Clean out your closets and support Make A Difference Day on Saturday

Looking to clean out a space? Before throwing anything away, keep in mind the donation smorgasbord taking place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 23, in Winnetka.

The Volunteer Center is inviting residents and community groups to donate gently used items across a plethora categories for Make A Difference Day in the Indian Hill Metra station parking lot, 111 Green Bay Road.

According to a release from 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 19th charity drive.

New to the lineup this year is Madonna Mission, which helps refugees and immigrants through school supplies and tutoring services.

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 items are:

Books4Cause — Any gently used books, all genres, including textbooks, CDs, DVDs and vinyl

Connections for the Homeless — Disposable new men’s razors, men’s coats and warm outerwear (boots, hats, gloves, etc.), duffels, backpacks and rolling suitcases

Counseling Center of the North Shore — Women’s and men’s clothing and women’s coats

Gears for Goals — Sports equipment (no golf, hockey or ski equipment)

Hadley Institute for the Blind — Eyeglasses/cases

Infant Welfare Society — Baby diapers (any size), wipes and formula (any kind)

Jr. League Evanston/North Shore — Casual Purses, formal dresses, warm outerwear for all but men’s, household items and new travel size or small toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, lotion, soap/body wash, dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant)

Madonna Mission — New school supplies such as erasers, pencil sharpeners, No. 2 pencils, index cards, notebooks, composition books, highlighters, ballpoint pens, glue sticks, crayons, markers and individual tissue packs

Lawrence Hall — Educational games and puzzles

Northfield Food Pantry — Nonperishable food, household cleaning supplies and paper goods

Northwestern Univ. Settlement House — Baby, toddler and children’s clothing/coats and shoes

Orphans of the Storm — Any pet supplies, toys, food, twin size and small blankets, gently used towels

Support for Developing Country Social Enterprises — Gently used adult sized athletic shoes (no holes, tears, etc.)

Woman’s Club of Evanston — Jewelry and dressy purses

Working Bikes — All bikes (adults and youth) in repairable condition