With spring just around the corner, Deseret Industries, a nonprofit thrift store, donation processor and employment training center, is encouraging spring cleaners to think twice before tossing their excess belongings to the curb.

The Federal Way Deseret Industries thrift store (2200 S. 320th St., Suite 1A) is conducting a specific donations drive for men’s clothing to meet a growing demand in the local community. In addition to furniture, clothes, collectibles, kitchenware and home goods, the nonprofit also accepts a wide variety of unconventional items. Because Deseret Industries accepts such a wide variety of donations, cleaners are encouraged to check the program’s guidelines at deseretindustries.org/donate.

Most items are either placed on the sales floor at the local store, used for humanitarian relief or recycled.

“Spring is a great time of year to get rid of the clutter around your house and help out someone else in the process,” said Brooke Yates, Deseret Industries’ marketing manager. “Instead of ending up at the landfill, your items can receive new life through our donation program and help countless others in the process.”

Donations are tax-deductible and also serve a second purpose. In addition to operating as a thrift store, Deseret Industries provides associates from local communities with training, certification and other skills necessary to obtain lifelong careers in a wide variety of fields. All of this is made possible through the public’s donated goods.

“We have a use for almost anything,” Yates said, “There’s no telling how that clutter in your basement could change a life. All you’ve got to do is pull up to the donation bay and we’ll take care of the rest.”