For me, a new year often brings a renewed goal of getting organized. My Christmas decor made its way to the attic, but I’m still looking for places to store the new clothes and toys my girls received as gifts. One of my goals for this coming weekend is to finally organize their closets (and possibly my own). While I may try and hold a garage sale one day, I don’t have a ton of space to store stuff that we don’t need or want anymore. For me, it’s much easier to find someone who can use it right away.
AMES TRIBUNE
Looking for places to donate your unwanted items? Looking to make a few dollars? Here are some ideas for where you can donate in Lackawanna County.
- The Salvation Army. The stores have donation bins outside, but I usually drop off my donations to the store at 1155 River St. in Scranton. If you pull up to the side of the building, someone will help you unload. (Is anyone like me and sometimes drives around for weeks or months with donations in the back of your vehicle? I already have donations I need to drop off ASAP). You can also donate at Goodwill Industries, which has locations around the region too.
- Local agencies, including Friends of the Poor or Catholic Social Services in Scranton will accept donations of clothing and household items. St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry in Dunmore, a great resource for parents in need, will accept baby clothing and gear.
- Resell your kids clothing or gear at Once Upon a Child in Dickson City, which is also my favorite places to buy designer kids clothes for just a few bucks. Stores including Plato’s Closet or Style Encore, also located in the same plaza as Once Upon A Child, buy gently used teen and women’s clothing.
- I’m seeing a growing number of friends post items on Facebook Marketplace. Newspaper classified ads and Craigslist are other options too.
- If you attend church, see if there is a local family in need. Many schools will also accept donations of uniforms or other items to help families.
Any other ideas? Email me at shofius@timesshamrock.com.
Sarah balances life as a reporter for The Times-Tribune and as the mom of two little girls. A graduate of Ithaca College, Sarah started covering education in 2006. She has received awards for her reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists, Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association, Inland Press Association and Pennsylvania Women’s Press Association. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, their daughters and their sweet pug, Sadie. Reach her at shofius@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9133 or @HofiusHallTT.
