Dear Heloise: As so many are doing their spring cleaning, I’m sure they’re also preparing once-loved goods for donations. I’ve been volunteering for a small nonprofit that distributes clothing to families in need. We spend much time sorting through, throwing out and redonating the mountains of donated clothing. Please pass on these hints to help give donations a happy home and keep more stuff out of landfills:

— First off, thank you! It’s wonderful to donate rather than toss out these items. There are definitely people who can use your gently used clothing.

— Do a little research before donating. A men’s homeless shelter doesn’t need your sequined cocktail frock, but there are some local high schools that have a repository for prom dresses. Some nonprofits take anything and sell by the pound to thrift stores; the clothing doesn’t go directly to the needy but does help the charity with its mission.

Some upscale neighborhoods have charity thrift shops where people go “antiquing” for china, crystal, and fancy vintage clothes. Some job-training programs seek suits, scarves, purses and ties. Some animal charities, vets and doggie day cares take stained or frayed towels or bedding. Meanwhile, other organizations don’t take any bedding (because of possible infestations).

— Please make sure that the items are usable. We like to respect our clients’ dignity. We can’t distribute severely dirty, stained, yellowed, frayed, ripped and moth-eaten clothing. (Some organizations take these items for rags.)

— Consider donating in season. Nonprofits don’t have much storage space. Your winter sweaters and coats are great during the fall and winter when they’re needed the most.

— It helps to sort and label items. A bag labeled “women’s shirts” or “men’s shoes” will be unpacked and distributed sooner. If sizes have been cut off or worn off, please label the size with a marker or tape. All of this takes a little extra time for you, of course, but helps the items find a home faster. It saves the nonprofit lots of time guessing and sorting, allowing more clients to be served.

— Now that your closet looks cleaner, consider buying less. We’ve received so many clothes with the price tags still on. Online shopping makes it too easy to buy things we don’t need that don’t fit and sit in the closet for years.

Thanks for helping us spread our appreciation for donations and hints on making them more effective! — M.K., in Houston

REFRIGERATOR SHEETING

Dear Heloise: If you go online, you’ll find a medium to heavy plastic sheeting that can be used to lay flat on refrigerator shelves for easy cleaning. You need to cut it to size, but it works well, especially if you have kids. — Hannah R., Brownsville, Texas

TREE-PLANTING ­REMINDER

Dear Readers: Spring has sprung, and our yards need care. If you’re planting a tree, you might want to call your local water or gas company and see if they will come out to mark where your utility lines are before you start digging a hole. Many, if not most, will perform this service free of charge. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.