BicyclesFreewheelin’Community Bikes
Kids learn hands-on skills fixing them up—and get a bike to ride when the job is done. 3355 N. Central Ave., 317-926-5440, freewheelinbikes.wix.com/freewheelinbikes.
Blankets & Towels
FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic
Dogs and cats lie on the bedding while recovering from the surgeries that help reduce pet overpopulation and shelter euthanasia rates. 1505 Massachusetts Ave., 317-638-3223, facespayneuter.org.
Books
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation
Proceeds from book sales held throughout the year support local libraries. Next sale: Feb. 8. Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian St., 317-275-4700, indyplfoundation.org.
Crafting Materials
At Your School
Kids in AYS’s before- and after-school and other programs use paper, glue, scissors, and markers (and imagination, of course) for creative projects. 4755 Kingsway Dr., 317-283-3817, ayskids.org.
Electronics & Rechargeable Batteries
RecycleForce
Separating out recyclables keeps toxins out of landfills and gives re-entry employment to recent inmates, while sales of the materials help fund job-training programs. 1125 Brookside Ave., Ste. D12, 317-532-1367, recycleforce.org.
Event Tickets
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Mentors can spend time with their “little siblings” at sports games, concerts, arts performances, or other shows and activities. 2960 N. Meridian St., Ste. 150, 317-921-2201, bebigforkids.org.
Eyeglasses
Indianapolis Eye Care Center
Low-cost clinics, including one in Guanajuato, Mexico, dispense them to
folks in need of vision correction.501 Indiana Ave., Ste. 100, 317-321-1470, optometry.iu.edu.
Food
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Nonperishable goods (cans, mac-and-cheese mix, heat-and-serve meals, etc.) are distributed to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other hunger-relief programs around the state. 3737 Waldemere Ave., 317-925-0191, gleaners.org.
Kids’ Formal Accessories
Riley Cancer Center Prom
Children undergoing treatment choose outfits to wear for the hospital’s annual spirit-lifting soiree. Girls: shiny or colorful purses and “bling” (bracelets, necklaces, earrings, tiaras, and sparkly headbands). Boys: top hats, youth-size ties, and fun sunglasses. Drop-off on Dec. 6 and 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St., 317-948-1835, rileykids.org/events/prom.
Furniture & Appliances (large)
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Catholic charity collects sofas, dining tables, washers and dryers, and other large household essentials (no pianos, please) for folks who need help setting up house. Pick-up available for large appliances. 1201 E. Maryland St., 317-687-1006, svdpindy.org.
Furniture & App-liances (small)
AMVETS
Value World thrift stores sell the gently used stuff to raise money for programs benefiting veterans and their families. Pick-up available (as long as each item is light enough for one person to carry). 317-353-8140, donatestuff.com/charity/amvets.
Gardening Tools
Growing Places Indy
The urban-farming and wellness advocate raises fresh produce and conducts training programs at its three “Slow Food” gardens, and extra wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, and the like are wel-comed (but sprays, fertilizers, and soil
are not, thank you). 317-652-5745, growingplacesindy.org.
Home-Improvement Products
Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity ReStore
New and gently used cabinets, lighting, and other fix-up materials are sold at the outlet to benefit the home-building charity. 1011 E. 22nd St., 317-777-6098, indyrestore.com
Kitchen Utensils & Equipment
Aftercare for Indiana through Mentoring
At-risk youths and kids coming out of juvenile corrections use pots, pans, measuring cups, spatulas, etc. in cooking and baking sessions for a job-preparedness program. 10202 E. Washington St., Ste. 300, 317-874-8470, aim
mentoring.org.
Medications
Good Samaritan Health Clinic
The near-eastside facility dispenses unopened, unexpired over-the-counter cures and doctor’s-office samples to the homeless and working poor. 11 Eastern Ave., 317-638-2862, ext. 40, goodnewsministries.com.
Pet Food & Supplies
Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside
FIDO distributes a range, from kibble to toys to doghouses, to the owners of outdoor pets (including cats) to improve the animals’ quality of life. They even take stuff for rabbits and fish. 456 N. Holmes Ave., 317-221-1314, fidoindy.org.
Shoes
Samaritan’s Feet
New athletic footwear is shuffled to those who have none, both here and abroad. 3950 Priority Way S. Dr., Ste. 220, 317-870-1649, samaritansfeet.org.
Sports Equipment
Indiana Sports Corp. Geared for Health
Basketballs, helmets, bats, gloves, cleats—just about anything that gets kids into the game—go to promote fitness in underserved communities. The group also takes jump ropes, T-shirts, and any other gently used item that can be used to get kids moving. Year-round drop-off is available at Play It Again Sports in Carmel, 2332 E. 116th St., 317-848-6044; and in Fishers, 11681 Olio Rd., 317-288-4632, playitagainsportsfishers.com. For more information: Indiana Sports Corp., 201 S. Capitol Ave., Ste. 1200, 317-237-5000, indianasportscorp.org.
Toiletries
Ronald McDonald House of Indiana
Families confined for long stretches in the hospital rooms of critically ill or injured children can use them to freshen up. 435 Limestone St., 317-269-2247, ext. 205, rmh-indiana.org.
This article appeared in the December 2013 issue.
