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 LINDA'S APRIL TIPS
A Second Chance for Clutter
To tie into the organization theme of the current issue of Her Home’s print magazine, I’d like to share the following hints to help you curb clutter throughout your
home. These practical suggestions are adapted from Cleaning Plain and Simple by Donna Smallin, published by Storey Publishing.
When you donate things you consider clutter, you give those things a second chance to be useful and valuable once again. Several organizations specialize in the collection of certain types of
things that are very much needed by people in your local community and beyond. Following is a partial list of where to donate what:
Eyeglasses. Donate used prescription eyeglasses and prescription or nonprescription sunglasses to the Lions Recycle for Sight program. Look for a drop-off box at your eye doctor’s
office or the retail store where you shop for eyeglasses. Your glasses will be shipped to regional recycling centers, where they will be cleaned, categorized by prescription, and prepared for
distribution to needy people around the world.
Women’s business clothing. Donate those suits, blouses, and slacks you no longer wear to Dress for Success, an organization that distributes clothing to low-income women
who are trying to get jobs to support themselves and their children. Larger sizes are in high demand. Log on to their website (www.DressforSuccess.org)
to find a drop-off point in your area.
Period clothing. A local theater might love to have your grandfather’s old suits.
Computers. If you have a newer desktop or laptop, you may be able to donate it to the National Cristina Foundation, a nonprofit organization that distributes used systems to
disadvantaged children. For more information, log on their to their website (www.Cristina.org). Techsoup is another nonprofit organization
that accepts donations of working computer equipment (www.TechSoup.org).
Magazines and newspapers. Many schools and other organizations put out dumpsters for collecting magazines, newspapers, and phone books for recycling, which keeps all that paper
out of our already-crowded landfills. You can also take magazines to doctors’ and dentists’ offices, hospitals, and prisons. First, be sure to cut out your address label for protection
of your privacy.
Scrap fabric. Fabric might be useful at a senior citizens’ center, grade school, or community theater.
Books. Books you haven’t read for years can go to a local literary project, library, school, or community center. Or bring a box of books to work to share with coworkers.
Textbooks. Chances are no one wants your used textbooks, including most libraries. However, these might be appreciated at a prison. You may be able to make your donation through
a local church.
Sheets, blankets and towels. Take worn items to an animal shelter. Donate those in better condition to a homeless shelter or a domestic violence shelter.
Home furnishings. Furniture, lamps, wall hangings and artwork of all kinds can be donated to a domestic violence shelter, the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Toys, games and stuffed animals. Donate gently used items to a children’s hospital, domestic violence shelter or community recreation center.
Cell phones. Several organizations collect and recycle used cell phones and then distribute them to victims of domestic violence. Franklin Covey Stores, for one, participate
in the nationwide Donate-a-Phone program. Your local police station might also accept cell phones for the same purpose. Collective Good is another resource for recycling cell phones. Find more
recycling centers by doing a quick online search. (www.CollectiveGood.com)
Excerpted from Cleaning Plain & Simple, Copyright © 2005
Used with permission from Storey Publishing LLC, www.storey.com.
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