As people are receiving new gifts and trading them out for the old, in the spirit of giving, donate unwanted items instead of throwing them away or locking them up in a box.  

      There are many places that would be grateful for unwanted items.  Places such as Mary’s Shelter and Safe Berks, who help women and children that are in need.  Items that they accept are gently used clothing, toys, bedding, and new hygiene products. Another great place to donate is Hope Rescue Mission.  They accept men’s and women’s clothing and gently used furniture.  If donating old bedding and towels is on the list, Berks Animal Rescue League is always in need. If looking for somewhere close to home to donate, The Hamburg Salvation Army is accepting gently used clothing, jewelry, shoes, and handbags.  During the summer they accept small household items; such as toys and books during the summer for their sidewalk sale.  A place my family loves to donate to is Seventh Day Adventist church on Hex Highway in Tilden Township.  They accept clothing, toys, furniture, household items, and unopened and unexpired food.  The church has a building where those who are in need are welcome to come and take what they need. Anyone who needs certain products is welcomed to take what they need. Such as canned food, childrens toys and clothes, hygienic products, and toiletries. Hours are listed on their website. Shelters are welcome to those who are preferably homeless, struggling with teen pregnancy, addiction, and family conflict.

      There are many different places that someone can donate to. Items that a person feels are unwanted to them are things that may be special and needed for another.  If people would like to help but do not have items to donate, time is always needed as well.  

      For more information on these places please visit their websites.  Mary’s Shelter: https://marysshelter.org/ SafeBerks: https://www.safeberks.org/ Hope Rescue Mission: https://www.hopeforreading.org/ BerksAnimalRescueLeague: https://www.berksarl.org/ HamburgSeventhDayAdventistChurch: https://hamburgsda.org/community-outreach/