Resource list

The following is a resource list of some of the community nonprofit organizations that accept donated items. These organizations put good, usable items that might otherwise end up in the landfill into the hands of people who can use them. Some organizations have established sites where people can drop off goods at any time. Others ask that people call in advance to verify there is a need for their donation and arrange a time and place for drop-off.

The list also contains some basic information about ideas for places that may take donations.

Churches

Check with community churches, which may collect various items, such as clothing or baby layettes, or school packs for international missions. Some churches accept fabric and clothing that can be made into quilt blocks.

E-quip Africa

Quality computers and school supplies for schools in Ghana, Africa. Please call for computer specifications. A $35 cash donation must accompany each computer. Notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, pencil boxes, solar powered calculators and backpacks are also accepted.

Collection bins at Concorde Bank, Gillis Ag Systems, North American State Bank, Impressions on Fifth and St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Address: PO Box 3178, Willmar, MN 56201

Telephone: 320-894-1680

E-mail: E-quipAfrica@charter.net

Epilepsy Foundation, St. Cloud

Free curbside pickup of donated items, including clean, gently used apparel, home textiles (rugs, curtains), kitchen ware (pots, pans, dishes), toys, games and tools. No microwaves, mattresses or major appliances.

Telephone: 320-529-0000 or

1-800-779-0777

Web site: www.efmn.org

Goodwill Easter Seals

Gently used clothing, furniture, kitchenware, sports equipment, games, books and household items.

Address: 2424 First Street,

Willmar

Telephone: 320-214-9239

Web site:

www.goodwilleasterseals.org

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

New and used building materials, such as lumber, hardware, light fixtures, bath fixtures, kitchen counter tops, windows, doors, flooring, electrical, plumbing, roofing, siding, appliances, cabinets, carpet and tools. Call in advance.

Address: 4078 Highway 71 N.W., Willmar

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Telephone: 320-214-7280

Web site: www.willmarrestore.com

Harvest Community Church

Accepting new donations of clothes in April for another free clothing exchange.

Contact: Cindy Albin

Telephone: 320-235-2106

Humane Society

of Kandiyohi County

Old towels, blankets and five-quart ice cream buckets, collars for dogs and cats, laundry soap, dish soap and cat litter.

Address: 210 17th St. S.E.,

Willmar

Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Telephone: 320-235-7612

Web site: www.thehskc.com

Kandiyohi County Family Services/PACT 4 Families Collaborative

No donation drop-offs but staff will connect people in need with items offered, such as washers, dryers, beds, furniture and household items.

Contact: E-mail shawna.steffen@co.kandiyohi.mn.us to be part of the network

Telephone: Family Services: 320-235-6232; PACT 4 Family Collaborative: 320-231-7030

Kandiyohi County Historical Society

Accepts books, plat maps, diaries, letters, legal documents, photos, artwork about Kandiyohi County, a county resident or produced by someone from the county. Other artifacts are also accepted, although space is limited. Also check with the Monongalia Historical Society in New London and the Atwater Area Historical Society.

Address: 610 Highway 71 N.E., Willmar

Hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season.

Telephone: 320-235-1881

Kandiyohi County Jail

Donations of magazines and books accepted at the jail for prisoners to read.

Telephone: 320-214-6700

New 2 You thrift store

A variety of clothing and household items are accepted.

Address: 1401 First St. S.,

Willmar

Telephone: 320-231-1850

Nursing homes

Some nursing homes recycle old greeting cards for crafts.

Paint Exchange

Leftover paint in cans or aerosols. Paint that cannot be used is packaged and properly disposed of. The program serves Kandiyohi, Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Renville and Swift counties.

Address: 1404 22nd St. S.W., Willmar (the Kandiyohi County Regional Household Hazardous Waste facility)

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday

Telephone: 320-231-3587

Paynesville Community Service Center

Clothing, household items (no furniture or appliances), toys and books. Items given to people accessing the food shelf, which is also located at the center. Food donations are also accepted.

Address: 110 Lake Ave. South, Paynesville

Hours: Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Telephone: 320-243-4953

Ridgewater College

Items that can be used by students for training, including vehicles for the auto body program, hospital beds or other health-care items for the nursing program and building materials for the carpentry program.

Contact: Bobbi Mattison

Telephone: 320-222-6095

Shelter House Inc.

Clothing and household items such as bedding, kitchenware, small appliances (microwaves, coffeepots, toasters), books, toys and some furniture (beds are always needed). Storage space is limited. Please call in advance.

Telephone: 320-235-0962

Tribune classifieds

The West Central Tribune provides free classified ads for people who have items to give away or sell for a maximum price of $35. Other items may be advertised at regular classified rates.

Contact: Any classified ad representative

Address: 2208 Trott Ave. S.W., Willmar

Telephone: 320-235-6766

E-mail: classads@wctrib.com

United Way/Caring Connections Network

Development is under way of an online opportunity where people can post items they wish to give away. Another branch of the organization, Bridge Builders, is launching a new Help Squad Initiative to recruit volunteers to help transport donated items.

Address: 322 Fourth St. S.W., Willmar

Telephone:

United Way: 320-235-1050

Bridge Builders Help Squad

(to volunteer): 320-235-8907

or 320-214-9238

Web site: www.unitedwaykc.org

Willmar Public Library

A magazine exchange is available for people to donate, and take, magazines for personal use.

Address: 410 Fifth St. S.W.,

Willmar

Telephone: 320-235-3162