Donations and Recycling
Computer Equipment
The National Cristina Foundation will match your used tech equipment with an organization near you that needs it.
The organization has been operating for more than twenty-five years.
They not only accept computers, but also printers, software, fax machines monitors, mice and scanners, etc.
Supports organizations throughout the United States that help people in need, like non-profits that provide education or training to at-risk students, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged people to lead more independent and productive lives.
They match you with one of their partner organizations in the geographic area where the equipment is located.
Someone from the organization that your donation has been matched with all contact you to make arrangements for you to either ship, drop off at designated location, or they will pick it up for you.
First, back up any necessary data. It is important to remove all data from your hard drive. There are links on the National Cristina Foundation website to data removal products (many are free).
Batteries
This one is awesome. How many times have you tossed batteries into the trash and felt awful doing it. Well here you go. Instead of tossing them in the garbage, order an iRecycle kit from Battery Solutions.
Batteries contain HEAVY METALS THAT CAN CONTAMINATE LANDFILLS!!!
Household batteries – Rechargeable battery packs (from cell phones, cameras, laptop computers, power tools, etc.) Handheld electronics (cell phones, iPods, PDA’s, pagers, etc.
Fill the kit which holds 12 pounds with any type of battery including re-chargeables found in cell phones and laptops.
Drop the prepaid box at any US Post Office or FedEx location and the company guarantees the batteries will be recycled according to EPA regulations.
12 pound = designed for 1 year used in average household.
This includes box, shipping, etc. Once full – seal and send – pre-paid.
Sports Equipment
Here is another great way to donate. Your gently used athletic equipment can help underprivileged children enjoy the fun of sports when donated to Sports Gift.
Send Frisbees, baseballs, cleats and even coaching supplies.
A full list of items they accept is found on their website.
They will refurbish the items and distribute them to needy children all over the world including the United States, South America, Indonesia and Africa.
Paint, Tools and other Building Supplies
Purchase too many cans of paint or decide to go with another color? No need to waste.
Drop them off at your local HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RE-STORE.
These donated goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price to help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat Homes and their communities.
It’s an environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of the waste stream.
Each ReStore is different, so contact one in your area to see what they take.
Medications
Flushing or pouring meds down the sink sends them into the water supply. Did you know that? This harms fish and the environment.
Instead, put them in a plastic bag, crush the pills and add water to dissolve them. Add kitty litter or coffee grinds to make them less appealing to the animals. Seal the bag and place it in the trash.
Another option – many pharmacies offer a take-back program for unused medications.
Video Games
Unfortunately, there are many diseases out there that because of their rarity are often overlooked for funding and public support.
DONATE GAMES accepts new games, as well as your 1990’s Mario Kart.
They post them for sale at a discounted price.
Purchases fund medical research to help fight rare, life-threatening, or debilitating diseases.
Mail in any game you don’t want. Receive a tax-deductible receipt for your game.
They currently have over 400 games catalogued under topics like action-adventure, science fiction and family.
They operate entirely by volunteer staff.
Proceeds go toward funding research of life-threatening or chronically debilitating rare diseases that are often overlooked for funding and public support.
Cell Phones
Many of us often upgrade our cell phones and have the old ones lying around in a drawer or box.
Americans will replace an estimated 130 million cell phones this year.
Send them to Cell Phones for Soldiers.
The phones are sold to a company that recycles them and Cell Phones for Soldiers uses the money to buy calling cards for troops stationed abroad so they can phone home to their loved ones for free.
Each phone provides an hour of talk to soldiers abroad – such an amazing benefit for virtually no cost.
You can print a prepaid shopping label on their website to send to your phone.
Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by two amazing teenage siblings from Norwell, Massachusetts.
They will accept ANY type of cell phone.
Make sure to erase cell phone data before sending in your phone.
I am now a drop off center for this organization. You can drop off cell phones (in zip lock bags) to Lisa Zais, 518 Fiske Street, Holliston, MA 01746
CJ Organizers – Cindy Prall, Owner/Operator
Well, I have first hand experience with Cindy. I have to say I am a bit of a saver. With limited storage it was becoming overwhelming. I hired Cindy and within a few days got the purge bug. I began in my attic, but when the weather started to get warmer moved to the garage. My family can’t believe how organized our garage became. What a feeling to be organized! Give yourself a gift and get organized. Call Cindy today for a free consultation.
CJ Organizers
CJ-Organizers@comcast.net
508-250-8974
Project Just Because
Another great place to make donations. They take clothing, household items, and furniture. They also have a furniture network. Please check out the website listed below. St. Mary’s Churchm, 8 Church Street, Holliston is also a drop off location for smaller items. You can contact Cherlann Lambert Walsh directly for more information.
Cherylann Lambert Walsh
Project Just Because, Inc.
P.O. Box 35
86 South Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
www.projectjustbecause.org
pjboffice@comcast.net
508-435-6511
Thanks for sharing this info with us. We can all have an impact on others through sharing.
ed | 2010-08-02 20:02:04