Organizing for Charity Donations

Day 18: (May 24) Another weed, another purge.   Now that the kid’s had parted with so much stuff, I really needed to micro-organize my foyer area with like items with like items, separated clothing by seasons, and bagged them.

At the end of the day, my foyer was jammed pack with trash bags and boxes.  A friend of mine volunteers her time to pick up donations for a variety of charities.  I invited her over to sort through my piles and see which charities could best benefit from my things.  The Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative, (based in Huntington, L.I.) was in dire need of my clothing, my kid’s clothing, hats, toys, stuffed animals, blankets, andchildren’s books.  I filled my assortment of wicker baskets with hotel soaps, perfumes, body creams, and knew that the women who live in the shelter would be overjoyed.

It was an exhilarating feeling to be part of such a worthy cause. I felt empowered, wanted to give more. I learned about a group of students from Northport High School, who call themselves, “Students for 60,000″. This non-profit group was formed in 1987 designed to raise funds to support the 60,000 homeless at that time.   Today it is comprised of High School students who volunteer their time in Nicaragua to physically build homes, schools, and this year, the very first library ever, for poverty stricken children.  My “ah-ha” moment……My 7 pieces, of luggage was ideal to transport all donations, books, and medicines they would need to transport.  It was an honor and pleasure to participate in their effort.

Another wonderful place to donate to is the Confidence Closet (Huntington,L.I.).  This is a designated section within a thrift shop that offers poverty stricken people appropriate clothing to go on job interviews.  I was inspired to donate my husband’s suits, sport jackets, ties, dress slacks, and my finer clothes, handbags and shoes.

To know that your things can be useful and enjoyed by others is gratifying beyond words.