As 2008 comes to an end, it's a good time to remember the saying "out with the old." Many are clearing out unwanted toys and clothes and we can even pick up a little something in return.

‘Tis the season to clean out those overstuffed closets and to go through the dusty boxes in the basement.

"My kids have outgrown the clothes and I’ve outgrown the clothes and some toys and stuff like that so, give it to someone that may want them and need them," says Jennifer Walker of La Vista.

She dropped off some items at the Goodwill at 85th and Giles Road. Goodwill is creating treasures from those old, unwanted items.

"We got rid of some ski clothes we hadn't used for 10 years and we were cleaning out our basement and decided somebody else could use some warm clothes," said Sandy Benson of Bellevue.

Donors don't walk away unrewarded. There are only days left to get a receipt for tax purposes on donated items. "Tax time's coming and everybody wants a tax return," says Nate Hardaway, who has worked the drive-thru drop-off at Goodwill for nearly 20 years. "I started in 1989."

Rain or shine, cold or heat, Nate's been there to greet donors with a good word and a smile. "I enjoy doing it. I get to meet the people and we talk and we chat."

There’s no telling how many bags and boxes Hardaway has hauled out of vehicles over the years or just how many people he's met. "Thousands and thousands. I’d be scared to even try to name them."

Many donors recognize him. "They sure do. Some of them know me by name. I know them by their names. My customers are very nice."

So if the clutter of the season gets to be a little too much, take Nate's advice. If you don't want it, "donate it."

There's good news for those wishing to upgrade their computer system. Goodwill is now accepting computer equipment, working or not. Ten of the area's 11 stores have drop-off capabilities.