Community
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ
Spring Cleaning Guide
books, textbooks and more Locations (book drop boxes) : 3106 E. 14 1/2 St., Austin; Bouldin Creek Cafe, 1900 S. First St., Austin SAFE Warehouse The SAFE Alliance is an Austin-based nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to survivors or child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking in Central Texas. Donations accepted: home textiles like bedsheets and blankets, home and office furniture, new food and pantry items Location: 1515 Grove Blvd., Austin The Salvation Army The Sal vation Army provides resources and services to those in need of relief and spiritual support. The organization’s programs include food pantries, youth programs, disaster relief, thrift stores and more. Those with donation items can schedule a home pick-up with their local store. Donations accepted : operating appliances, children’s clothing, furniture, household goods, toys, bicycles, books, sports equipment Locations: 4216 S. Congress Ave., Austin; 8801 Research Blvd., Austin; 601 W. Louis Henna Blvd., Austin
Before you go
2025
Outdoor tips and tricks
When it’s time to clean the outside of the house, Community Impact spoke with Steve Ambrose, Division Manager of Home Improvement at ABC Home & Commercial, about the areas to check as the weather warms up.
Irrigation system: to prepare for the hotter, sunnier months, a trial run of the sprinkler system may prevent leaks and program malfunctions.
As the weather warms up in Central Texas, many people take the seasonal change as a chance to clean their homes and belongings to freshen up for the springtime. This is a guide to various donation centers to take unneeded items as well as cleaning the outside of the home. Austin Creative Reuse Center Nonprofit Austin Creative Reuse sells used creative materials donated from the community. The center also hosts workshops and community events. Donations accepted: art supplies, scrapbook and paper craft, fabric and notions, fiber arts, puzzles, small toys, games, vintage magazines and more Location: 2005 Wheless Lane, Austin Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore ReStore, which first opened in Austin in 1992, offers home items ranging from flooring and doors to furniture and decor. ReStores are part of nonprofit Austin Habitat for Humanity, which works toward affordable housing in Hays, Caldwell and Travis counties. Donations accepted: home goods including furniture,
appliances, doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, lighting, decor, exercise equipment, baby items, clean clothing and accessories, lawn equipment and more Locations: 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin; 13804 N. Hwy. 183, Austin; 2521 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos Austin Pets Alive! Thrift Austin Pets Alive! Thrift are boutique-style stores offering used items from clothing, home decor and jewelry to support the animal rescue organization. Donations accepted: pet items, adult men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, books, artwork, musical instruments, working laptops and tablets, video games and more Locations: 5801 Burnet Road, Austin; 1409 W. Oltorf St., Austin; 5102 Clarkson Ave., Austin; 913 N. I-35 frontage road, Round Rock; 15803 Windermere Drive, Ste. 603, Pflugerville Austin Public Library Recycled Reads Bookstore Part of the Austin Public Library System, Recycled Reads sells books, art, games and more priced at $2 and under.
All proceeds benefit the Austin Public Library. Donations accepted: books, CDs, LPs, DVDs, art, complete board games and puzzles, VHS, audio cassettes Location : 5335 Burnet Road, Austin BookSpring BookSpring is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to build early literacy in children and families. Books in good condition can be dropped off during office hours. Donations accepted: picture books in English or Spanish, board books, elementary chapter books, recently published teen and adult fiction Location: 1807 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin Inside Books Project Inside Books Project is an Austin-based nonprofit that sends books and other reading materials to people incarcerated in Texas. Donations accepted: dictionaries & thesauruses (paperback), history books, graphic novels, comics, trade books and how-to manuals, Spanish and English learning
Holes : openings and holes in a house may also give indoor access to pests, Ambrose said.
Gutters : check for debris like twigs, dried leaves and sap, which can weigh down the gutters.
Thresholds : check the weather stripping on doors and windows for drafts.
Trees : a quick walk around can point out any trees touching the house roof that need trimming. As the wind blows, long branches may damage the roof shingles. They can also be an avenue for wildlife like squirrels, rats, possums and raccoons to get onto the roof. Condenser : the condenser is the box- shaped outdoor air conditioning unit most houses have. Ambrose said these can also collect debris, resulting in the indoor AC unit not cooling efficiently.
Hardscapes : hard surfaces like patios, walkways, sidewalks and decks can become slippery from mildew and pollen buildup during spring. Homeowners can clean these areas themselves or call a professional service.
This list is not comprehensive.
SOURCE: STEVE AMBROSE, DIVISION MANAGER OF HOME IMPROVEMENT FOR ABC HOME & COMMERCIAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expy (512) 342-6893
HIGHLAND 5775 Airport Blvd (512) 366-8300
NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665
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