The holidays are about more than just family — they’re also a wonderful time of the year to give. Many people choose to do more than buy gifts for their family members and friends and also like to help out their local charities. Donating items such as clothing or household goods isn’t just a great thing to do for others; it’s also a way to help give what you don’t need so it doesn’t end up in the landfill. Each year, Americans produce billions of tons of waste when much of those items could be salvaged and donated or recycled.
If you are searching for a way to give this holiday season, here are three different ways to donate:
Donation Drop-Offs
Many thrift stores, shelters, and other charities can receive donations at any time during their operating hours. Most of them have workers that will sort through the donations and either sell or give the items that are in good condition. These items are especially helpful in the winter in order to give the disadvantaged and needy what they need to stay warm, avoid hunger, and be comfortable during the holidays.
Charity Pick Ups
Some charity organizations will pick up clothing donations and other charitable gifts right at your door. For example, the Purple Heart veterans pick ups and other similar clothing drives will visit your home at an appointed time and take away donations for you. Purple Heart veterans pick ups and other military-based charity drives give donations to veterans and military families. They will typically accept clothing donations as well as donations of food, furniture, and other household goods. In addition to military donations such as the Purple Heart veterans pick ups, other charities collect for other causes, such as services for children and the homeless.
Recycling Programs
Many charities, however, are unable to use everything they receive as donations. In order to help others and help the planet, they often turn to recycling in order to keep clothing and textiles out of the trash. Clothing, for example, can easily be broken down and remade into new fabrics in order to save on the amount of new items produced and to decrease the amount of waste headed to landfills.
Do you have questions or suggestions on donating to charity? Let us know in the comments.
