To Donate or Not to donate!
Whether it is “Spring Cleaning”, moving into a new space or taking time to declutter toys before Christmas or a birthday, many people take time to refresh their living space and lives at various times of the year by removing items no longer needed in their homes. Not only will there be a physiological change for the person, but there will also be an environmental impact, along with reducing waste and minimizing their environmental footprint.
Several organizations welcome the gently loved items to use for the benefit of the particular organization. There are wonderful places who help to rehome families and individuals, so your furniture, in good condition, will help serve those in need. Home Sweet Home in Maplewood, a not for profit, homesweethomestl.org
To mentions a few others who resell the items to others are Restore with various locations in the country to help others raise funds for families to have a home, Valley Industries Thrift Store in Hazelwood MO to benefit the developmentally disabled.
Clothing items, without tears, stains, or holes are the best to donate to several places where they can be given to families in need. Marcy’s Project in St. Charles County helping those in crisis with meals, clothing and gifts during Christmas.
The Salvation Army and Goodwill stores throughout the country accept donations of all items including clothing all year. They have various drop offs to make it convenient for the donor.
Seasonal items, with all parts intact and in working order will help those same organizations allowing them to raise funds to carry out their mission.
The task of donating can be daunting for the individual, sorting the items between the discard or donate piles, packing it into boxes and taking it to the designated places. There are numerous self-guidance websites, here is one to help.
https://www.designservicesltd.com/2024/02/22/my-5-step-method-to-declutter-and-organize-your-home/
A great way to determine if an item should be discarded, one should consider if this is something I would like to give my child, grandchild, niece or nephew. If one has to ponder the decision should be to discard the item immediately. The items donated to the organizations mentioned should be in the best condition. The recipients who receive those items will know someone has shown them dignity and respect by contributing something of value and in its best condition. Allowing the recipient to use the items for several years. It may help them through a rough period and be able to gift to another person once they get on their feet.
For some people the task of decluttering or purging is overwhelming. There are companies and individuals to hire to come in and help with those tasks. Life Contained is one of those reputable companies that can help the individual and ensure the items are sent to the best organizations. Ashley, the owner is well versed in working with all demographics of populations and ensures the process and end product for the persons she works with side by side to declutter and donate when appropriate.
https://lifecontained.net/
Alleluia Baskets is unique as it will accept new or like new stuffed animals from smoke free and pet friendly homes, new or like new books and Easter baskets without personalization, easter grass or broken parts. We hope to keep the materials out of the landfills and in the hands of those who can provide more love to the stuffed animals or read the book they receive at least one more time. The baskets are the carriers for precious items.
Contributing to organizations is twofold, their space will be organized, and the individual will feel relief knowing their home has been refreshed. In addition, they will have a positive and fulfilling experience knowing they have helped other people.
Karen Mesler
Founder of Alleluia Baskets