Donating to groups is great, but use good judgment

Dear Readers: More people are donating items to local charities, especially after the terrible hurricanes we've had. We wanted to share information about what not to donate to charitable organizations: UDirty, torn clothing with missing buttons or snaps. UShoes that are worn or very dirty. UAppliances or electronics that don't work or are missing parts. UToys that don't have all their pieces or don't work right. UDishes or glassware that are cracked, broken or soiled. And only leave items when the store or charity organization is open, because items left outside can be pilfered or become infested with critters. Think about what you would want or need, and donate items that others can appreciate getting. Heloise P.S. Please remember all of the animal shelters and rescue groups. They can use bedding, sheets and towels that are in too bad a shape to go to people shelters. Fast facts Dear Heloise: Here are some items I have found useful for easily breaking up hamburger when cooking: UA potato masher. UA spaghetti fork. UA pastry blender. These all work well and make cooking just a little easier. Jordan R. in Arizona Dear Heloise: I saw the hint about a reader's problem trying to remove an odor from a chest. Although you offered great hints on removing the odors, I have one I would like to share. Try placing a bag or can of coffee in the item that smells. When the recent hurricane hit my town and we were without power and gone from our home for so long, I thought for sure my refrigerator and freezer were bound for the dump. Then my brother told me about the coffee. I purchased a couple of cheap bags of coffee, opened them, put some grounds in plastic bowls and placed them in the freezer and fridge. In a few days, we were back in business, all odors gone. Wanda, via e-mail Wanda, glad this worked for you -- it's an old tried-and-true hint that every military family who moves often knows. For really bad odors like spoiled meat, this might not work. If the blood from the packages leaked into the coils of the refrigerator, the odor is usually impossible to remove. You can also wash out the inside of the fridge with some vanilla or lemon extract, too. Heloise Sound off Dear Heloise: My Sound Off is that people need to brush all of the snow off of their cars before driving. Many people only brush off the windows, not the roof or trunk. This can be a major hazard, especially if there happens to be a layer of ice on top of the snow. It can fly off and could cause damage to the cars following. I have known of windshields being cracked, and the snow itself can be a great distraction. Shannon in Maryland XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. King Features Syndicate