ARTICLES
FOREVER YOUNG
CLEAN IT OUT
AND
8
PASS
IT ON
BY REBECCA CUTHBERT
W
hat’s better than cleaning out closets and cupboards? Donating the contents to worthy local charities that can use them! If you don’t have the time or ability to spend hours volunteering, donating items can be another great way to help your community. For instance, the City Mission, which logs thousands of volunteer hours every month, is always in need of items for their volunteers to distribute. Decluttering our living spaces is a big step toward reaching those goals. Instead of adding more waste to landfills, we can give those gently used items to community members in need—both human and animal. The Buffalo City Mission, located at 100 East Tupper Avenue in Buffalo, provides assistance and comfort to homeless and impoverished men, women, and children. Laurie Patsalides with BCM public relations explains that there are plenty of pre-owned items needy folks would appreciate this season. “We could always use clothing in
good shape, like warm coats, jeans, sweaters, and any other (heavier) winter clothing, in any size, for men, women, and children,” she says. “We have the Agape Shop, where anyone can come and receive what they need for free.” Patsalides adds that the City Mission is in need of housewares, including furniture, lamps, kitchen items, and small kitchen appliances. “Especially if you get a replacement or a double for the holidays, donating the older one is a great gift for someone who’s in poverty,” she says. Donations can be dropped off at
100 E. Tupper Ave., and in many cases, community members can arrange for pickup by calling 8548181 ext. 424.
Animals in need But it isn’t only the two-legged among us who need some assistance. The dogs and cats at the SPCA serving Erie County need help, too. From dog walkers to volunteers feeding animals and cleaning up a bit, all help is welcome. The SPCA, located at 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca, is always in need of common household items—
