Guest Column: A spring cleaning guide to both donating and shopping in East Toronto

By EMILIE GLOCKNER

Supporting local businesses has always been an important part of our community.

As you tackle your spring cleaning, this guide will help you decide which charities to donate to and where to shop locally for storage solutions.

Charities serving our community

YSM Double Take, 310 Gerrard St. E., offers support to individuals living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. They accept clothes, shoes, housewares, and electronics.

New Circles GLOW, 44 Mobile Dr., provides free clothing and essentials to low-income families. Accepting donations after April 21 once they are set up in their new location.

Second Journey Thrift, 606 Gerrard St. E., provides services to those living with loss and individuals with palliative and terminal diagnoses. They accept clothing and housewares and issue a tax receipt for thrift store items valued over $100.

Salvation Army, 60 Overlea Blvd. and 1921 Eglinton Ave. E., supports various local programs including our food banks. They accept almost all items, including textiles for recycling. If you’re planning to donate large furniture, it’s best to call ahead to ensure they have space.

The Pegasus Shoppe, 931 Kingston Rd., supports adults with developmental disabilities. They accept books, CDs/DVDs, toys and clothing.

Local stores to find storage products

IQ Living, 542 Danforth Ave. Offers a very wide selection of storage solutions for the kitchen and any other space in your home.

Midoco, 1968 Queen St. E. – Provides storage baskets and office storage options.

Mashimoosh, 749 Danforth Ave. Offers a colourful selection of baskets and unique finds.

Kitchen Stuff Plus, 583 Danforth Ave. A Canadian company that specializes in kitchen and home storage solutions.

Home Hardware, 2305 Queen St E. Carries a variety of storage bin options.

Canadian Tire, 1015 Lakeshore Blvd. E and 2681 Danforth Ave. Offers a large selection of organizational solutions including storage bins in large and extra-large sizes.

Questions Commonly Asked About Donations

Can I donate to my favourite small charity?

Most small charities can’t process or store donations. It’s always best to call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Do donation bins serve the local community?

Items in donation bins are sometimes shipped overseas. Dropping off donations at a local centre ensures they directly benefit the community.

Can I donate worn-out clothes and linens?

Larger charities, like the Salvation Army, collect worn-out clothes, linens, and shoes for textile recycling, reducing landfill waste. When in doubt, include these items in your donation – no need to separate them.

This Local First Guide has been provided by White Space Organized, Professional Organizers based in the Beach Toronto, working to help our community let go of clutter and enjoy lasting organized calm.

• Emilie Glockner is the owner of White Space Organized and has lived in the Beach for the past 17 years. She can be reached at www.whitespaceorganized.com, email: emilie@whitespaceorganized.com