Where to Donate Unwanted Items

Daniel Borochoff
http://www.charitywatch.org/

Most people know that they can give unwanted items to Goodwill and the Salvation Army, but there are other, smaller charities that make use of specific items, including...

Children's and teen's books. Reader to Reader (413-256-8595, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/5CNY4/MQ/h/) gives them to schools.

Prescription eyeglasses. Give the Gift of Sight (513-765-6000, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/5CNY7/MQ/h/) sends used glasses to developing countries. Drop them at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical, BJ's Optical, Sunglass Hut or Lions Club.

Cell phones and rechargeable batteries. Call2Recycle (877-273-2925, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/WLYZH/MQ/h/) refurbishes and resells them, and part of the proceeds goes to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Drop-off sites: Best Buy, Lowe's, Sears and Target.

Coats. One Warm Coat (877-663-9276, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/72PEV/MQ/h/) distributes outerwear to those in need.

Musical instruments. Hungry for Music (202-479-2810, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/UUK21/MQ/h/) distributes used musical instruments to underprivileged children.

Computers. National Cristina Foundation (203-863-9100, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/GK6PK/MQ/h/) gives laptops, desktops and printers to nonprofit agencies.

Business clothing. Career Gear (212-577-6190, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/OJ783/MQ/h/) provides clothing for job interviews to low-income men. Dress for Success (212-532-1922, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/6V3I5/MQ/h/) does the same for women.

Gowns and shoes. Fairy Godmothers Inc. (215-675-9391, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/40FD2/MQ/h/) gives dresses and shoes to needy high school girls for their proms.

Luggage. Suitcases for Kids (203-877-0300, http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/r/JSH68Q/XUQG/69SOZ/IYL9D/ZBQ5V/MQ/h/) gathers luggage for foster children who move from home to home.

http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/