Spring cleaning will soon be in the air! Right around the corner is time for spring events such as yard sales. This season usually involves a lot of spring cleaning from being bunched up all winter and having an overload of items from the holidays; and the kids also outgrowing their clothes.

Many of us donate our clothes and goods to thrift stores year round. Do you donate according to what's conveniently located near you? Or do you donate because of the cause?

Here is a list of some non-profits who accept donated goods; and what their charity goes to (click on the mission statement to go to their website for more contact and more information):

YWCA - Help women become self-sufficient, and the women's shelter takes in products for homeless women and children. Mission: "YWCA Billings is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people."

Family Services - Helping low income families in the Billings area. Mission: "We prevent homelessness and alleviate poverty in Yellowstone County through community involvement."

Salvation Army - Helping low income families in the Billings area. Mission: "The Salvation Army of Billings is creating real opportunities for individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty through education in the arts, sustainable agriculture and job skills, fostering social entrepreneurship and community empowerment."

Rescue Mission - Helping low income families and homeless in the Billings area. Mission: "To provide emergency, temporary care and rehabilitative services, from a distinctly Christian perspective, for those seeking help and solutions."

Goodwill - Helps the disabled community with job training and placement. Mission: "Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work."

Dress For Success - Helping woman succeed with job placement and career apparel. Mission: "To instill in each woman our faith in her ability to succeed in life."

St Vincent DePaul - Helping low income families in the Billings area. Mission: "To promote and perform works of charity through personal service."

Habitat For Humanity ReStore - A thrift store for Habitat for Humanity recipients and the public for low cost home furnishings for building a home (cabinets, appliances, bathroom fixtures, etc). Mission: "Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry which forms partnerships with volunteers who share the vision of eliminating poverty housing worldwide."

The Center for Children and Families. "We are a merger of community agencies that work to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and youth while strengthening families."

Each year our community awards The Golden Apple to outstanding educators who best reflect our commitment to excellence in education. This year Golden Apples will be award to:

Two elementary teachers
One middle school teacher
One high school teacher
One specialist or administrator
One support professional (i.e. secretary, aide, custodian)

Community volunteers will choose the award recipients from the greater Billings area accredited schools, including elementary schools whose students attend middle and high school in District 2, and area parochial schools. (Community colleges, colleges and preschools are not included.)
The public is invited to attend the Educator Appreciation Awards Banquet to honor those selected for the Golden Apple Awards on Thursday April 25, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza-Billings. For tickets, please call Shauna Reichelt at the Billings Education Association; (406) 248-9812; before 5 p.m. weekdays. Tickets will be available March 20, 2013 through April 22, 2013.

Click here to nominate.