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Community Corner

Downsize and Donate 2013 11/5 thru 12/4

The Quinn Family’s Downsize and Donate 2013 Holiday Drive 

Collecting from NOVEMBER 4 thru DECEMBER 4 2013

It’s that time again! Clear your clutter for a greater cause! Now is the time to downsize before the holiday: something dusty you never opened, got two of the same present for your kids, closets, shelves, basements, attics. We are sure you've got some stuff you can part with! Just five short years ago we started a tradition. We wanted to do something big for families who really were enduring difficult times during the holidays. We thought, how many items go unnoticed, unused, unopened, unworn, outgrown, or not played with in our homes?…far too many too count. Our kids love toys that don't come sewn into boxes ha!

This year we are helping Catholic Charities who support a number of food pantries in the surrounding areas and other charitable causes.
 We are in need of new/very gently used/items of all kinds that aren't outdated and for all ages to give as gifts this holiday season. Our goal has always been to group between 2-5 gift items (more if you'd like) together in a BASKET or CUTE BOX or HOLIDAY GIFT BAG for a specific age/sex.  Please clean/launder the items/clothes you are donating (dilute Clorox or Lysol/spray and wipe and rinse clean for anything plastic). Please make it look pretty and all gifts still visible: cellophane with a nice bow, a box or bag with tissue paper only, please label all packages with approximate age/sex for who it is recommended. We will still accept neat and organized donations if you are unable to wrap them, but sincerely appreciate it if you can! Get your family to help, give them all bags and ask them to put a few items together to give as a gift to someone who may not have a present to open or cozy bed to sleep in this holiday. Here are some other helpful suggestions: As a guideline we ask "Is this something i would proudly give to my friends or family?" If no, this drive is not the answer for that item. If you do have tiny pieces that go with a toy, a small cellophane bag is perfect tied with ribbon/tissue paper is ok for little pieces too! Think outside the box, theme a present/gift bag/basket: princess, dinosaurs, cars and trucks, arts and crafts (paper, crayons, paint and glitter voila), grownup/mom/dad,  grandparents/elderly (blanket, books, slippers, foodstore gc?) teen, baby, little kid, big kid, housewarming (candle, vase, set of new drinking glasses/bakeware?) sentimental (journal+photobook to fill) movies (popcorn candy movies-player if you have).

Only add clothes that are new with tags in the holiday packages, we will still take gently used clothing on the side (try to put in small shopping bag by size). Please, no stains, no stretching, no excess fading.

Clothes (fall/winter only)
 Pajamas/sweats (warm)
Coats/hats/gloves/scarves/new socks
Boots/shoes (barely worn)
Blankets/Sheets (only new sheets please)
 Diapers/wipes/formula/Baby Toys/Clothes/Stuff
 Puzzles (all pieces must be included)
 Outdoor activities: ride-ons, balls, scooters, wagons, bikes
Games (all pieces must be included/good box)
Books all ages
Movies/music: ipods, mp3s, dvds, cds/players
Home/Holiday Décor: frames, vases, candles, jewelry w/box
NewToiletries: soaps, lotions, toothpaste, deodorants, colognes
Toys for all ages: playhouse, action figures, trains, blocks, trucks, dolls, anything really! 
Arts/Crafts: Coloring books/Crayons/pastels/paper/paints/glue/build or make your own/scrap booking/journals
Small electronics: handheld games, systems, walkie talkies, cameras, videocam
Gift Cards of all kinds (walmart, target, foodstores, restaurants) for recipients 
Please include: Notes/Letters/Cards/drawings to let someone know you’re thinking of them during their rough time and to offer kind words for the holiday, no need to add personal info.

Thank you so much for your time. Please call/txt Stephanie/Matthew Quinn for any questions at 908-337-8501/908-276-2784. I'm best reached by txt. Email: squinny078@yahoo.com with downsize and donate 2013 in the subject area. Donations are being accepted until December 4 at: 42 Elizabeth Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016 (if we are not home, and the weather is nice you can always drop a donation at our back door-thanks).

 If you have large donations, like furniture, 1800 SA TRUCK always needs donations, call to schedule a pickup!

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