One thing to consider ... I worked with an extension teacher who did classes every year. She always commented on how hard the new sewers were on the machine. There was always something she was working on to keep them going. Not necessarily major but issues with tension, misthreading that caused jams, etc. A more "mature" machine that is donated might be better built than the new low end machines. And, no repair with walmart or joanns.
Things to consider,