Give it Away Now: 14 nonprofits collecting donations on Make a Difference Day this Saturday

Wait, wait, don’t throw that away. This weekend offers an opportunity to sustainably get rid of used items in your home with a donation smorgasbord taking place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 3, in the Indian Hill Metra station lot, 111 Green Bay Road, in Winnetka.

The Volunteer Center is inviting residents and community groups to donate gently used items across a plethora of categories for Make A Difference Day.

According to the website of organizer The Volunteer Center, which is based in Northfield, Make A Difference Day began in 1992 by USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation and “the idea is collectively throughout
the country we can all make an impact on people and causes of need.”

Fourteen Chicagoland nonprofits will benefit from the donations, accepting them directly at the station, given during the 24th charity drive.

The Volunteer Center asks donors to sort and package (bag or box) donations and label them with the appropriate nonprofit.

For more information about the event or Volunteer Center, email info@volunteercenterhelps.org or visit VolunteerCenterHelps.org.

Participating groups with their requested gently used items are:

Wings — women’s attire and purses

Connections for the Homeless — men’s attire and luggage

Cradles to Crayons — children’s clothing, including shoes and winter gear

Share Our Space — baby clothing, diapers, formula and baby food, baby gear

Windy City ToolBank — tools, lawn tools, related supplies

Chicago Furniture Bank — mattresses, boxsprings, frames; assembled cribs; chairs; tables; desks; mirrors; rugs; kitchenware

Binary Heart — computers, cellphones, tablets

Books for Cause — books, CDs, DVDs, collectibles, comics

AmVets — sporting equipment of any kind, including cleats

Working Bikes — adult bikes in reparable condition, kids bikes, bike parts, accessories and bike jerseys

Border Tail Rescue — pet supplies including toys, food, twin and small blankets, towels

Northbrook Symphony Orchestra — musical instruments

Hadley Institute for the Blind — eyeglasses, cases, lenses

North Shore Exchange — artwork, framed prints, other works of art

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