Nice Things To Do

It's amazing what we accumulate throughout our lives.  We tend to hold on to this "stuff" even when we know we will no longer use it.  Help to declutter your household, and benefit the lives of others by matching up what you have with what the organizations below can use.

Donate Your Wedding Dress - By donating your wedding dress (or anything wedding related) to Making Memories.org, you can help to make happy memories for victims of breast cancer in their final stages with their families.  It's all tax deductible, including the shipping costs.  Also, Heavenly Angels In Need can transform your wedding gown into beautiful burial gowns for babies.

Business Suits For Women Entering The Workforce - Dress for Success helps low income women get started in the workforce by giving them a suit for interviewing, and then they receive a week of separates once they get the job.  The Women's Alliance is a group of organizations that also helps women by providing them with career attire and accessories.  Please consider donating your gently used professional apparel to these very worthy causes.

Handheld Electronic Games - After letters, the second most requested item by our troops overseas is any kind of electronic game.  At Games For Heroes, you can donate your old games and help make their lives a little more bearable while they serve our country and the world.

Musical Instruments - Don't know what to do with old musical instruments taking up space in your closets?  Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation directs your donations to underserved schools giving students the opportunity to learn how to play nationwide.

Sports Equipment - If you are getting rid of any sports related equipment or gear, consider donated them to SportsGift.  They redistribute your contributions to underprivileged children both in the United States and around the world.

Old Blue Jeans - Turn your old worn out jeans into insulation for houses.  At Cotton.From Blue to Green, you can help Habitat For Humanity insulate houses in the Gulf Coast Region.

Gently Worn Shoes - At Soles4Souls, you can donate your "not ready to throw them away" shoes and new shoes to people in need.  Clean out your closets or host a shoe drive.  Each pair makes a big difference.
 
Computers - Computers today are becoming as disposable as diapers - and filling up our landfills very prematurely.  The National Cristina Foundation accepts your previously used computers and redistributes them to people with disabilities, as well as to third-world countries who are terribly behind the U.S. in the technology department.  While we may become impatient with the speed of our old computers, they may still open doors for underprivileged people.

Clothing & Household Items - Organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill will happily receive your clean used clothes and household items for resale to raise funds for their respective organizations.  Be sure to itemize your donated items to have your listing stamped for tax purposes.  To help you assess the value of your donations, guidelines are available through The Salvation Army & through Goodwill.  The Small Business Taxes & Management also offers a listing.

Furniture - The National Furniture Bank Association accepts your gently used furniture and provides these household furnishings to over 100,000 people each year.

Orthotics - Maybe you have recovered from a medical condition that required wheelchairs, crutches, leg braces, etc., and you aren't sure what to do with them.  Joni and Friends accepts and distributes items like these to developing countries where there is always need but not enough equipment.

Magazines - Do you have magazines piling up around your house?  Hospitals and clinics can always use donated magazines.  Remember to cut out your mailing label before dropping them off.

Cell Phones - We've all replaced old cell phones for the latest gadgetry.  Most cell phone companies will accept your old phone, in working condition or not, for use by domestic violence victims.  Even without an active plan, all cell phones are capable of dialing 911.  If your phone doesn't work, they can still use it for parts.  Don't forget to give your chargers too!  Download a donation form for IRS use at Call To Protect.

Eyeglasses - Lions Clubs throughout the world have been involved in an eyeglasses collection campaign.  If you find that your prescription has changed, make sure to drop off your old pair(s) at one of their collection sites or at any Lenscrafters Store to help someone else see.  Frames only are also accepted.

Suitcases - Many foster children, as well as homeless people, have to carry everything they own in plastic garbage bags.  If you find yourself replacing your old luggage, please look into these places that will gladly accept them - Suitcases For Kids and JustGive.org.

Used Cars - Got a vehicle you don't know what to do with?  Even if it doesn't run, you can donate it to the National Kidney Foundation and help them turn it into money for their programs.  Their only requirements are that the car is whole (they may even tow it for you) and that you have clear title to it.

Flowers - A new program I've just been made aware of recycles fresh flowers to help brighten someone else's day.  From wedding flowers to the flower arrangements in hotels and office buildings, it's a shame to discard a vaseful when some of the flowers would last much longer.  It might take some coordination and planning, but what a nice way to let people know that someone cares for them.  Get more information at Flower Power Foundation.

Christmas Trees - Instead of putting your old Christmas Tree at the curb, check out earth911.com to find out where you turn it into compost or wood chips for gardening mulch or use on playgrounds and hiking trails.

Freecycle.org is a worldwide organization where you can give or get free items that are unwanted by their owners and help keep these items out of landfills.

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