Spring is quickly approaching, and the all too familiar ‘spring cleaning’ is looming ahead. Some love the deep cleaning and some hate it. Whichever category you fall in, part of a good spring clean is getting rid of things that we don’t need. All of us have plenty of clothing, appliances and other items that we have not used in so long. In 2011, 90% of the clothes and material that was tossed could have been recycled. but were not. Since then, about 12 million tons have been thrown out each year. Let’s not let that happen this year.
Charitable donations are the best way to get rid of our gently used items. People need clothing donations. Helping families in need is one of the best things a person can do, but, other than that, here are a few great ways that your charitable donations can be beneficial for you and others all around you.
- It creates jobs
Here’s one you probably haven’t considered. The textile recycling industry offers about 17,000 jobs throughout America. When you give your clothes and textiles up to be recycled, you are keeping 17,000 people employed. That’s enough to make anyone want to recycle! - It gives you a sense of purpose
Something about charitable donations gives you real meaning to life. Once you realize that you are a part of a big picture, a whole wide world of people, there’s such a sense of purpose that comes along with that. Donating helps you feel needed, appreciated, and satisfied deep on the inside. - It’s tax deductible
On a logistical side, everything that you donate can be written off when you file your taxes the following year. So, even though you are donating some of your things, you are still benefiting from them, and in essence, being paid for them. - It’s good for the environment
The more people recycle, the fewer the resources used to remake the same items. There’s plenty of materials that can be recycled just sitting around your home, and when you donate them, they will either be sold or be stripped down for parts and materials that will be recycled and reused, reducing our carbon footprint on the planet’s environment. - It helps people
This really should be the number one reason that we donate. There are many people in need in our world today and not all of us can up and leave families, jobs and lives to work with the less fortunate. However, giving of our time, money and resources is just as helpful. Picture that little girl’s face as she puts on shoes — your kids’ shoes — for the first time. Or the pregnant mama who needed warmth so badly in the cold of winter and found solace in your gently used coat. These people exist, and we can make it just a little better for them. - Because every little bit helps
If you think that your one or two items are not going to make a difference, that’s not true. Even the smallest amount of money or the few clothing items or kitchen appliances can make all the different to someone else. If something is in fairly good condition and you simply don’t need it anymore, donate it. It doesn’t matter what it is. Someone can make good use of it! - It works
Collectively we have the resources to make a real difference in this world. The things we could do if we would just band together and give whatever we can of ourselves and our belongings. The options are limitless. Donating wouldn’t be that big of a deal if it wasn’t making a difference. The more we give, the bigger difference we can make.
