Even though there is the occasional cold night or light
frost on your windows in the morning, I know I feel the itch already for spring
cleaning. I hope you are gearing up for it as well!
With spring cleaning comes the inevitable garage sale and
donation of stuff. My message to you is to consciously donate. I’m sure you’re
thinking, “Ericka, that’s ridiculous, of course I think before I donate – I care
about the community and want to give back”. I know you are – and this year I
encourage you to be a little more intentional when deciding what and to
who you donate your gently used
items.
CLOTHING
If you have professional suits and even casual dress
clothes that you wear to the office, think about donating them specifically to
organizations that support men and women going back to work.
For all other clothes – casual, shorts, t-shirts, etc, if
it has stains, rips holes or is “well-worn”, IT IS OK TO THROW IT AWAY OR
REPOURPOSE IT. I’m giving you permission for two reasons: 1) volunteers at the
location you donate to have to go through all the clothes – if it is not in
wearable shape, it goes in the trash anyway, and 2) it shows respect for others
in need by tossing your thread bare mowing shirt – just because someone is need
of a shirt of a pair of jeans doesn’t mean they should receive something that
is practically destroyed.
Now before some of you remind me, “Ericka, beggars can’t
be choosers,” I know. But think of it from a person’s point of view that has to
thrift shop to make ends meet. You might wear your beat up pants to paint in
but would you wear them to work or send your kid to school in them? I don’t
think so. Go ahead and throw the well-worn clothes away or if it is recyclable
or repurposeful, then do that if it makes you feel better. Check Pinterest or
the internet for ideas in repurposing old clothes.
Another tip – if an organization serves a specific
population or has a specific mission (back to work for men, office work for
women, children 6 months – 5 years, etc.) try not to donate items they won’t
use. The staff and volunteers time is taken up by sorting these items out and
fining them a proper home.
FURNITURE,
APPLIANCES & BEDDING
Getting rid of that ottoman or older bed frame? Great!
Same sort of rules apply in terms of wear – throw it away if it is broken, too
stained, ripped or beyond repair.
Some organizations will pick up larger items for free if
you call ahead. Check your community for any organizations that have specific
needs for larger items, such as refrigerators, beds, stoves, and sofas, like
half-way hours, housing developments and others.
Also know that because of hygiene concerns or bed bug
concerns, some places my turn down donations of bedding or mattresses. Don’t be
offended if your donation is turned away because of this – they turn everyone’s
away for fear of outbreaks of bedbugs in group living situations.
When it comes to child furniture or baby beds, check your
local and state laws to see if other baby items are prohibited from being
donated or re-used. You may have to check for recall information or check to
see what the newest safety standard is in case the furniture you might not have
a safety feature you should let the organization know about. For more
information, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2011/06/the-new-crib-standard-questions-and-answers/
CONSUMABLES
Consumables are very hit and miss when it comes to
donating. They can sometimes be the worst thing to donate. Think twice before
you consider donating anything such as:
·
Shampoo/conditioner
·
Soap
·
Make-up
·
Cleansers/cleaners
·
Baby powder
·
Deodorant
·
Toothpaste/toothbrushes
If you have new items, say from your latest hotel stay,
these are fantastic to donate! Emergency shelters, children’s homes and other
group housing can use these, especially when they have last minute intakes who
may not have anything.
If an item has ‘turned’, discolored or the bottle has
sunken in – THROW IT AWAY! If the company has changed packaging since you got
the item – THROW IT AWAY! To be frank, if you think its gross, it is gross.
Generosity and eagerness to give is always appreciated, but if the item donated
is in that condition, it ends up being thrown out anyway. Do the organization,
its staff and volunteers a favor – toss or recycle on your end.
Now, I’m off to clear out some stuff in my basement – I need
the storage space! Happy cleaning and happy donating!
