A Very Good Place for Donations

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I've just finished totally filling the back of my minivan with donations for a cause that a friend told me about a while back. I'd never heard of it before, but it touched me so much that I thought I'd tell you all about it, too.

Most cities have a Children, Youth & Family Division. They juggle many plates, and help out so many in need. But, there's one section that specifically helps kids aging out of foster care at 18 or so years old. They need good every day clothing, good work-type clothing, coats, gloves, hats, shoes, etc. AND, dishes or dish sets, glasses, cups, flatware, pots & pans, things like blenders, coffeemakers, etc. Blankets, sheets, bedspreads, lamps, furniture, etc. Artwork for the walls. And, suitcases! All those things that help a young adult just out on his or her own for the first time, without parents or family to help, set up a nice little cozy homey apartment . . . as opposed to a bare, featureless, lonely apartment.

DH retired just over a year ago and I finally got him to go through his very nice, good quality dress slacks, dress shirts, shoes, sports coats, ties, along with some of his too many sweaters, golf shirts, etc. Whew! He's donating 30 pairs of slacks and casual pants, and a like amount of dress shirts! Dress and casual shoes, and more! As he was culling, so was I. A couple of suits, dress slacks, blouses, shoes, purses, and sweaters that would make for a good office wardrobe. Between us, we've gathered a lot to give away!

I'd already gone through the rest of the house over the past couple of months, and have sheets, a brand new comforter set, dishes, a set of flatware, and much more to take over, as well.

You do have to contact them to find out where and when you can bring in things. The CYFD folks down in Albuquerque have given me an address and phone number to call so that I can set up a time early next week. I hope this may inspire a few of you to consider this great cause, as well.

Featured Answer

grammaj_gw

5 years ago

We have organizations around here that are called Dress for Success, They collect clothing for example for college grads or anyone going on interviews and then starting a first job. I have seen some colleges that have done collections just for this purpose. Great idea though LynnNM.

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Comments (15)

lizzie_grow
5 years ago
Thank you for this suggestion, Lynn.
LynnNM thanked lizzie_grow
Tina Marie
5 years ago
Yes, I actually have heard of this before. Thanks for the reminder!
LynnNM thanked Tina Marie
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just_terrilynn
5 years ago
Thanks Lynn!
LynnNM thanked just_terrilynn
HU-753479426
5 years ago
We regularly donate unwanted household items and clothes but none of the outlets for donations have been accepting them since the pandemic began last March.
LynnNM thanked HU-753479426
l pinkmountain
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Totally great idea for those of us with kids who don't want our stuff or no kids at all! I guess there are some "kids" out there who don't have the problem of wondering what to do with all that stuff they got from their folks . . . I have had similar luck with donating to the battered women's shelter, they often have to start over again with a new household, clothes, etc. . .
LynnNM thanked l pinkmountain
User
5 years ago
Great idea, Lynn!
LynnNM thanked User
mtnrdredux_gw
5 years ago
Our Goodwill never stopped taking donations. Restore is a great place for household goods and furniture too.
LynnNM thanked mtnrdredux_gw
3katz4me
5 years ago
That sounds like a great cause. I’ve donated my business attire to Dress for Success and have a bunch of shoes I need to bring down there. Pre-Covid we tutored homeless kids at a temporary housing org and we also donate our clothing and household items to this group for the folks who move on to their own place.

The thing I tell DH who doesn’t want to part with anything is that it’s better to get it to someone who needs it and/or would enjoy it for than to hoard it unused until you die.
LynnNM thanked 3katz4me
nutsaboutplants
5 years ago
Great info. Thanks Lynn.
LynnNM thanked nutsaboutplants
maifleur03
5 years ago
Perhaps not in every area but here the Assistance League has a clothes closet for people who are needing things for job hunting. Be aware that with the amount of clothing and other objects donation sites receive not all of it is needed or is a fit for the organization at the time it is received. In this area the extras are sold to other organizations who may have a different clientele.
LynnNM thanked maifleur03
OutsidePlaying
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thank you Lynn. Excellent suggestion.

I donated quite a lot of my professional clothing when I retired to the Christian Women’s Job Corps here. They train women for with job and interview skills and then give them an outfit to wear, including handbag and shoes from their donation closet. There are always good programs like the one you suggested though that I am happy to hear about who need other items.
LynnNM thanked OutsidePlaying
User
5 years ago
And, try to donate your clothing while it is still acceptably in style. Don't wait ten years after you've retired to weed through your closet, if you can possibly help it.
LynnNM thanked User
Jilly
5 years ago
Just seeing this, thank you, Lynn! What a wonderful idea. I’m about to do a purge and will definitely look into this.
LynnNM thanked Jilly
LynnNM
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thank you. When I called the other day to schedule a day and time to drop off my donations, they were so excited to hear that I had an entire minivan full of good clothing and household furnishings that they offered to send someone up to our home to pick it all up! And now it’s gone! I am so relieved and happy to know that everything is going to help out young adults get a step-up in life. And, I’m really glad for the opportunity to let you all know about this very worthy cause.