How To Recycle Lights, Phones and Coats; Donate New Toys

Are you buying a new winter jacket? Do you have holiday lights that no longer work? Did your kids get duplicate toys this year? Did Santa bring you a new cell phone?

If you have items you’d like to toss but aren’t sure what to do with them, a number of collections are taking place in the North End and items can be dropped off right at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (1010 Harrison Ave.)

One collection seeking new items and not used ones is Toys for Tots. New, unwrapped toys are being sought for children in the area. You can drop them off at 23 Dry Dock Ave., 8th floor Boston, MA from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you have coats you no longer need, donations are being collected through Coats for Kids at any Anton's Cleaners or Jordan's Furniture between now and January 12, 2013. The closest one to the North End is at 37 Charles St.

Cell phones piling up because you have the newest and best that technology has to offer? Mail used cells to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (989 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215)

Have old holiday lights that no longer work? Maybe you switched colors or swapped old lights for LED ones? Whatever the reason, if you have lights that you're not hanging this year, they can be recycled. You can bring them in to your nearest Lowe's or Home Depot, or mail them to HolidayLEDs.com, Attn: Recycling Program, 3849 Guest Rd., Jackson, MI 49203. See here for more info on that.

Is your organization collecting donations this holiday season? Let us know. Leave a note in comments or e-mail the editor at northend@patch.com