Sports gear donations needed

Donating your winter sports gear to a worthy cause could make you part of a winning team.

Through Dec. 31, consumers can bring their unwanted ski and snowboard equipment and clothing to winter sports retailers who accept it on behalf of charitable organizations. A special athlete may use it to ski or ride for the first time–or to win a gold medal.

Thanks to consumer donations in 1999, the program––called Donate-a-Ski/Donate-a-Board––donated clothing and equipment to 22 charitable organizations. This included donations to 71 Special Olympics chapters in 25 states.

By filling out the donation receipt available through Donate-a-Ski/Board retailers, donors may claim their equipment and clothing as deductions on their federal income tax returns.

To find a list of the shops accepting donations of clothing and snow sports equipment for the program, visit via your computer www.Snowlink.com or call (800) 639-2761.