Donate, Don't Dispose
Instead of throwing away books, unwanted household items in working order, clothes, bikes, building supplies and other reusable things, consider donating them first.
Baby and Household Items: Lowell Wish Project helps more than 91 non-profit agencies in the Merrimack Valley get needed goods for their low-income clients.
Books: Cary Memorial Library accepts gently used books for re-sale. All proceeds will benefit town library programs and services. Information about donating to the library can be found at: http://www.carylibrary.org/aboutus/fr_booksale.html or please call (781) 862-6288 x144 or email friends@carylibrary.org.
Hands Across the Water seeks to reuse and conserve books by taking the surplus of books in the United States and giving them to people in Third World countries free of charge. A book drop-off is located at St. Brigid's Church in Lexington. For more information about this charity go to:http://www.surplusbooksforcharity.org/ or call (781) 438-4051.
Bicycles: Bikes not Bombs, a non-profit organization located in Roxbury, is working to promote community development and alternative transportation. Donated bikes are shipped to third world countries and used locally to train young people as bicycle mechanics. Kids can also build/recondition a bike through the Earn-A-Bike program. Part of the program involves the kids participating in community service (617) 442-0004. Solutions at Work reconditions every bike they give away to homeless or needy people. They also acceptbike parts, locks, chains, and helmets, (617) 576-0039. Another option is to bring the bike to the Lexington Compost Facility scrap metal area.
Building Materials: Homeowners and contractors can donate good quality used and surplus building materials to Building Materials Resource Center. Save on disposal fees and earn tax deductions. Call (617) 442-8917 to schedule a pick-up. Visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website for more options and information.
Children's Clothing, Baby Equipment and Toys: Solutions at Work barters used children's and baby clothes and other items with families in need. (617) 576-0039
Furniture: To arrange a pickup of furniture and other items at your home call Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (617) 423-9162 x101, Second Time Around toll free (866) 768-3325, St. Vincent DePaul (800) 675-2882, or the Salvation Army (617) 542-5420.
Household Goods: Bring items in good condition like clothing, linens, household goods, etc. to the Goodwill trailer behind Walgreens on Bedford St. Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sneakers: Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program collects old sneakers of any brand. This program grinds up the shoes and uses them in the surfacing of playgrounds and athletic courts in underprivileged communities. See the website for details on where you can drop off or mail your old sneakers.
Vehicles: Many non-profit organizations accept donated vehicles. The person donating the vehicle also gets a tax deduction. Special Olympics Habitat for Humanity Other Charities
Women's and Men's Professional Clothing: Dress for Success provides career attire to low-income women seeking employment. Accepts donations of used professional clothing items and accessories that are in good condition. (617) 323-7544 Solutions at Work accepts donations of used professional clothing for both men and women seeking employment. (617) 576-0039
Your Trash is another Person's Treasure: Use websites such as FreeCycle or Craig's List to get rid of your unwanted household items.
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