Holidays 2012: Recycle Lights, Phones and Coats; Donate New 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 Wheaton and items can be dropped off right at the People's Resource Center or Goodwill at 520 S. Schmale Rd. in Carol Stream.

One collection seeking new items and not used ones is Toys for Tots. New, unwrapped toys are being sought for children in the area. You can drop them off at the following locations:

• Mario Tricoci, 1749 S. Randall Rd., Geneva
• Nancy's Pizza, 6551 South Cass Avenue  Westmont
• Title Max, 2015 W. Main St., St. Charles

If you have coats you no longer need, donations are being collected through People's Resource Center or Goodwill at 520 S. Schmale Rd. in Carol Stream.

Cell phones piling up because you have the newest and best that technology has to offer? Drop off used cells at the City of Wheaton's electronic recycling event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 8 at 820 W. Liberty Dr.

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 in Wheaton. Just take them to Wheaton's Public Works storage facility at 820 W. Liberty Dr. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. any time before Feb. 22. 

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