“I have found that among its other benefits, giving
liberates the soul of the giver.” ~ Maya Angelou
This time of year, many people are switching their clothes to prepare for the new season. Most people do not have enough room in their everyday closet for two seasons’ worth of clothes. So the big switch begins! Out with the summer clothes here in the Northeast and in with the fall/winter ones.
Transition times are perfect for donating. As you put away and take out each article of clothing, think about whether it fits, is a great style for you, needs tailoring, etc. If you decide to donate, there are many worthy charities and organizations ready and able to take those clothes off of your hands and get them into the hands of those who need them. Here are some choices:
The Help Kenya Project
This is a Westchester County, NY based charity that focuses on helping the children of Kenya. They collect donations of used computers, books, clothing, sports equipment, and other supplies and ship them to Kenyan schools and libraries. In return, they ask that the recipients plant trees to combat deforestation and provide children with a place to rest and play out of the sun.
It’s incredible how valuable the book or computer you might be throwing out is to a Kenyan child. By providing Kenya’s students with science, English, and computer skills, they give them a much better chance of finding good jobs later in life. It breaks the cycle of poverty by helping Kenyans to help themselves. This is a charity that truly leaves a lasting impact.
Vietnam Veterans of America
VVA accepts donations of household goods and clothing in 30 states in the continental United States. To make a donation, please refer to the state map. Identify your area and call the phone number referenced.
Tangible Karma is a donation tracking service that gives you a chance to see the difference your donated goods can make in the world. At Tangible Karma their mission is to inspire and motivate you, to transform items that are hindering your life into valuable gifts that could make a meaningful difference in the life of another.
In addition to the above organizations, don’t forget Dress for Success, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, domestic violence and homeless shelters, places of worship, educational institutions, animal shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries. I am sure you can think of even more in your area!
Adopt an organization and make it a point to get a wish list from them so that you can fill it with the items you no longer love, use often, or need. Then sit back and experience the satisfaction of knowing that your cast-offs are becoming someone else’s needed treasures.
Copyright © 2009 Lisa Montanaro of LM Organizing Solutions, LLC.
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Copyright 2009. Lisa Montanaro is a Productivity Consultant, Success Coach, Business Strategist, Speaker and Author who helps people live successful and passionate lives, and operate productive and profitable businesses. Lisa publishes the monthly “DECIDE® to be Organized” e-zine for success-minded individuals, and “Next Level Business Success” e-zine for entrepreneurs. Subscribe today at www.LMOrganizingSolutions.com. Lisa is the author of The Ultimate Life Organizer: An Interactive Guide to a Simpler, Less Stressful & More Organized Life, published by Peter Pauper Press. Lisa also publishes the DECIDE® to be Organized blog at www.DecideToBeOrganized.com. Through her work, Lisa helps people deal with the issues that block personal and professional change and growth. To explore how Lisa can help take your business to the next level, contact Lisa at (845) 988-0183 or by e-mail at Lisa@LMOrganizingSolutions.com.
