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Community Corner

What To Do With All That Stuff

Now that clean up day and the rummage sale are over, where to donate leftover items for a good cause?

Whether it's that you love to save or hate to throw away, it's for certain that years go by and one day your house is filled with a deluge of items you no longer need—many of which you have no idea how they got there.

Now, there are some homeowners who foresee this seasonal crisis and start planning their spring clean up before the groundhog emerges from its burrow.  By the time clean-up day occurs in Bedford, all superfluous items have been packed away for easy drop-off at their intended destination.

But that's not the case for many people and clean-up days come and go and they're left to wonder:  What can we do with all of this stuff?

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We thankfully live in an extremely philanthropic community so there are several places where one can donate their belongings—for a good cause. Donations to the Career Closet go to men and women leaving welfare to enter the workforce, and all net proceeds from the Chappaqua Discovery Shop benefit the American Cancer Society.

Twigs Thrift Shop has been donating all of their net proceeds to the Northern Westchester Hospital for over 45 years. According to Mary Santore, President of Twigs, the shop has raised over $2.7 million dollars so far and this year will present a check for over $70,000 to the hospital.   

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Laura Kaplan, co-president of the Community Center of Northern Westchester, noted that "last year alone the center collected and sorted over 150,000 pounds of donated items." The Center clients can "shop" twice a month for clothing and it is all free of charge.  

"In 2009, more than 700 families shopped each month at the Center," said Kaplan.

There are also several organizations that will pick up clothing and furniture donations at the donor's place of residence.  The Salvation Army, Family Services of Westchester and the Lupus Foundation are just a few of the charities that offer pick up service.

Not sure if the organization you wish to donate to is legit? A useful tool for researching charities is www.GuideStar.org, which provides free information for over 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations.

Most organizations have criteria for donations and it's best to call ahead to confirm drop-off hours and acceptable donation items. Also, certain laws apply to the tax deductibility of donations so one should always consult a tax professional regarding their particular items.

Community Center of Northern Westchester

84 Bedford Road, Katonah

914-232-6572

Clean, gently-used seasonal clothing, shoes and linens for all ages. Currently in need of prom attire for both boys and girls. Center cannot accept undergarments, bathing suits, books, toys or stuffed animals.

Katonah Women's Civic Club Thrift Shop

71 Bedford Road, Katonah

914-232-3010

Books, bric-a-brac, in-season clothing, household items, jewelry and toys.

Twigs Thrift Shop

449 Lexington Avenue, Mount Kisco

914-666-6557

All season clothing, shoes, handbags, books, china and household items. All net proceeds benefit Northern Westchester Hospital.

Chappaqua Discovery Shop

400 King Street, Chappaqua

914-238-4900

New and gently used in-season clothing on hangers, jewelry, bric-a-brac, china, crystal, artwork, lamps, brand new toys, small appliances and small, non-upholstered furniture.  Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Career Closet

Briarcliff Congregational Church

30 South State Road Briarcliff Manor

914-944-1472

Interview-appropriate clothing for men and women leaving welfare to enter the workforce.

Drop off is on Saturday mornings; call for dates and times.

Furniture Sharehouse

Building #3
Loop Road, 
Westchester County Airport 
White Plains

914-834-1294

Gently used furniture and household items, such as beds, tables, lamps, and sofas. Also in need of items for babies, such as cribs, strollers, and high chairs.

Goodwill

Collection bins behind Katonah A&P or drop items off at the retail store located at 80 Route 6, Somers

914-621-0781, www.goodwillny.org

New and gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, household items and toys.

Salvation Army

800-728-7825

Call to schedule pick up or to find out the nearest drop off location.

Clothing, furniture and household items.

 Vietnam Veterans of America

www.pickupplease.org

800-775-VETS

Visit www.pickupplease.org/Acceptable-Donations for a list of acceptable items.

Lupus Foundation of American

www.LupusPickUp.org

651-748-0400

Visit www.lupuspickup.org to schedule pick up and for a list of acceptable items.

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