collects stuffed animals for children without homes, and Animals Beacons of Light distributes them to shelters, orphanages and other areas where they're needed. Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Iraq are accepting stuffed animal donations (as well as school supplies and gently used clothing) for Iraqi children. For more information, click here.

Certain products have their own reuse/recycle programs, such as the Reuse-a-Shoe program for worn out tennies. Whether it's a mateless cross-trainer or your collection of high school running sneakers, send them in to be converted to tracks, playgrounds and athletic courts.

There are also special homes for defunct electronic and technical equipment. Most major computer companies now offer recycling programs (for a fee) for their computers. Dell will recycle any of their old computers for free (you just pay shipping) ? and if you're purchasing a new Dell or Apple computer, both offer free recycling (shipping not included) for your old computer, regardless of its brand.

There are many places to sell working electronic equipment, and if you can't exchange them for cash, consider donating them. Greendisk will take your CDs, VCR, cords, cables, MP3 players, video game cartridges, VHS and cassette tapes, digital cameras and other technical items. And you can send your old PDA, pager and cell phone to CollectiveGood, where they'll be recycled or refurbished and donated.


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