Instead of garage sale, take items to local charities

by Erin Burden

Mountain Home News

Spring is here!

Now is the time of year people come out of hibernation, look around them and ask, "how did we end up with so much stuff?"

And thus begins the time consuming cleaning out of the closets and cupboards known as "spring cleaning."

After a pile of stuff takes up so much space in the garage once the house is clean, inevitably, the next question, "how do we get rid of it?"

The answer of course generally comes down to four words — have a yard sale.

Yard sales are incredibly fun if you're not the person actually selling the stuff. Those holding these sales not only have to deal with haggling but they run a greater risk of suffering from extreme boredom and scorching sunburns.

There are many organizations in town that would be more than willing to help you avoid a week of slapping on aloe vera by taking things off your hands.

Starting with the Mountain Home Animal Shelter, there are a list of needs for everyday use. Left over pet leashes, collars and toys for both cats and dogs are always welcome. In addition, the shelter staff would never turn down a supply of bleach, paper towels, treats or food for both cats and dogs.

That dresser drawer filled with an assortment of old glasses, readers and shades would be happily received by the Mountain Home Lions Club. They have collection boxes scattered throughout town at eye doctor's clinics, Walmart, The Dental Center, Grinde's, La Mode Cleaners, the Mountain Home Senior Center, El Heradero, St. Luke's Elmore and the Mountain Home Public Library among others. Just drop them off and forget about it.

The Mountain Home Public Library across from East Elementary School will take nearly any kind of media as a donation. Books, DVDs and books on tape and CD can either be included in their inventory or be put up for sale in the Friends of the Library Book Nook. The proceeds from the sale of Book Nook items go back into the library's programs.

The library will also gladly take children's toys. Board games, Lego sets and building blocks are heavily used during the after school programs and more would always be welcome.

Don't forget about the schools and daycares. The Head Start programs are always in need of materials.

Sweats and pants in four-year-old sizes are in need to change kids into when there are accidents. Craft supplies can always be used even just left over parts from other projects.

They will also take things not normally thought of as a donation, such as round oatmeal containers, which can be turned into musical instruments. Head Start is located at 1745 American Legion Boulevard, and the Migrant Head Start, or El Arcoiris, is located at 3505 Airbase Road.

The Mountain Home School District is close to finishing up the school year but could also use some attention. Approximately 90 percent of the materials in a classroom are bought by the teacher, and those out-of-pocket expenses can put a lot of strain on salaries that are already stretched as far as they can go.

So show the teachers some love.

Students tend to leave behind their supplies to replace the pencils, erasers, colored pencils, paper, folders and binders they lost or destroyed during the school year. Supplies from home that might be on the way to the yard sale can be included in these donations.

Teachers are always happy to get books from the Accelerated Reader list for their classrooms. Students who have outgrown or gotten tired of their books can find a new love of reading by timely donations of new ones.

Some teachers also use magazines and other reading materials in their rooms, so ask the child's teacher or call a school to find out what they need. To find out if a book is on the Accelerated Reading list, go to www.arbookfind.com.

What can be done with the drawer full of old cell phones and unused technology? There are two schools in town that accept these donations.

West Elementary accepts electronic devises, specifically smart phones, iPads, iPods and tablets, which are refurbished and used in classrooms. East Elementary takes any kind of cell phone, including those old flip phones crammed in the back of the drawer.

Both schools also take used toner and ink cartridges for recycling along with box tops for the local Box Tops for Education program.

Bennett Mountain High School takes special types of donations. They have a student closet that is always in need of teenage-sized clothing.

In addition, the alternative high school has a stash of personal care supplies. They could always use those tiny shampoos and soaps you tend to swipe from hotels or packaged dentist office toothbrushes you've been hoarding.

The most dangerous things people find when cleaning out cupboards are expired prescriptions. Medical officials stress that people shouldn't flush these medications down the drain or throw them out into the trash where they will end up in a landfill.

Instead, they can take these medications to the Mountain Home Police Department, which has a prescription medicine drop box located in the lobby. The Elmore County Sheriff's Office has a similar receptacle outside the front doors of its building.

Once all of these items are weeded out of the yard sale pile, there are three good options for what to do with the rest.

The Youth Ranch at 385 North 2nd East is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mental and emotional health of youth. They accept items and even offer a pick up service each Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. For details, call 587-2360.

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul is a Catholic charity that accepts donations of clothing, furniture and household items. They schedule pick ups Mondays and Saturdays with people needing to call 587-0701 to schedule a time.

Current or former military members can also take items to the Mountain Home Air Force Base Thrift Shop. This charity only serves military personnel with donations accepted Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People can also check with their local church for other places to donate. In the end, if it is difficult to set aside time to be a volunteer, this is an excellent way to support local organizations with needs.