This is such a great time to start organizing and cleaning out our closets, drawers and storage, which feels so great! Now, what to do with all this stuff, where do you get rid of things that are still good, but you no longer need? Who can use my unwanted stuff? I have some ideas to share with you that you might not have thought about before.

Donate Baby items and Baby clothes plus Toddler clothes and toys: The crisis pregnancy centers and local woman’s shelter can use your good, clean clothes and baby items. Also, great for your maternity clothes . Of course there are many resale stores where you can receive credit for your clothes and find larger sizes for your little ones at the same time.

Donate Pet food, pet toys and dog and cat treats: You can donate these to your local pet rescue (find them with a simple online search or go to your pet store and ask), your local animal center or animal shelter or boarding and grooming business. They love to have old blankets and newspaper also!

Recycle Readable Magazines and Newspapers (and Books): Give them to a nursing home, senior centers, hospital or women’s shelter. Newspapers are sometimes welcome there as well, if not check the pet idea above.

Donate Craft supplies, art paper and art supplies: Again senior centers, nursing homes, hospitals or women’s shelters or try after school programs in your area.Ask your church if they need the supplies for craft time.

Donate Career and Business Clothing: Give someone assistance in improving themselves by providing clothing for their job interviews. Locate your local community assisting programs and donate those good business attire pieces (jewlery, shoes, purses as well as seperates).

Reuse Eyeglasses: Give to the Lions Club for Recycle for Sight program online or check with your eye care center.

Recycle Computers: The National Cristina Foundation places refurbished computers in educational and training organizations for people who have special needs or are economically disadvantaged. Information on how to donate and the many types of computer equipment they accept is on their web site.

Recycle Cell Phones: Put those cell phones to good use again by donating your old cell phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Make a difference for a soldier and their family by helping our soldiers serving overseas to call home. Check out the various options for donating a phone and assisting with this encouraging program.

I am sure you have many household items to recycle and donate, get creative and think of those in your community who could use the encouragement of your donation. It is always good to give!