Some items can be a hindrance

Dear Heloise: I just read your column about items not to donate. I am a member of a large church in Houston. We are having to send large quantities of useful clothing that was donated to Katrina victims to other charities because of the amount of clothing delivered in unmarked garbage bags. It took weeks to sort, and more than half was not usable. When we needed items the most, we couldn't get to them.
Please let your readers know that people in crisis do not want torn, stained clothing or toys, and certainly not winter coats when it's August in Houston. With more thought on the donor's part, the donations could be put to use as intended. Janet in Houston
I have written about this very topic many times, Janet. We also received a letter from Terri Herrle of San Antonio. She says: "I was just reading your column in the San Antonio Express-News about what not to donate to charity. I am very active in the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and in volunteering at the VA hospital. Something not on your list of what not to donate is used underwear. If you are going to donate underwear, please make sure it is new and never worn. People seem to think that it is OK to donate these castoffs."
It's not! Yuck and double yuck! Heloise
Dear Heloise: Through the years, I have found that I would forget when I opened something and could not remember if it had been too long ago and if it could still be good. So every time I open something, from aspirin to ketchup, potato chips to shampoo, I put the date on it with a permanent (black) marker. This also tells me if we are using something too much or getting our money out of something that is lasting longer, like the shampoo. This works great for us. Doris Fehl, Milton, Fla.
Dear Heloise: While looking in the attic, my husband found a box containing the "treasures" our four children brought home from school. They included artwork, test papers, handmade cards and some "I'm sorry I misbehaved" notes. I decided to sort them and wrapped them up for Christmas gifts. The kids were all in their 30s, some with children of their own. On Christmas morning, I took pictures of each one as they opened their gifts and realized what they were. Great fun and laughter ensued, especially from the grandchildren. I kept for myself the Mother's Day and Father's Day cards they made. Peggy Worrick, Escondido, Calif.
Those treasures are probably better than any store-bought gift and certainly are a wonderful heart hint. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When using a single recipe that is not in a cookbook, put it on the stove vent with a magnet. I find the recipe is easier to follow than using a recipe holder. Lurlene L. Campbell, Mesa, Ariz.
King Features Syndicate