DEAR ABBY: I was cleaning out my closets and I'm wondering if there is any advice you can give on donating household items to charity. Is there a right way or wrong way to pack them up? -- GAIL IN OSHKOSH, WIS.
DEAR GAIL: Any items you decide to donate should be clean and in good working order. If you are getting rid of china or glassware, toss anything that is chipped and wrap the rest individually in newspaper so it arrives at its destination without breaking. Clothing should be clean, neatly folded and free of stains. Before giving your things away, ask yourself if you were on the receiving end, would you want it?