In our house, this time of year means visitors are coming and we have to clear out the spare room to make space. But the closets are all full and the garage looks like a thrift store. Time to part with some treasures.
We usually pack everything up and take it all to the local Goodwill drop location but this year, being relatively new in town, we decided to be a little more proactive and try to support other charities in our community that are doing good work but are less well known. Less known to us anyway.
In the time I devoted to my search I found a few options for the things we have appreciated and hope others can find useful. However, I would also like to solicit feedback from those who have donated to or worked with other charities that may not have the funds to do the kind of PR that puts them top of mind for the average person.
First, I wanted to donate my older (but still in great condition) business clothes to an organization that might focus on job training and transitional assistance for women. Then I recalled that the local YWCA provides these services and more.
In fact, it is through the local YWCA that I found a group in Portland called Community Warehouse. This is a volunteer-based organization that does not sell donated items but instead redistributes them to families in need. This remarkable organization started seven years ago with a budget of $0 and has grown to distributions totaling more than $700,000 with a current goal of helping about 70 families per week. Impressive.
We have an old Volvo wagon (old-school latte-sippin' mobile!) that is getting no love at the bottom of the driveway that we have toyed with the idea of donating. However, a recent smash and grab on Bessie's radio and moon roof controls has stirred up some latent affection for the old girl and so there she sits awaiting the next lumber or sod run. However, a few years ago we parted with my old Ford using Cars 4 Causes.
What I like about C4C is that you have the opportunity to choose the charitable organization to be supported through the proceeds of your car sale. The tax laws have changed since we last used this organization so keep in mind that the value of your donation is no longer Blue Book but what your car eventually sells for. Thank you Bush administration. Also, many of the charities shown are California-based but this appears to be a partial list. We donated to the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society but it is not on the list.
Finally, we decided to send the remaining clothes and household goods to the Vietnam Veterans of America. What is great here is that you can support a good cause with the added bonus of being able to schedule pick ups online...or by phone if you are old fashioned. Provided, of course, that they pick up in your area. We have never used the service before and are scheduling our pick up for later this week so I cannot report now on how well it all works.
I welcome suggestions and feedback. My aim was to bring a bit of attention to some charities that I have found and to be able in the future to support others.
Thanks.