My mudroom is a sea of ill-fitting cleats. My second-grader’s room looks like Lego hosted a rave. As for my older son? I can’t close his dresser because his approach to “folding clothes,” for which I pay him $5 a week, includes rolling his hoodies into one gigantic ball, shoving them into an underwear drawer, and walking away.
We need to declutter. Does this sound familiar? Do warm weather and fresh breezes inspire you to make a clean start at home, too? I applaud you. I’m with you. But don’t throw everything into a trash bag and flee.
I have a list of wonderful organizations in need of good-condition items. If you’re donating, remember: Never give anything away that you wouldn’t want to receive yourself. Each recipient deserves clean, functional items. Your home will feel good. You’ll feel good. You’ll help someone else. What could be better?
Catie’s Closet
This Dracut-based organization creates shopping experiences for kids living in poverty: They turn unused areas inside schools into discreet spaces where kids can browse for free clothing, toiletries, and other basics. Donate Prom attire, dress shirts, ties, hoodies, dresses, tank tops, shorts, joggers, and leggings. www.catiescloset.org
The Children’s Room
This Arlington group offers grief support for families — several friends have benefited from their community after the death of a parent. They need gender-neutral, blank journals, as well as art supplies: Sharpies, washable markers, stickers, stamps, poster boards, scissors, decorative tape and papers, and paint brushes. www.childrensroom.org
Circle of Hope
Needham’s Circle of Hope provides kids and adults experiencing homelessness with clothing and hygiene essentials. They make regular deliveries of clothing, coats, shoes, bedding, and hygiene essentials to 32 partner shelters and clinics. Give them gently used T-shirts, sweaters, flannel shirts, sweats, shorts, sports bras, baby, and maternity clothes. www.circleofhopeonline.org
Fresh Start Furniture Bank
This Hudson-based organization distributes kid-friendly plastic dishes and cups, utensils, appliances, good-condition linens and towels, decorative pillows, framed artwork, and all sorts of furniture. They even pick up in several Metro West locations. www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore
Based in Weymouth, this group needs like-new home essentials — sheets, blankets, curtains, area rugs — plus non-perishables like soup, pasta, coffee, and tea. Call 781-340-1604 to schedule a donation drop-off. www.friendsofhomeless.org
Household Goods
Acton’s Household Goods donates high-quality furniture and household items to 2,500 families each year. Need to streamline your linens, kitchen items, or sheets and towels? This is your place. They also accept tables, chairs, and other furniture. www.householdgoods.org
Mission of Deeds
This Reading-based organization furnishes homes for people in need, with a focus on kitchenware, matching kitchen and dining room chairs, lamps, ironing boards, and more. Plus, they offer pickup in various towns north of Boston. www.missionofdeeds.org
More Than Words
I love the mission: This nonprofit, youth-run online and retail bookstore in Boston and Waltham is staffed by kids who are in foster care, homeless, or involved in the court system. Donate all genres of books (less than 10 years old), plus LPs, clothes, jewelry, used (but intact) games, artwork, and lots more. Schedule a pickup or browse their many drop-off locations. www.mtwyouth.org
New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM)
Based in Lowell and Lynn, NAAM makes the transition to the United States a little easier with staples like Chromebooks or other laptops in working condition, plus backpacks, diapers, strollers, and baby formula. www.naamass.org
Savers
Savers is a thrift retailer with branches throughout the region. Their motto hits close to my (overfilled) home: “Declutter responsibly.” They accept a wide array of donations, from housewares and clothing to electronics to stuffed animals (a rare find!), with many drop-off locations. www.savers.com
South Shore Stars
This youth-development agency, with a brand-new school for dyslexic learners, needs supplies for their centers in Quincy, Randolph, and Weymouth, geared to kids six weeks to middle school: tops and bottoms; shoes; and seasonal clothing like sandals, bathing suits, and rain jackets. Call 781-340-5109 to arrange a drop-off time. www.southshorestars.org
StoryTime Crafts
This Needham-based group champions literacy and equitable access to education by partnering with schools in under-resourced communities. They need new and gently used books for preschool up to eighth grade. Their Needham book slot is open daily. www.storytimecrafts.net
Kara Baskin can be reached at kara.baskin@globe.com. Follow her @kcbaskin.