Spring is here and it is time to recycle and do that spring-cleaning. You can help a local organization with all those unwanted items in your garage, storage unit, home, etc. The items can be in any condition: damaged, obsolete, non-working, or fully operational. For your peace of mind, delete personal information from your computers and cell phones.

The Volunteer Services Council (VSC) of Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma is sponsoring a recycling fund-raiser on Saturday, March 27, 9:30a.m.-2:00 p.m., at 315 West McLain, (east side parking lot) Sherman. Everyone donating will receive a tax donation form. The VSC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization as designated by the Internal Revenue Service and your donation may be tax deductible.

"Many questions have flooded the VSC office the last two years about this event. I would like to address some of the major questions. The number one question people have for the event is: Where is McLain Street? It is the first street to the north of where Travis and Lamberth cross. The number two question is: What do you do with the items taken to be recycled? We are working with Bubb Recycling, a company out of the metro-plex that has been in business for several years.

Bubb Fund-raising will donate a set amount for every item the public donates. The company takes all the donated items and recycles what can be recycled. Many of the items can be resold. Parts out of other items may also be resold. Any unusable materials will be recycled in an eco-friendly way. The number three question: Is this is a garage sale? None of the items will be for sale. We will not take clothing, shoes, appliances, microwaves, etc. Question four is: Do you take paint and other hazardous materials? The answer is absolutely no," says Harold Wright, Chairman of the VSC.

"For example, if someone donates a car, the car will be repaired, if possible, and sold. If the car cannot be repaired, the parts will be sold off. Any one wishing to donate a car, boat, RV, etc. will need to supply the title. Updated working computers will be sold. The recycling company also donates some computers to charitable organizations or the poor. If a computer does not work, the parts that can be recycled will be recycled," continued Wright

"Last year the event was a huge success due to the general public and businesses donating literally truck loads of items. We hope it will be even more successful this time. Modern Woodman of America, Camp 12352 of Sadler will be helping and providing a matching grant up to $2,500. We are truly excited about the match. Businesses and school districts that have a large amount of items can call 903-957-4865 and arrange a special pick-up. Individuals will need to bring their items the day of the event. We will not pick up items nor can we store them. Do not deliver items to our building before March 27," ended Wright.

Collections will include the following items:

-Computer Equipment-desktops, laptops, servers, monitors, mice, speakers, and all other computer components

-Cameras-camcorders and all non-disposable film and digital cameras

-Office Equipment-fax machines, typewriters, inkjet cartridges, printers, scanners, routers, shredders, and copiers

-Entertainment Electronics-car and home audio equipment, satellite and cable boxes, VCRs, DVD players and recorders, headphones, and multimedia projectors

-Multimedia-DVD and VHS movies, audio books, and music CDs (All items must include original covers.)

-Portable electronics-cell phones, GPS devices, calculators, portable CD and DVD players, PDAs and MP3 players

-Video Games-video games, systems, and accessories

-Sporting Goods-golf clubs and bags, athletic helmets and pads, baseball bats and gloves, basketball shoes, cleats, hockey sticks, ice skates, roller blades, and fishing rods and reels

-Musical Instruments-guitars, percussion, strings, woodwinds, brass, and electronic keyboards

-Home and Garden-air purifiers, baby monitors, vacuum cleaners, power tools, electric razors, sewing machines, and medical equipment

-Non-Fiction Books-cookbooks, craft books, and textbooks

-Vehicles- cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, trailers, and RVs

-ATVs-dirt bikes, go-karts, 4 wheelers, 3 wheelers, and jet skis

Collectibles-comics, figurines, trading cards, etc.

-Pottery, Cookware Glass, and Dinnerware-China, porcelain, art pottery, stoneware, etc.

-Jewelry-costume jewelry, watches, and hand-crafted jewelry

MHMR Services of Texoma has provided services in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties to individuals with mental retardation since 1974. The mission of the center is to provide services that improve quality of life and support self-determine for persons with mental, intellectual, and developmental challenges.

The services provided by MHMRST are:

• Mental Health Program- 24 Hour Emergency Services, Crisis Hotline and Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, Case Management, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Community-Based Assessments, Crisis Intervention, Medicaid Eligibility, Medication-Related Services, Respite Services, Skills Training, Small Groups, Supported Employment, Supported Housing, and Transportation

• Mental Retardation Program- Consumer Benefits, Continuity of Services, Intake/Eligibility/ Diagnostic Services, Service Authorization, Service Coordination, DADS Waiver Programs (HCS and TXHML), DADS ICFMR Residential Program, In-Home and Family Support, Transition Planning; MR/IDD Provider Services: Adult Day Habilitation/Client Worker Training Program, Community Support Services, Representative Payee Management Services, Respite Services, Supported Home Living Services, and After School /Summer Children’s Day Habilitation Program

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services- Crisis Intervention, Case Management, Family Support Services, Medication Related Services, Screening, Assessment, and Referral for children under 18 years of age with mental health problems.

• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)- ECI serves children (birth to three years of age) who are developmentally delayed in some area with screening, assessment, and developmental services.