Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Dear Heloise: As a daily reader of your column, I know that you have educated and helped many readers, and I hope that you will be able to do the same for all the thrift stores and volunteers.
The public is very generous in donating items they no longer use or need. We are very grateful for them, especially since the profit of our particular store will go to an animal shelter.
We can sell just about everything except:
UClothes that are soiled, spotted, torn or missing buttons.
UWorn-out and dirty shoes.
UBroken electrical appliances, gadgets and old, nonworking computers.
UBroken or incomplete toys.
UCracked or broken glassware or dishes.
Because we are short volunteers and money, we are unable to wash or repair the above-mentioned items. We also have problems with items that are dropped off after closing time and sit outside overnight. They can get wet and infested with all kinds of critters, or people will rip open the bags and boxes and help themselves to the donated items. Gerda Savino, College Station, Texas
Gerda, a big Heloise hug to you and other volunteers across the country who donate their time to help. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of donating only items that are in good shape. Heloise
Dear Heloise: For those of us who fly often, here is how to save a forgotten item that would otherwise have to be thrown away in order to pass through security.
Pack in your carry-on a one-pound, priority-mail, self-addressed, stamped envelope (flat rate). When you get caught off-guard with new security rules about items that you cannot pack in your carry-on, or you are carrying something security won't let you board with, place it in the envelope and mail it home to yourself. It could potentially save you from having to part with a recently banned heirloom, or just something you don't want to throw away. B., Spokane, Wash.
Dear Heloise: When I put my earrings in, I lean over the bed. That way, if the backing falls off, it lands on the bed. Much easier to retrieve than if the backing falls to the floor. Joy Hagen, Webster, S.D.
Joy, you taught me a hint. Thanks. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have a great idea for filing numbers in my cell phone. I file phone numbers (some, not all) by relation to me. For example, Lisa-Daughter, Wayne-Son, Denise-Sister, Robert-My Man. That way, if there is an emergency, someone can look in my cell phone and call the necessary person. Marie from Maryland
Dear Heloise: I know a lot of people have CD burners now, so here is what I do with old Christmas cards. I cut the picture off the cards to make CD case fronts for the Christmas CDs I am burning. That way, they are decorative and personal. Joan, via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) HELOISE or e-mail Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate