When Goodwill Doesn't Feel Good
Goodwill is the most frequent place that most people think of when they are ready to donate their cast-offs. But for some, the big bins of everyone's stuff and unceremonious drop-off experience can be off-putting, especially when you feel connected to your things and sorry to be letting them go.
But have no fear! There are other worthy organizations that would love to take your donations, and some even provide door-to-door service! Here are a few of my favorites:
If you have cleaning supplies or old towels: Animal Humane Society or your local animal rescue. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/donate/donate-our-wish-list
If you have books: Midwest Pages to Prisoners Program. https://pagestoprisoners.org/donate/ Here's a list of the types of books they always need:
New or like new books
Mystery/thriller/suspense/horror/adventure
Sci-fi/Fantasy
Westerns
African-American studies or fiction with African-American characters
“Life skills” – personal finance, job skills, etc.
Entrepreneurship/Real Estate/Small Business
Spanish language books
Technical and Vocational Skills (carpenter, auto mechanics, electronics, HVAC, etc.)
Basic high school level textbooks for math and science
Criminal and civil-rights law books, criminal case law, self-help legal books
GED test prep books
If you have glasses: your local Lion's Club. https://mylci.lionsclubs.org/ActivityDisplay.aspx?a=tWaslHFuWHo=&ID=
If you have old technology: Free Geek Twin Cities http://freegeektwincities.org/our-team/donations/ Your data will be securely scrubbed, so don't worry!
Where to donate unusual items is usually a top question at my organizing classes, so I'd love your feedback. Where is YOUR favorite place to donate? What do you like about them?
