Downsize and do good

By Felicia Feaster

For the AJC

Downsizing tips

Professional organizer Melinda Anderson of Dacula shares tips on altruistic ways to dispose of household items during the downsizing process. For more tips, read her blog at www.thinkoutsidethebin.com.

Athletic shoes: Nike’s Reuse a Shoe recycling program accepts worn out rubber-soled athletic shoes (any brand) and turns them into running tracks, padding for basketball courts and tennis courts. www.nikereuseashoe.com

Career wear: Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and life. www.dressforsuccess.org.

Toys: Stuffed Animals for Emergencies collects various items such as stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets to benefit children during emergency situations such as fires, illness, accidents, neglect, abuse, homelessness and even weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org

Tools: Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of quality tools and building materials. www.habitat.org

Trophies: Lamb Awards accepts used trophies, plaques and medals for repurposing. www.lambawards.com

Video games: If you have video games that you no longer play, send them into Donate Games, receive a tax donation, and help kids battling childhood diseases. www.DonateGames.org

Furniture: Your donation of used furniture provides families in need with necessary home furnishings. www.nationalfurniturebank.org

Freecycle: Freecycle is a website where people give and get stuff for free in an effort to keep reusable items out of landfills. www.freecycle.org