DONATIONS
There are so many ways to give to others. And when it comes to all those things we no longer love, need or use in our lives, what better way to let them go then by letting them find a new home?
Books For People will pick up your book donations for free - they also take CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and LP records! (No magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, law libraries, scholarly journals or Readers Digest condensed books.
Food On Foot provides the poor and homeless in Los Angeles with food, clothing and assistance with employment transition. You can drop off donations of gently used clothes, blankets, shoes, etc. on Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at 1625 N. Schrader Boulevard in Hollywood.
Business clothes such as suits and ties will find a second life as interview clothing for the clients at Chrysalis in downtown Los Angeles. Chrysalis assists individuals on the path to self-sufficiency by providing resources and support in helping find and retain employment. For those in Orange County, check out Working Wardrobes.
The Salvation Army website has a store and drop-off locator. You can also schedule a pick-up online or call 1-800-728-7825 for details.
Goodwill offers a donation pick-up service as well. Visit College Hunks Hauling or call them at 1-888-461-5241.
RECYCLING/WASTE DISPOSAL
Did you know that out of the 10 largest cities in the United States, Los Angeles was ranked the top recycler in 2009? Let's keep our fair city on top! Here are some terrific places to meet your recycling needs:
The Bureau of Sanitation offers a remarkable listing of services ranging from an annual yard trimmings collection to used tires drop-off locations. They'll even pick up bulky items like old furniture, mattresses and appliances. Take advantage of this amazing resource! Call 3-1-1 for more information or check out the website.
S.A.F.E. Centers help you recycle hazardous materials. Don't let them end up in a landfill!
Earth911.com is another fantastic resource for tracking down recycling centers in your area and detailing what each center will take.
Clean LA is a comprehensive site chock full of information for residents and businesses on keeping the city clean, brought to you by The Department of Public Works.
Prescription Medication: Do not throw away your medication! There are alternatives:
1) Check with your local pharmacy to see if they will take any unused prescription medication.
2) Use the TakeAway Environmental Return System. Find a location near you to purchase an envelope using this link. They envelopes are only $3.99 which includes postage. However, they will not accept controlled prescription drugs such as Ambien or Oxycontin.
3) To dispose of controlled prescription drugs, contact and provide them to local law enforcement officials.
SUPPORT
Asking for help is one of the most courageous and rewarding steps any of us can take in moving our lives forward. Sometimes just getting organized isn't enough. When it brings up certain emotional issues or requires additional assistance, it can be remarkably helpful to reach out to people who can provide us with a few extra tools to cope and heal. I invite you to take a look at the following links and see if you may benefit from them:
Jaime Kalman of Inspired Healing and Awareness offers a wonderful array of healing, coaching and counseling services to help her clients move through those difficult emotional blocks and live life more fully and peacefully.
A Place for Mom is a free eldercare referral service helping families find the resources they need for their loved ones such as home care services, assisted living communities and nursing homes. Contact Bonnie Davis, Eldercare Advisor, at (310) 592-2381 or bonnied@aplaceformom.com for more information.
Ann Gambrell is a professional organizational consultant. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups where clients turn their overwhelming situations into realistic goals. Phenomenal successes are celebrated regularly in the groups. To learn more and/or to join her group, phone Ann at 310-212-0917. You can request her FREE monthly email tips. Email her at gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did!
