Finding A Good Home For Unneeded Items
Reading Time – 5 minutes
Many people find it easier to let go of things to a place where their donations will be valued. They want to know they have a good home. It is important to remember that not everything you have is meant to stay with you forever. Some things pass through your life and then need to go to someone else who will appreciate them.
Baby Items
I have a charity that will take baby items and maternity clothing. It helps people who can’t afford to buy new things.
Eyeglasses
Many optometrists’ offices will collect eyeglasses. There are charities that collect them, evaluate the prescription and then they are given to patients who can’t afford to buy them. Many of these charities work in the Caribbean or overseas.
Pet Shelters / Charities
My animal donations go to a pet charity that fosters animals until they are adopted. They can supply the foster family with the supplies they need. The items also help the charity reduce their expenses by not having to purchase as many supplies.
Medical Charities
There are 2 styles of charities for donating medical supplies and equipment. Some collect donations to send them overseas. Others collect them and fix and resell them to people in the community at an affordable price. The charity in my area is called For The Needy Not The Greedy.
Towel and Showering Supplies
My newest find is a place that offers showers to homeless people. They take towels and cosmetics, shampoo, soap, and shaving items. Think of all those samples and bottles from hotels you have collected. Now you have a good place to donate them.
Crafters
Google crafters and artists or walk through a craft show. Talk to the artisan and see what they need. Many items can be donated and repurposed by artists. If artists can collect their raw materials for free, they can make a larger profit and better income.
Food Banks
Sometimes your tastes change. There are food items you no longer use. Donate them to a food bank before the food expires. Food Banks can’t hand out expired food. You can create a Little Pantry in your neighbourhood. My niece’s community started this project, and at Thanksgiving our family brings items for my niece to use their Little Pantry.
Books
Books can be donated to book sales and libraries. Look for little community libraries in your neighbourhood. Children’s books may be accepted by daycares and after-school programs. Foreign language books can be donated to cultural clubs.
Metal Recycling
Auto Recyclers are collaborating with charities to raise money. The Auto Recycler place a dumpster/bin in the community. Our local fire department has donated a space. Anyone from the community can bring anything made of metal. Cast iron pans, planters, bed frames, appliances, strollers, etc. The Auto Recycler has connections for selling scrap metal, and the proceeds go to a local charity. Try setting one up in your community.
Children’s Arts and Craft Supplies
There are many places that offer before and after school care, PA Day programs and holiday camps. Ask them if they will use your craft supplies. They are usually very thankful for donations because they don’t have large budgets for their programs.
Wedding Dresses
There are volunteers who repurpose donated wedding dresses into tiny, beautiful burial clothing provided to grieving families free of charge. They are called angel gowns or angel dresses. Google the term to find volunteers in your area.
Please share the specialized charities you have for finding homes for your unneeded items.
Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
