Donations sought in spring cleaning drive

As spring blooms it's out with the old, in with the new.

A local nonprofit hopes you give them the old.

All April, you can donate household items at Northwest Center mobile drop-off locations, to help fund programs for people with disabilities across Puget Sound.

To ensure Northwest Center continues early programs from childhood education to job placement, the center is holding the second annual Big Blue Closet Cleanout.

"We're basically looking for donations of clothing and household goods," said spokesperson Denise Small.

“Shoes are always great."

The center has 23 big blue delivery trucks set up across Puget Sound.

Andrea Nakata has been gathering items all year.

“This is for a good cause so whenever I do a little bit of cleaning around the house this is where I bring it," she said.

So far a lot of people have donated toys and clothes.

Northwest Center will sell the items to Value Village.

The money received will fund programs for around 1,000 people every year.

This year's drive is taking on a new meaning as one of the center’s schools faces big changes.

Seattle Public Schools asked Northwest Center Kids to move out of North Queen Anne Elementary so another special needs school can move in.

Part of the money raised in the Big Blue Closet Cleanout will go toward relocating, though a move isn't expected by June 30 as requested by the school district.

"We're still in the process of looking for a location," said Small.

Monetary donations and new items are welcome, but mattresses, large furniture and large appliances are not.

The month-long clothing drive officially kicks off tomorrow in Sammamish.

Those who donate items at the Pine Lake QFC will get gifts and be able to register to win a $100 gift card to Value Village.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the QFC located at 2902 228th Avenue Southeast in Sammamish.

KIRO