The baskets are easy reminder.
A large yellow one sits in the back of the van.
A round pink one serves as both decoration and storage in the younger daughter?s bedroom.
The large blue one, the basket that is used the most often, is located upstairs in the master bedroom closet.
Although they are different colors and different locations, all three baskets serve the same purpose. They are a physical landing place and a visual reminder of giving to others. The family rule is anytime some one realizes that something does not fit, or someone realizes he or she will no longer wear or use it, it goes in the basket.
Once a month the basket items are gathered together and delivered to a local charity. And while there are many drop off locations available in the city, helping disabled veterans has been the family?s priority for the last two years.
Helping Disabled Veterans Benefits Both Children and Adults
Fortunately, 45% of recycled clothing is actually worn as secondhand clothing. For example, the third pair of tennis shoes that your high school daughter no longer wears may become the primary pair shoes that a child in need wears to school on a daily basis. The husband?s coat that has always fit too tightly over his sweatshirt becomes the only piece of warm clothing to protect a needy veteran who has a job that keeps him outside in all kinds of weather. The third toaster that has been collecting dust and taking up space on a lower kitchen shelf, becomes the way a less fortunate family serves a hot breakfast every morning. These are a few ways that American?s excess goods can benefit those in need.
Unfortunately, too often Americans are caught up in the game if purchasing and finding more bargains. Bargains on shoes, bargains on coats, bargains on household appliances. the sad truth, however, is that while a fortunate few are searching for bargains and purchasing duplicates of many things, a large number of people are doing without. Without the clothes they need to stay warm. Without the shoes that they need to stay comfortable. And without the kitchen supplies that they need to feed their family healthy foods. Taking the time to donate unused items is a worthwhile endeavor that is beneficial to many in need.
Where to Donate Household Items
All large cities, and even the smallest communities, have many agencies that help distribute clothing and household items to families in need. Although it may sometimes be faster to throw out old and unused items, taking the time to find a proper home for still useable items is important. And while some people think that they know the best charities to donate to, the reality is many donation centers have adequate plans for distribution.
Churches are one avenue for donating. In fact, many have food pantries or clothing centers that do an excellent job of helping local families. In some cities, church food pantries are tied to a database that keeps track of the families in a community who are most in need. Through this list, church representatives and city agency members can contact families and see what kind of other services they need, like clothing and household items.
One way Americans know they are helping disabled veterans is by giving to Purple Heart clothing donation centers. These centers are also able to track the needs of families who indicate need by visiting food pantries. Helping disabled veterans through both clothing and household item donations is a way to pay back people who have served our country.
Another way to donate items is to contact agencies that make pick ups at homes. This convenient service allows home owners to simply place items on a porch and have them picked up and distributed to those in need.
When to Donate Clothes and Household Items
Any time is a good time to make a donation. In a society where the average American buys at least twice as many pieces of clothing as he or she did 20 years ago, the opportunity to donate is always present. And the fact that nearly 100% of household textiles and clothing can be recycled, means that everything has a possibility for a new life. Learn more.