Recycling Services : Charities Give New Life to Donors’ Worthy Castoffs
We all outgrow clothes, books, furniture, children’s items and household goods that once contributed to our life styles. Althtough we don’t want the items, it seems inappropriate to throw away perfectly serviceable things that other people can use.
Donating the items to charity is a logical answer. But those efforts can be complicated because costs, safety, space limitations, state regulations and resale or serviceability value make many charities somewhat particular about what they will take. So call ahead.
When donating items, make a list for tax purposes, and box or bag the items neatly. Charities that provide pickup services require a few days’ notice. As a starting point, here is a sampling of 10 charities accepting used items:
St. Vincent de Paul--Since 1954, St. Vincent de Paul has operated a single-men’s center in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles, offering lunches and showers for up to 400 men and providing nighttime cots for 70 men. Although appreciative of donations of all kinds, they cannot accept badly damaged or soiled furniture or bedding or broken appliances. For pickup information, call (213) 221-6191 or (818) 907-1918.
Goodwill--As a part of a work-training program, Goodwill employs the disabled to refurbish donated items that are sold through Goodwill’s thrift shops. Goodwill maintains attended stations for drop-off donations (where receipts for the items also are given), or call for a truck pickup. Goodwill cannot take large appliances (such as refrigerators) and sofas. Call (213) 223-1211 for the nearest donation station; to schedule a truck pickup, call (213) 222-5131.
Para Los Ninos--This family social service agency serves destitute urban families who live on Skid Row and downtown Los Angeles, as well as homeless and transient families. It is interested in clothing for men, women and children; sports equipment; art supplies; bikes; toys; children’s books; household goods; linens, and non-perishable food items. Personal hygiene items and clothing suitable for job interviews are also welcome. No truck pickup service is available, but for special circumstances, the agency’s program van may make a pickup. Information: Emma Hernandez at (213) 623-8446, or bring donation to 845 E. 6th St., Los Angeles.
Glendale YWCA--Donated items are sold through the YWCA’s thrift shop, located on the Y premises and staffed by volunteers. Proceeds help support four day care centers, a shelter for battered women and their children, a literacy program and a health-and-fitness program that includes classes for the handicapped. Space is limited, so the Y is looking for clothing, small household items, jewelry and toys. Deliver the goods directly to the YWCA at 735 E. Lexington Ave., Glendale. No pickup service available. Information: (818) 242-4155.
Transition House--Transition House is a shelter that also provides group counseling, AA meetings and job-readiness training. The shelter will benefit most from donations of clean clothing, shoes and personal hygiene items for men and women. Underwear and clothes for job-hunting is needed, as is women’s larger-sized clothing. A van may make pickups. Donations can be dropped off at the facility, 543 Crocker St., Los Angeles. Information: (213) 622-7073.
AIDS Project L.A.--Aids Project L.A. provides direct support services to people with AIDS or AIDS-related complex. It is serving 1,800 people in L.A. County. It accepts food, toiletries canes, wheelchairs and medical supplies. Pickup service operates Friday and Saturday mornings for large amounts of goods only. Information: (213) 662-4682.
Las Familias del Pueblo--This one-room community center on the edge of Skid Row serves families living and working in the area. Women and children can safely spend the day, and English, amnesty and sewing are available. There is a legal clinic for social or work-related problems. Because space is limited, household goods, clothing or furniture cannot be accepted. The center accepts non-perishable food, toys, sports equipment, art supplies, childrens’ books and cotton fabric in lengths of two yards or more. Deliver donations to 307 E. 7th St., Los Angeles. No pickup service. Information: (213) 614-1745.
Volunteer Center of America--This agency channels materials into nonprofit agencies in the communities. It acts as a clearinghouse for donors and receiving agencies, or it can send a small pickup truck for donations that will be put in storage until they are distributed to any of the 3,500 nonprofit agencies on its list. Information: (213) 531-9668.
Disabled American Veterans Charities of Greater Los Angeles--Items sold at thrift shops help veterans of all wars. It works with VA hospitals in the medical care of veterans. It also helps veterans or their dependents apply for benefits. Drop off items, or pickup is provided for resaleable donations. For pickup call: Baldwin Park, (818) 962-7197; Glendale, (818) 244-2221; Pasadena, (818) 795-4245.
Salvation Army--The Salvation Army helps the homeless and those with alcohol- or drug-related problems by providing shelter, meals and social-skills training. Programs include rehabilitation centers, day care, homes for the elderly, work-training programs and emergency assistance. Donated goods are refurbished and sold through thrift shops. Most donated items accepted, but not water-damaged or mildewed furniture or clothing, badly broken items, shelving, workbenches, hospital beds or, because of safety regulations, some baby furniture. For pickup call: (213) 620-1270.
