Four places to donate used items in and around Leisure World:
1. Patriots and Paws
Patriots and Paws provides veterans, active military, reservists and their families with donated items at no cost to them. Donated items go directly to those who need to make their place a home, or need something to help their budget go further. Pick-ups are typically scheduled a few weeks out.
The group accepts clean rugs (up to 6’ x 9’, rolled and taped), clean and properly packaged housewares, decorative items (no holiday items), silverware and kitchen utensils, furniture in good condition (dressers, coffee tables, night stands, end tapes, television stands, couches, dining room chairs and tables), large appliances in working order, floor and tabletop lamps, mattresses, box springs, futons and day beds in clean and usable condition with no stains, and clean small appliances.
They do not accept clothes, purses, shoes, baby or children’s clothing or toys, exercise or medical equipment, items that need to be cleaned, chipped dishware or glassware, electronics older than five years, TVs that take more than one person to carry, entertainment centers, China cabinets, armoires, books or magazines of any kind, sporting equipment, holiday items or camping gear.
For more information, visit patriotsandpaws.org. For questions regarding a donation, email pickup@patriotsandpaws. org or call 714-323-7229.
2. National Veterans
Friday Pick-Ups
The National Veterans Foundation comes to Leisure World every Friday to pick up donations.
Residents can add their address to the list for pickup by calling 855-628-8387.
They do not accept large furniture, mattresses, televisions or large appliances.
3. GRF Swap Meets
Both the Golden Rain Foundation and the American Legion Post 327 hold annual community swap meets. For a small fee, residents can sign up to sell their wares to fellow residents.
Swap meets and sign-up days are publicized in the LW Weekly.
4. LW Friends of the Library
The Leisure World Friends of the Library accepts donations of new and gently used items, including:
• Household Items: Small appliances in working condition, glassware, dishes, cookware, knick-knacks, wall art, table linens and seasonal decorations.
• Personal Items: Jewelry, gloves, hats, umbrellas, scarves, belts, cosmetic cases, purses, small suitcases, small personal appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons in working condition.
• Craft and Office Supplies: Art paper, canvases, loose leaf binders and dividers, general office supplies, scrapbooks and supplies, stickers and stamps, yarn, ribbon, knitting needles and accessories.
• Children and Adult Items: Games, playing cards, stuffed animals and small toys.
• Bookstore Items: Used books, greeting cards, DVDs, CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles.
The Friends of the Library cannot accept the following items: blanket and bed linens unless in new original packaging, clothing, cosmetics, electronics, fabric, furniture, ironing boards, knives, large appliances, large sporting equipment, medical appliances, sewing machines, shoes, or VCR or beta tapes. Those who are uncertain about their donation should ask a volunteer on duty.
