Now that you've torn through your presents and are making room for new gifts and purchases -- why not give a little back? Green Brooklyn reminds us that we have until December 31st to make tax-deductible donations (to claim on 2007 income taxes). They were particularly moved by the amount of work Habitat for Humanity has been doing for Brooklyn, they just completed their 9th home in the area -- all "constructed using state-of-the-art, eco-friendly building materials, like cabinets partially made of sunflower seeds and counter tops made of recycled glass."

If you want to give something a little warmer, why not donate your old coat? The New York Cares Coat Drive runs through the end of December, and all of you have to do is drop off your coat at Grand Central Terminal (Graybar Passage), New York Penn Station (LIRR and Amtrak concourses), Moishe's Moving Systems Mobile Collection (Lexington Ave. at 86th Street), or the Port Authority Bus Terminal (main concourse, 42nd St entrance) on weekdays from 7:30am to 9:30am (there are other locations with different hours as well).

If you need some time to sort out your donations, the Gowanus Lounge points out the "Second Chance Saturdays: Recycle your Unwanted Clothing and Textiles" which begins Saturday, January 5th at the Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza. Acceptable donations include: used clothing, shoes, boots, hats, jackets, towels, bedding, and linens. The program helps Goodwill's many programs that assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.