Most people probably have heard the old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Charitable donations are necessary for many people to survive and thrive, such as: the homeless, disabled veterans, military families and other people in need.
Over 70% of the U.S. population donates to charity at least once a year. In 2012, charitable donations totaled $316.23 billion. However, many people don’t know what to donate.
Here are 3 Great and Easy Ways to Donate now.
1. Hand Over Your Household Donations
Household donations comprise one of the largest, and most needed, categories of donations helping families in need. Everything from furniture to dishes to cleaning supplies falls into household donations. Tools, books and appliances, like washers or toaster, also fit into this group. Imagine you’re moving into a new home, or replacing items lost after a devastating disasters. What things would you require? Vacuums, soap, flashlights. . .the list is endless. Do you have any extra or unused items lying around. Chances are you do. Asking a local church or school is a great way to find out where to give household donations.
2. Clean Out Your Closets
Clothing donations are one of the easiest things to give, but are often overlooked. Used clothes and fabrics make of 5% of America’s total annual waste. On average, each person in the U.S. throws away 68 pounds of clothing a year! Of all the discarded clothing thrown away, research shows an estimated 99% could be recycled or reused. So take a minute and go through your closets and drawers. Go ahead and give away those pants that are two sizes too small or that dress that you’ve had for three years but still has the tags on it. Let the things you don’t use be worn and appreciated by those who really need them.
3. Pack Up Your Pantry
Food is the most obvious necessity people in need require. Non perishable items, like canned food, are particularly sought after. Things like canned vegetables, fruit and soups provide healthy, nutritious options for children and families in need. Most people have a stack of food in the pantry they just haven’t got around to eating, or food that they keep “just in case.” Pack this food up and put it to good use. Help feed others in desperate need of a good meal.
The next time you go to throw away a top you no longer like or a set of dishes after you buy new, stop and think about what you are doing. Is what you are about to discard really trash? If the item is still serviceable, set it aside and make plans to donate it.
Consider contacting a local school, church or other government agencies to see if they have partnerships with local charity organizations. Shelters, orphanages and VA offices are excellent locations to contact, if you need more help deciding where to donate.
Go now and put your household donations, old clothes and extra food to good use!
