Everyone has received a not-so-great holiday present at some point. The thought is wonderful and appreciated but the execution is…less than stellar? Or maybe they knocked it out of the park and you’re ready to trade in that smartphone or tablet now that you’ve got the latest model. Before you start rummaging through bags and boxes looking for a gift receipt or looking up the trade-in value on a used Xbox, consider instead donating your items to a worthy place — and no, we’re not talking the Island of Misfit Toys.
Toys for Tots
Speaking of toys, this one is a relative no-brainer with plenty of brand awareness and drop-off locations at many local shopping centers and businesses. What’s not a no-brainer? The toys typically donated. Often overlooked are gifts appropriate for older children, especially pre-teens and teens. Sporting equipment, backpacks, electronics, even cosmetics, gift cards, and bath/spa gift baskets are welcome additions to the more plentiful presents suitable for younger children. The more of these that are collected means the fewer presents Toys for Tots has to supplement with cash donations, and that lets the organization spread its dollars even further.
GreenDrop
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This convenient and ecofriendly donation company makes it easy to repurpose your belongings, especially during the holiday season. Customers should first pack their donations and then choose between dropping them off at one of GreenDrop’s locations or scheduling a pickup. The organization accepts unworn and gently worn clothing, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and even housewares, much like a Goodwill center. For every donation, GreenDrop pays its nonprofit and charity partners for the donation. Donations are receipted and tax-deductible and directly benefit others in need, so it’s a win-win.
Read More: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide in Westchester County
Green Tree Textiles
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Sometimes clothes are just beyond saving. Maybe your favorite sweater is a fray away from reverting to a ball of yarn, or maybe you just don’t see yourself ever wearing that pink bunny suit Aunt Clara sent you. Maybe you just need to clean out the closet to make room for all the wonderful new gifts you received. For the items you couldn’t otherwise donate, consider dropping off any used (or unusable) cloth at one of the Bronx-based company’s Westchester “Green Box” locations or find them in warmer months at local farmers’ markets like Ossining, Larchmont, and Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow.
Cell Phones for Soldiers
This season, a whole lot of people are going to be excitedly unwrapping new tech and (rightfully) freaking out and screaming about it. Maybe you’ll be one of them. Maybe a video of you freaking out will go viral, allowing you to buy an even nicer phone with all the ad revenue you make from monetizing said video. In any event, rather than trading in your old phone now that you have that shiny new iPhone 15, how about donating it to a worthy charity?
Started by then-tween siblings Brittany and Robbie Bergquist in 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers recycles or refurbishes all models and conditions of mobile phones, tablets, and MP3 players, then uses the funds to buy international calling cards for deployed service members overseas. The much-honored service allows military personnel to stay in contact with their families while without racking up thousands of dollars in phone bills. You can donate your old electronics by mail or at one of the three drop-off locations in Westchester.
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United Breast Cancer Foundation
Another option for an at-home pickup donation is the United Breast Cancer Foundation. The organization’s goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by breast cancer. And you can help by donating your clothing, shoes, bedding, antiques, bikes, electronics, etc. All you need to do is gather your items and schedule your pickup online or on the phone.
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The Sharing Shelf
It’s always a good time of year to help make a difference in your community. This local charity, based in Port Chester, was founded to help address clothing insecurity and meet the basic material needs of low-income children and teens in Westchester County. Wondering how you can help? The charity is always accepting donations and appreciates gently worn or new gloves, hats, long sleeves, winter coats, jeans, and more this fall and winter season. The Sharing Shelf does not accept car seats, athletic equipment, and furniture. Drop-offs are by appointment only and can be scheduled on the website.
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