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GoodWill can be part of recycling plan

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December 14, 2004

We're moving into the season of giving when we all decide that it's cold out, and some people do not have enough to keep them warm. Giving away used coats that still have some life left in them is a great way to help those less fortunate.

But you don't have to limit your giving to coats. I want you to think about "recycling" any thing that is still can be used. And when I say "things" I mean items that are still in good working order and that you have some convictions about just tossing into the garbage. You can always donate your items to GoodWill.

Don't get me wrong; GoodWill does not want your garbage. They're looking for clothes that are too small, or that you just don't wear anymore, toys that are still good, or even extra flatware and silverware. GoodWill cannot take your broken items because they do not have the staff or the resources to fix anything. I am all for keeping things out of the waste stream, but if it's garbage, throw it out and don't take it to GoodWill.

When I moved out of my apartment I had two or three bags of things ranging from travel mugs to clothes that I don't wear to a ceiling lamp that had never been used. Every time I have to clean out my closet or my dresser drawers I look for things that I can give to GoodWill. You don't need to bring a huge bag full every time, just when you come across something you know someone else could still use, bring it to GoodWill.

GoodWill is located at the Saco Transfer Station on the Foss Road, and on Rt. 1 in Scarborough next to the Silver Bullet recycling containers. Both of these locations are attended drop offs so there is someone to help you with your items and give you a receipt if you need it. There are also GoodWill retail stores in Biddeford, Scarborough, South Portland and three different locations in Portland. You can go to www.goodwill.org to find a location nearest to you. Or to learn about Northern New England's GoodWill Industries visit www.ginne.org.

I am interested to hear what is being done in the community and schools to prevent waste. Please send me your questions and comments to aoliver@sacomaine.org or via the Courier. Please specify whether it is okay to include your name if your idea or letter is reprinted in the column.