Free Stuff by Helen Rubachuk Who likes free stuff? I know I do. One person's junk is another's treasure, so the saying goes. It's hard to resist a box of goodies beckoning from curbside with its 'FREE' sign. Can't beat the price either. I've found fragrant candles, a chair (that I reupholstered and painted), a pretty plate, used books, Christmas ornaments, etc. But did you know that it not only looks unsightly as abandoned boxes or discarded furniture sit forlornly by the road, it also costs city tax payers (you and me) to have it removed? Your tax dollars are being used to clean up this illegal dumping when material goes unclaimed. The City of Victoria reminds residents that dumping unwanted furniture, household items and other surplus by the sidewalk violates the City's Litter Bylaw which carries a $100 fine for each offence. Let's be socially responsible and keep our community looking clean and litter-free. Consider donating your unwanted goods to charities, such as: United Church Thrift Shop, 517 Michigan Street. Donations of clean, useful goods accepted any morning at the church office. St Vincent de Paul Centre, 831 Yates Street, 382-2767, Monday to Friday 8 - 4 pm Donations of: furniture, bedding, clothing, household items, jewelry, books. Must be clean, in good repair and they offer free pick-up. Mustard Seed Street Church, 625 Queens Avenue, 953-1575, Monday to Friday 8 - 4 pm. Donations of: clothing, baby items, maternity, winter jackets, books, blankets, sleeping bags, small furniture, household items. Pick-up may be arranged. Habitat for Humanity (Restore), 2100 Douglas Street, 386-7867, Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 5:30 pm Donations of: new and used renovation/building supplies. Pick-up may be arranged. Big Brothers, Big Sisters, 230 Bay Street, 385-7226, Monday to Friday 9 to 8 pm, Saturdays 9 - 12noon. Donations of: resalable clothing, household items, bedding, curtains, small appliances, furniture (no beds) may be left at Value Village receiving door, Herald Street near Store Street, 7 days a week. Pick-ups available once a month. Compassionate Resource Warehouse, #2-831 Devonshire, 381-4483, every Wednesday and Friday 10 - 4pm. Donations of: clothing, household items, bedding, unbreakable kitchenware, medical supplies, personal care items, tools, dolls, toys, school supplies, office supplies, sewing and notions, knitting, embroidery, sports equipment, clean cardboard boxes, (no household furniture, glass or breakable items). No pick-up available. Extreme Outreach Society, Burnside and Harriet, 383-2064, Monday to Friday 12 - 4:30 pm. Donations of: household items, dishes, kitchenware, clothing, toys, (no furniture, tools, computers, stereos). No pick-up available. Salvation Army, 3948 Quadra Street, 727-3853, everyday 9 - 5 pm. Donations must be resalable (no large appliances, console TVs, encyclopedias). Free pick up available. Then there is 'Freecycle', an internet group you can join without charge, where members post unneeded items (clothing, books, furniture, building supplies) to give away and/or browse other people's lists. Members may also request specific items. The rule is: It must be given away or received 'free'. To contact the moderator of this group, send email to victoriafreecycle-owner@yahoogroups.com