Moving?... Don't Just Throw It Away

When you're packing up at the end of the school year, it's quick and easy to throw away everything you don't want to lug home for the summer. Before you toss it, though, consider those folks who can't afford to buy food, bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries, household goods and clothing. There are many agencies in Butte County that can pass on your throw-away items to people who really need them. The landfill isn't going to appreciate these items, but someone who's cold and hungry certainly will. It takes a little more time to separate the junk from the reusable, but it's worth the effort. Here are some of the organizations that will make good use of your stuff.

  • Butte County Gleaners accepts many kinds of food. They're located in Chico (899-3758), Concow (533-1682), Gridley (846-4233), Oroville (533-43460, Paradise (872-0637) and Magalia (873-2868).

  • Catholic Ladies Relief Society in Chico (895-8331) needs food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, can openers, utensils, paper bags, paper towels & toilet paper.

  • Chico Community Shelter Partnership (891-9048) needs toiletries, clothing (especially socks, shoes, gloves, jeans, jackets and sweaters) and non-perishable snack food.

  • Chico Food Not Bombs (896-1747) needs food to prepare vegan meals for the homeless.

  • Clothes That Work in Chico (345-7608) and Oroville (534 48890 needs work clothing in good repair to give to people who are starting back into the work force.

  • Esplanade House in Chico (891-2977) needs food and small household goods such as dishes, pots & pans and brooms.

  • Help for People Community House in Paradise (872-4357) needs food and clothing.

  • Grace Lutheran Church in Gridley (846-4736) needs food and clothing in good condition.

  • Jesus Center in Chico (345-2640) needs larger containers of food plus rain jackets, ponchos, gloves, socks and umbrellas.

  • Lighthouse Mission in Oroville (534-7729) needs food.

  • Oroville Rescue Mission (533-9120) needs food.

  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gridley (846-2140) needs food, blankets and jackets.

  • Seventh Day Adventist Church in Paradise (872-9548) needs food, kitchen items, clothing and bedding. In Chico, non perishable food donations can be dropped off at their church at 1877 Hooker Oak.

In addition, there are numerous thrift stores operated by charities that would appreciate your donations. Remember, though, that items you donate should be in good condition. If you give them unusable junk, they will have the additional expense of sending it to the landfill.

From the Spring 2001 issue of the Environmental News.