Where to Donate Your Items to People in Need

In this season of giving, it's important to remember that there are many ways to help out. Donations of your unwanted goods can help those in need.

The organizations below will accept donations of your unwanted items. When you donate to a charitable organization, you can get a receipt for your taxes. The Internal Revenue Service requires donors to value items that have been donated when filing tax returns. Organizations have lists of commonly donated items and values on their websites and some tax preparation software programs, like TurboTax, have valuation guides.

The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy has put together Ways to Share...A Holiday Wish List. The online searchable database lists the holiday needs of children, families and adults served by 256 Connecticut nonprofits. Entries provide descriptions of the nonprofit organization and its work, the population it serves, contact information and a list of special items or volunteer needs. Most of the requests on the list are for new items, but some organizations are looking for used, good condition furniture, household items, bedding and clothing. You can search by town, type of service provided and by organization or call 860-525-5585.

Goodwill Easter Seals – all proceeds directly support the mission of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries. The stores also provide employment to Easter Seals Goodwill Industries' clients with disabilities and other special needs – bring clothing, shoes, household items, small appliances and furniture – 2369 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden 203-230-2910 or 2901 State Street in Hamden 203- 248-1600

Helping Hands partners with social service non-profit organizations – accepts gently used furniture, appliances, household items and clothing. Free furniture pickup in greater New Haven. Store locations: 85 State Street (Kings Acres Plaza) in North Haven – 203-691-5529; 52 Richards Street in West Haven– 203-782-4800; 334 Boston Post Road in Orange.

Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with area Savers stores to accept donations of clothing, household linens, toys, books, furniture and other goods. You can schedule a pickup at your home by calling the Hartsprings Foundation at 1-888- 413-2227 or drop things off at Savers' stores. Savers sells the merchandise and sends money to the Foundation each month.

Salvation Army – Donations of clothing, household items, and furniture are accepted at some Salvation Army Thrift Stores or you can schedule a pick up by calling 1-800-SA-Truck. The Salvation Army website includes information on what is and what isn't accepted.

United Way of Connecticut - anyone with items to donate can visit http://www.211ct.org, click on the "Search for Services" link, enter a ZIP code or town and enter the phrase "Donation Services" in the search field. Will give you a whole menu of options. Click on "Clothing Goods," for example, and you'll get a list of shelters, nonprofit thrift shops, senior centers and other charities in your area, along with what each one needs and accepts. If you don't have a computer, you can call 211 for the information.

For more information on Hamden's solid waste and recycling policies go to: www.Hamden.com (click on Government, Departments, then Solid Waste and Recycling) or contact Hamden's Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator, Pamela Roach at 203-287-7021 or via email Proach@Hamden.com.