Mary Milz/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - The last day of the year was very busy for many central Indiana residents making last-minute donations.
The Goodwill store on the north side says it was the busiest day of the year for donations.
Thomas Huggins said he was trying to "get the closets cleaned out. Got stuff for Christmas. Got to get rid of the old stuff and put it to good use instead of just throwing it out."
Ruth Dunn says she typically donates to Goodwill a few times a year but "this is finishing up."
Many were also eager to get that tax deduction for charitable giving. Justin Spirk brought in four large bags full of clothes, which he hopes will help a lot of people. He got his receipt and "gonna turn that in because every little bit helps."
Goodwill expected anywhere from 300 to 500 carloads of donations.
People were also eyeing new glasses. Eldonna and Mike Rees were among those rushing to use up their health flexible spending accounts before the end of year deadline.
"We haven't used any. I don't use it often but this is a last-minute rush. I want to make sure we don't lose any money before the end of the year," said Mike.
Others, especially in Broad Ripple, were looking ahead to New Year's Eve, one of the biggest nights on tap for places like Chumley's.
"We're expecting lot of people, definitely going to try make things smooth," said bar manager Kyle Smith. Extra staff was on hand to deal with the crowd. "I think we'll have a good night."
While Zest! on 54th Street drew a good lunch crowd, dinner was expected to be busier yet with seating starting at 5:00 pm.
Valerie Vanderpool, Zest owner, says things have changed over the years. "The reservations are more concentrated. We're a lot busier, and we always do a special menu for New Year's," she said.
Vanderpool says she planned to have her first glass of champagne around 9:00 pm.
If you overindulge tonight, don't drive.Stewart and Stewart is offering free cab rides home from 11:30 pm until 2:30 am through Broad Ripple Taxi and AAA cab. They're free rides home, not to other locations. Learn more.
