As 2010 comes to a close, MERS/Goodwill is in need of gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, books, housewares, furniture, and electronics in order to reach its goal of collecting one million donations this year.

“It’s been a record year for our organization already, but 2010 is not over yet,” said Lewis Chartock, President and CEO of MERS/Goodwill. “Earlier this year we set out to reach one million donations and we’re almost there.  I believe that the local community can help us meet and even exceed this goal in the remaining days of 2010.”

In addition to taking donations at the organization’s 40 retail stores, MERS/Goodwill is also accepting donations at the following venues and events around town:

• “Kids Helping Kids” Donation Drive at CBL Malls in Chesterfield, Fairview Heights, Mid-Rivers, South County and West County.  Drop off new or gently used toys and children’s items through Dec. 31.

• Bring gently used shoes to JingleFest, at the St. Charles Family Arena Sunday, Dec. 12.  All donors will be entered to win upgraded front row seats.

• Holiday Lights Recycling Campaign is taking this year’s or last year’s holiday lights at any of the 40 Goodwill stores until Jan. 31, 2011. 

For more information about these and other donation opportunities, visit www.mersgoodwill.org. MERS/Goodwill accepts donations seven days a week at 40 retail locations / donation sites.