Open up your closets, empty out all your junk drawers and scope out your garage, if you are anything like the rest of us there will be a whole load of stuff that you no longer need and have no use of. Instead of throwing it in the garbage, take it down to your local charity donation centre. It’s much better for the environment and it gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your goods helped someone in need.
Top ten things every charity needs:
Food: If there is a local shelter or soup kitchen they are always on the lookout for food, everything counts.
Bedding: Especially in the winter months things like blankets are vital to people’s survival. Every shelter, refuge and charity organisation usually accepts blankets and bedding items.
Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, and even washing powder are always in demand at shelters.
Clothes: All of your unused, unwanted and out of date clothing are always welcome at shelters and charitable thrift stores.
Baby items: Everything from baby clothes and toys to unused diapers are in high demand from shelters and charities.
Books: Donate your old romance books to a woman’s shelter or your old text books and reference books to a community college or school.
Furniture: Donating larger items such as furniture isn’t just helping the people in need, it is also very beneficial for the environment. Instead of your couch going to a landfill, it goes to the living room of someone who needs it.
Appliances: Kettles, microwaves and toasters, these are the items that we assume that everyone already has. We couldn’t be further from the truth, so it is important that if you have no need for them you donate them.
Electronics: Things like computer equipment and cell phones are a great thing to donate to charity and local schools.
Hardware: Places like ‘Homes for the Homeless’ are always on the lookout for tools.