Tick Tock! Tick Tock! As the days become longer, we inch closer and closer to spring time. We may look forward to being surrounded by the backdrop of trees in full bloom and hearing the harmonizing sound of birds chirping, but undertaking the ritual of cleaning, well, that sometimes can be a different story.

And, whether new or used, can you think of a better way to spruce up your home than by donating to charitable organizations? You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you contributed to a great cause all while creating a living space that truly is spic-and-span, two pluses.

Don’t Just Declutter, Donate

1. What organizations can I donate to? The Salvation Army gives you various options for donating. The organization makes ‘house calls’ by coming directly to your home and picking-up goods or you can drop them off at the location nearest you, which ever is convenient. If you opt to have your goods picked up, you can schedule an appointment online at www.satruck.org/donate-goods or simply place a call to (800)-SA-TRUCK or (800)-728-7825.

The Salvation Army welcomes clothing (men’s, women’s and children’s), household goods, furniture, appliances, miscellaneous items and automobiles. But, don’t forget to save your receipts because as with many organizations, your contributions to The Salvation Army are tax-deductible.

2. By donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, you also will contribute to the betterment of others; particularly the youth. The organization touts itself as being the nation’s premiere donor and volunteer-supported youth mentoring organization. In fact, the organization pairs adult volunteers with children, ages six through 18, in communities throughout the country. And, Big Brothers Big Sisters uses your clothing donations in order to fund local programs such as these.

In a nutshell, Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that every child possess the inherit ability to succeed and gives children the tools to do so. So, after cleaning out your closet you can pass along clothing, shoes and other household items. How do I contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of America? Call (877)-399-2570 or click “Schedule A Pickup” on the company’s Web site. Big Brothers Big Sisters insists that, “Your donations benefit your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies!”

3. The Goodwill is one of the most widely known charitable organizations there is. To date, the company supports more than 2,650 donation locations throughout the United States and Canada. The sales from your donations is used to fund several efforts, which include job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for those with disabilities. Sales benefit individuals who have a lack of education, job experience or face employment challenges, too.

What kinds of goods are accepted? Goodwill accepts new or gently used items which include clothing, electronics, appliances, furniture and cars. You also may be pleased to know that most Goodwill’s will pick-up your furniture and other large items, leaving you free to do other things or what have you. Just contact Goodwill to find out if this service is available in your town by dialing (800)-GOODWILL. Reaching Goodwill via email is another option at contactus@goodwill.org.

Along with the above, receiving vehicles is especially vital to Goodwill because they benefit those who are involved in Wheels-to-Work programs. The sole purpose of these programs is to provide reliable transportation to help workers maintain their jobs. As a side note, more than 79 million people donated to Goodwill last year.

Decisions, Decisions!

It’s entirely up to you which charity you wish to support, but being armed with these nuggets of information can make your decision a whole lot easier.

You can officially cross spring cleaning off your ‘things to do list’, check! This once cumbersome task can now be viewed in a new light – to benefit the greater good of others. You know how the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Web Links:

–http://www.satruck.org/donate-goods;

–http://www.bbbsdonate.org/gd.donations/default.aspx;

–http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/;

–http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/donation-acceptance-guidelines/

-Kimberly Williams