MANA: Making It Easier for You to Get Rid of Unused Stuff

MANA member Jean Cohen contributed this article on disposing of unwanted items. Then she took it to the next level by including a table of local non-profits that accept donations. Thank you, Jean!

So you signed up to participate in the neighborhood yard sale on October 1, 2011. Of course you hope all your stuff sells. Have you thought about what you will do with stuff that doesn’t sell or you can’t give away for free? Here are some great ideas!

How to deal with any stuff not sold. Of course, it depends on what it is and if you truly think your leftovers will be useful or bring cash to someone else. Some of the charities will take anything and some are selective. If you have any questions please contact the organizations listed or any others you are considering before showing up on their doorstep with your unwanted, unsold items. Many organizations do not want nonworking televisions, computers, appliances, etc. Furniture for pickups must meet certain criteria.

Environmental Concerns. While you are rounding up your stuff for the sale if you decide it is time to cleanout your basement, garage, shed, or attic please note the county will not pick up concrete, tires, paints & related products. Please do not place these type items on the curb. There are other options for their disposal. For recyclables, if you do not subscribe to the weekly county pickups, one location that accepts all paper, glass, plastic, and metal is at the DeKalb Farmers Market, 3000 East Ponce de Leon Ave. There are other collection bins located closer but not for all types of recyclables.

Many hazardous wastes including aerosols, batteries, lawn-care products, automotive products, fluorescent light bulbs will be accepted on Saturday, Oct 1 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Keep DeKalb Beautiful annual free Household Hazardous Waste Event. Yes, we know their event is on the same morning as the day of the MANA Yard Sale. Think strategically. Maybe your family could divide duties that day and/or get a neighbor to take your hazardous stuff. For details see http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/beautiful/pdf/HHWFlyer2011.pdf

Also, annually Home Depot on Lawrenceville Hwy has a “drop off your old paint day”, Decatur High School does an annual electronics drop off day, and other events and locations can be found on the internet. For informational purposes, the next page is a short list of area non-profits that accept donations, not an endorsement. Don’t forget to ask for a tax-deductible receipt.

Area Non-Profit Organizations that Accept Donations (as of September 2011)

For more info	Organization	Will pick up	Drop off info	Closest location to Medlock Area	NOTES
770.872.4260 Picks up 6 days a week	American Kidney Fund	Yes, call in advance to schedule	See web for bin locations, & Value Village stores	Bin at Chevron at 1923 Clairmont Rd
	Atlanta Furniture Bank	Yes, use online form	yes	538 Permalume Place Atlanta, GA 30318
Call ahead 404.589.1177	Dress for Success	No	Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.	67 Peachtree Park Drive, Suite 101 Atlanta 30309 Off P’tree near Benihana’s and Fresh Market	Professional women’s attire in Sizes 0, 2, 16,18, 20, 22, 24+ Suits, Separates, Handbags, Jewelry & Accessories
	Goodwill Industries	No	Trailer is staffed during day hours	Trailer permanently in parking lot behind Macy’s at N. DeKalb Mall on Lawrenceville Hwy side
404.296.1711	Last Chance Thrift Store	No	When store is open	Suburban Plaza at Medlock Rd & N. Decatur Rd.	Open 7 days a week into evening
770.936.0766 Chamblee store	St. Vincent de Paul	Call for potential pickup	Can drop off at numerous locations and churches	5463 Peachtree Rd. Chamblee 30341 Mon– Sat 10 a.m -6 p.m.	Collection bin at Suburban Plaza, near Church St.
404.299.9923	Salvation Army	Large items only.	Mon-Sat before 6 pm	2857 E. College Ave Avondale
678.974.5671	Secondlife Thrift Store	Call for potential pickup of large items	Open Wed thru Sunday, check web for hours	Avondale: 1 N. Clarendon Ave near intersection at E. College Ave	New store, proceeds support homeless animals
404-373-7004	Soles4Souls	Shoes only. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away 14 million pairs of new & gently worn shoes	See website for other locations, FAQ, & call for hours	Active Ankle & Foot Care Specialist 1434 Scott Blvd. Suite 3 Decatur	Distributes to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria.