Do you have unused and unopened cosmetics in your home? Or maybe you got a gift with a recent purchase and thought it would be nice to donate the cosmetics to someone in need? The nonprofit Cosmetics for a Cause is a clearinghouse that accepts unused cosmetics and distributes them to women in need. Their mission is simple: "When a woman feels beautiful on the outside, she can begin to gain the inner strength she needs to succeed." To give your (unopened and never used cosmetics), visit cosmeticsforacause.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here's a simple and smart way to upcycle your old orange peels: Make them into an eco-friendly household cleaner. Fill a glass jar with white vinegar and place the peels from three or four oranges inside. Let it sit for seven to 10 days, then strain the liquid and transfer it to a spray bottle for an orange-infused vinegar that can be used as an all-purpose cleaner around the house. The white vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and the natural oils from the citrus work as a degreaser. It smells great, too!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When going through your closet to give to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army, do a few extra things to make sure your donation is actually welcome and not a burden. Give everything a wash in a fragrance-free detergent and try to spot-treat stains. While the charities do wash items for sale, giving clean garments is a courteous thing to help volunteers sort through your donation. Avoid donating sheets and towels unless they are in almost perfect condition; instead, ask a local animal shelter if they'd like them. And give what's in season: A thick wool sweater given in July will likely be tossed into the trash.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION