I love this quote. It has so many meanings. It’s resonating with me quite a bit right now as I’m feeling overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” around me. It’s that time of year where kids closets need to be changed out for the seasons, the house decor gets changed, and all the “stuff” just seems to accumulate. I have been on a mission lately. While I am trying to sell some of my higher value items, I don’t have the patience or time to sell everything online. So, I have been donating a ton! What I found when doing some research though, is that not all of the places that accept donations are the best. If I’m going to donate items that I spent my hard earned money on, I really want to make sure they get to the people that need them the most.
In addition to providing people in need with some very nice, gently used clothing, toys and housewares, I also receive tax deductions for donations.
Where to Donate- Here is a list of the charities I am proud to donate to.
1. Vietnam Veterans of America
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) provides support and services for veterans returning home after serving. These services include counseling, hospital treatments, and aid for homeless and disabled vets. The VVA sells donated items in resale shops, and the proceeds benefit the charity.
The VVA accepts clothing, shoes, accessories, toys and housewares in good condition. You can schedule a pickup online through the website.
2. Easter Seals
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 100 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.
Easter Seals accepts clothing, shoes, accessories, toys and housewares in good condition. You can schedule a convenient pickup at your door at their website.
3. American Red Cross
Clothing you donate to the American Red Cross benefits victims of natural disasters. For example, the American Red Cross provided much-needed clothing to Gulf Coast evacuees during Hurricane Katrina, and for Houston-area evacuees during Hurricane Ike. You can’t donate toys and housewares with American Red Cross but you can donate gently used clothing items such as outerwear, underwear, shoes, boots, jackets, ties, shirts, dresses, blouses, sweaters, pants, hats, gloves, handbags, purses, raincoats and overcoats, swimsuits, sandals, shorts, sleepwear, jeans, T-shirts, and formal wear. You can find a clothing drop location or schedule a pickup!
4. Dress for Success
Unemployed, low-income women often lack the funds they need to buy professional clothing for job interviews. Dress for Success provides these women with business attire for their job interviews and a week’s worth of outfits when they find employment. The charity does not pick up donations, but you can find a drop-off location in your area on the Dress for Success website. If you are in the Cleveland area, you can learn more about local drop off locations here.
5. Other places to consider
There are so many other places that are in need. Consider contacting local shelters, children’s homes and nursing homes to see if they are in need.
Remember, donating your items will not only help others, it will also help you come tax time.
Be sure to keep track, keep your donation receipts and pictures of items donated. I keep a file in my office and put donation receipts in regularly. You can learn more about the specifics of valuing your donated items here.
Happy Cleaning!