Morris County's One & Only Ecocentric Blog

Morris County's One & Only Ecocentric Blog



Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Where to donate in Morris County

bicycles books cars cell phones computers clothing & furniture educational supplies
educational supplies eyeglasses food frequent flyer miles hair packing peanuts pet supplies toys


How to find local organizations needing donations


Determining the Value of Donated Property, IRS Publication 561

bicycles

Pedals for Progress accepts used bicycles and distributes to developing countries. Local contact: (908) 838-4860, Box 312 High Bridge NJ 08829-0312
cars
Thinking about donating your car to a charity? The IRS publishes A Donor's Guide to used-car donations. Make sure you know where your car is going before you sign over the title and hand the keys to a stranger. Charities that are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service are listed in The Cumulative List of Organizations (Publication 78). Some organizations sponsor their own auto donation programs, others use national networks such as the Vehicle Donation Center. Every organization has its own guidelines regarding acceptable cars (age, running/non-operational) and title transfer.
IRS Publication 561 does not specify which car guides must be used to determine the fair market value of your vehicle. The New Jersey Administrative Code 11:3-10.4 specifies two approved guides for the use of insurance company vehicle appraisals: National Automobile Dealer Association and the The Automobile Red book:A Primedia Price Digest [formerly the National Market Reports Auto Blue Book].This Automobile Red Book is not available for free on the Internet. The Morris County Library subscribes to the Red Book and can provide you with prices from this source. The popular Kelley Blue Book is also available online for free.
The following organizations pick up cars in the Morris County area (no, this is not a comphensive list!):
cell phones
Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans, (973) 285-6848 The Wireless Foundation's national Donate a Phone campaign collects cell phones to benefit victims of domestic violence. FAQs about donation (Must the phone be operational? How to obtain tax receipts, etc.), where to mail/drop off phones and instructions for organizing a community cellphone drive are included. Morris County NJ patrons can drop off their phones at the Wireless Zone, 11 Park Ave. Madison, (973) 593-9199
Verizon Wireless Hopeline also collects for victims of domestic violence.
clothing, furniture, & white goods
Clothing and furniture must be clean and in good condition; white goods must be operational. These organizations pick up donations in the Morris County area:
Clothing donation bins from various organizations (DARE, etc.) are sometimes found in your town's recycling center. Northern NJ Goodwill donation centers.
computers
(See county Utilities Authority for disposal of computers and monitors.) Locally, contact Employment Horizons, who can use desktop and laptop computers, laser printers and DVD players. Several national computer recycling programs accept both large-quantity donations and individual pieces of new and used computer equipment. Peripherals such as desks, surge protectors, headphones and software are also welcome. Units specially adapted for the disabled (speech synthesizers, magnification software, joysticks) are in the highest demand. Equipment must be in good working condition. Donors are asked to arrange and pay for shipping. This is also a tax deductible expense. Be sure to erase your harddrive before you donate your computer.The major clearinghouses are:
Computers 4 Kids
(434-817-1121) Committed to giving our nation's children the equipment they need to advance their education. Computers are distributed to designated technologically-poor areas.
Gifts In Kind International
(703-836-2121) "Recycle Technology" program accepts large quantity donations of new and used equipment from businesses for international distribution. Does not accept donations from individuals.
National Cristina Foundation
(800-CRISTINA) Matches your donations with organizations in your area. Donors arrange to deliver equipment directly to the organization in need.
educational supplies

  • Neighborhood House (973) 538-1229
    White boards, glue, pencils/pens, paper, art supplies, plastic plates and cups.
eyeglasses

food
Local schools and municipal governments often conduct food drives around the holidays.
frequent flyer miles & hotel loyalty points
Do you have miles you can't use? Other people can. Please consider

  • Red Cross uses these miles to send volunteers to places in need



  • Make-A-Wish keeps families caring for very ill children together with your airline miles & hotel points.


    hair
    Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children. Many of these children have cancer. Hair of all kinds, 10" or longer, is needed to create a hairpiece. Ask your salon if it participates. If not, donors are asked to pay cost of the cut and mailing their hair to the organization. hair to the organization. Call (888) 896-1588 if you have questions.


    pet supplies
    Food, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, pet toys


    toys
    Lightly used toys are sometimes welcome by shelters (serving families with children) and local churches (for distribution or in-house use). In Morris County try     Homeless Solutions & Neighborhood House . Some organizations sponsor toy drives during the December holidays; many of these welcome lightly used toys. Example: Toys for Tots/US Marines.


    It's easy to identify non-profit organizations in our area:


    Think about who can use your items. Successful connections depend upon the specs of the equipment, the current needs of the organization, and logistics (delivery is crucial). Day care centers & nursery schools: Many primary educational programs work just fine on older computer models. Printers are nice, but not necessary.
    Senior centers & nursing homes: Computers and typewriters are often appreciated by seniors who have a hard time writing by hand.
    Shelters & group homes: Adults can use older computers for job hunting (resumes & cover letters), practice typing and upgrade their office computer skills. Children can use them to expand their education or complete homework assignments. Books and games in good condition may also be welcome.
    Organizations: Special Olympians may appreciate sports equipment (in good, working condition); a community garden may be interested in your old wheelbarrow. Retiring to Florida? Maybe Habitat for Humanity can find a new home for your old snowblower. Animal shelters welcome used blankets and towels.

    Thanks to the Morris County Library for providing this list. 



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