Starting Fresh in 2013: Recycle Lights, Phones, Coats and Toys

Are you buying a new winter jacket? Do you have holiday lights that no longer work? Did your kids get duplicate toys this year? Did Santa bring you a new cell phone?

If you have items you’d like to toss but aren’t sure what to do with them, a number of collections are taking place in Southington and items can be dropped off right at the Goodwill store and donation center on Queen Street with an opportunity to use the donation as a tax credit - always great to hear around tax season, isn't it?

One collection seeking new items and not used ones is Toys for Tots - but that may be a great place to donte those second, third and fourth footballs or basketballs your kids got this Christmas. New, unwrapped toys are being sought for children in the area. For more information, including drop-off points, visit the Toys for Tots website by clicking the link provided.

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If you have coats you no longer need, donations are being collected through Goodwill as well.

Cell phones piling up because you have the newest and best that technology has to offer? Drop off used cells at Verizon Wireless, AT&T or any other authorized cell phone dealer.

Have old holiday lights that no longer work? Maybe you switched colors or swapped old lights for LED ones? Whatever the reason, if you have lights that you're not hanging this year, they can be recycled.

Is your organization collecting donations this holiday season? Let us know. Leave a note in comments or e-mail Local Editor NAME at Jason.Vallee@patch.com.

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