout for current details.

  • Yes. SPARE is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations may be tax deductible as allowed by law. We’re happy to provide a donation receipt upon request.

  • Yes. We regularly work with volunteers who help with sorting donations, organizing inventory, merchandising, events, and keeping the shop running.

    If you're interested, stop by Tuesday–Friday between 10 AM and 12 PM to chat and learn more.

  • We’re located at 324 Sir Francis Drake, Blvd in San Anselmo, CA. Visit our Contact page for more information about our location.

  • Because the current system encourages overbuying, waste, and throwing away perfectly good materials.

    We believe creative supplies should stay in use, not sit forgotten in closets or end up in landfill. SPARE helps recirculate what already exists—making art more affordable, more accessible, and less wasteful for everyone.