#ChiDoesGood: One Person’s Trash Is Another’s Treasure
For this week’s Chi Does Good, we are talking about spring cleaning! Trust us, a little bit of TLC to your home can add a whole new look to your space resulting in some good vibes resonating form the inside out. Plus you can metaphorically kill two birds with one stone, as you not only get your home more organized and less cluttered, but you can help others as well. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!
We are spending more time than ever before inside your home so why not take some time to go through your house. Spring cleaning and organizing can be family fun activity, a personal cathartic experience or for some maybe a daunting task. As you go through everything, designate it into one of three categories:
- Keep– This is for items you have used this item in the last 3 months and will likely use it again.
- Trash– If something is broken, has holes, is missing parts or is malfunctioning, it may be time to toss it.
- Donate – It’s been 3+ months since you last used this item and you aren’t planning on using it again. Or a clothing item is in good shape, but no longer fits you. Be sure not to donate your shorts you haven’t worn since last August unless they are no longer fit, as warmer weather will come again soon. Items for donation are gently used, meaning they don’t look like they’ve been through the ringer. Remember- to someone this will be new and you want them to be able cherish that new item.
Quick tip: If you need to think about an item for more than 30 seconds, it should be donated. The goal in spring cleaning is to donate more than you keep.
So why donate? As hinted above, if you have items that you don’t need any more and give it to someone else, that is amazing. There are so many people who cannot afford some of the things we can and even if items are used, they help other feel more comfortable. Donating your items will allow others not just have items they couldn’t have, but in a time where jobs are being cut and money is tight, you are helping their money go further. You should be proud that you have done something to help others and you can now (virtually) show off the newfound space in your home.
Did you know almost anything can be donated? So as your family is all home, we suggest you divide and conquer. Maybe even make a game out of it. Someone can go through the books, and another can go through the board games, movies, etc. Each person should probably go through their own clothes though, as those need to be tried on. As you sort things into 3 distinct piles (and we suggest 3 corners of a room, so they are as spread out as possible), the items to donate should be placed in their own labeled storages bins. The best storage bins come in assorted sizes, are clear, have optional lids and a space to write or label its contents. Be sure to store similar items together, like putting all kids’ books in one bin, girls shirts in another, etc. The more you can be specific, the easier it will be for organizations on the receiving end.
Did you know almost anything can be donated. So as your family is all home, divide and conquer. Maybe even make a game out of it. Someone can go through the book, and another can go through the board games, movies, etc. Each person should probably go through their own clothes though, as those need to be tried on. As you sort things into 3 distinct piles (and we suggest 3 corners of a room, so they are as spread out as possible), the items to donate should be placed in their own storage labeled storages bins. The best storage bins come in assorted size, are clear, have optional lids and a space to write or label its contents. Be sure to store similar items together, like putting all kids books in one bin, girls shirts in another, etc. The more you can be specific, the easier it will be for organizations on the receiving end.
Each recipient organization takes different things. You can donate clothing, books, toys, games, fashion accessories, kitchen utensils, wall art, sports equipment, furniture, even bedding and linens. It is important to do your research and figure out which organizations accept what and spread the wealth!
There are many organizations out there who accept donations. A good way to choose is based on what types of items you can donate. You can also look up organizations that serve particular populations if you want to help a certain group. Another way to choose is by finding organizations that have similar values as you do. You can usually find this information on their websites.
If you don’t know where to donate this list has an extensive list of local and notation resources. You can use this list for specific Jewish organizations accepting in kind donations. If none of those appeal to you, you can always look at social welfare organizations like JCFS, , JCYS or the Ark or shelters for vulnerable populations for their specific donation needs.
Until we can go out safely, the best option may be to store these filled bins or bags somewhere in your home out of direct sight, like the garage or storage room. If storage is an issue you can certainly find a drop box for a donation organization nearby. Cradles To Crayons makes it easy to find to their drop boxes. But as we are being mindful of health and safety, we want to remind you to bring disinfectant wipes to wipe down the handle of the box before you drop it
When all is said and done, sit back, relax, take a deep breath and enjoy a little bit more space in your space and take pride in knowing that you’ve helped people in need. There you have it you do good and #ChiDoesGood!
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