If you have a move on your horizon, sorting and donating your belongings ahead of time can save a lot of time and stress when it comes to packing and unpacking. Here are a list of items that you can donate:
Old Blankets and Towels
No one ever seems to know what to do with old towels and blankets. Whether they are beat up or have a little stain, the recipients of places like the ASPCA or the Human Society don’t care. You can donate these old goods to an animal in need. You could even drop them off at your local shelter. There is always a furry friend in need of something warm to wrap up in.
Stuffed Animals
There is a wonderful organization called SAFE (Stuffed Animals for Emergencies) doing something a little unconventional as far as charity organizations go. This 21-year-old non-profit collects gently used stuffed animals to give to children during times of trauma such as natural disasters and other emotional situations. You can even organize a donation drive with them. If you don’t want to go this route, you can also donate to local child care centers or children’s hospitals.
Old Shoes and Sneakers
Did you know that Nike has a recycled shoe line? It’s true. Nike Grind takes old sneakers, sandals, dress shoes, and many others, of any brand, and creates something new with them. They are recycled and made into new products such as sneakers and T-shirts, but they also are used in surfaces such as track turf and athletic equipment. You can drop off your old shoes at any Nike location. Another great organization for shoe donations is Soles 4 Souls. This company helps you donate your old shoes to those in need during disaster recovery situations and to those in-need due to poverty and unsanitary living conditions.
Glasses
Though they cannot be damaged in any way, you can donate your old and no longer needed glasses to those who cannot afford them. New Eyes for the Needy was founded in 1932 and has a long-standing reputation for providing those in need with quality prescription glasses. All you have to do is send them your old pair and you could make a difference in a person’s life! You may also see similar programs at your eye doctor’s office. Typically, they will have a donation bin in the waiting room.
Batteries
Batteries are never good to just toss out. They are filled with hazardous materials and are simply not good for the environment. Batteries are even known to cause fire when disposed of in the trash. If you want to recycle your old batteries, all you have to do is drop them off at The Home Depot, Lowes, or Staples. They all participate in a battery recycling program called Call2Recycle. This company ensures that old batteries are recycled and put back into use to make new products.
Crayons
You can donate your children’s old crayons to places such as child care centers and schools, but did you know that there is also a company that will collect your old crayons to make new ones? It is called Crazy Crayons and they actually melt old crayons down and mold them into fun shapes such as insects, stars, and letters! Send your old crayons in to them knowing that it is good for the planet and will put a smile on a child’s face one day.
Old Wires
If you are like every American dad, you probably have an old box of wires, chargers, and cables that you’ve been keeping in case you need them someday. Let it go. You’re not going to use them. Instead, donate them! Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world right now. Check your local waste management facilities. They often will hold e-waste recycling events where you can do a drop off. You can also check your local Best Buy. They actually have the largest e-waste retail collection program in the United States and will even accept old TVs and appliances (which they will come pick up for you!).
These are just a few things that I bet you didn’t know, but there are so much more! Do a little research if you are trying to get rid of something specific. You may be surprised to find an organization that will help you and you can feel good about donating the item instead of sending it to the landfill. Doing a purge of your household goods is very common before a big move. If you are one of those about to move out of your home, let Bekins get you started.
