Things You Wouldn’t Think of Donating

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Your local library will almost always take used books in good condition. Local Salvation Army locations will also take drop offs of used books in good condition. Also, check out the International Book Project (http://www.intlbookproject.org). Since 1966, the International Book Project has been collecting books for distribution in areas around the globe with long-term emerging literacy needs. They also support areas impacted by natural and humanitarian crises. Information about their donation guidelines can be found on their website.

Many hospitals, clinics and doctors offices will gladly take recent magazines for their patients and waiting rooms.

Okay, this one really isn’t a donation, but used sporting goods stores are popping up all over the place. Take in your old rollerblades that you haven’t used in years and get a little cash for them in the process… If you want, you can always donate what your items sell for to an environmental or other cause.

If you have recently painted or done any home improvements, local Habitat for Humanity locations will be happy to accept left over paint, wood, tools and other hardware.

Household items in good condition, toasters, coffee makers, blenders, blankets, pillows, towels, etc. can be donated to a local Salvation Army or Goodwill location. Women’s shelters across the United States are constantly looking for linens and personal care items. You can find a local shelter in your area by doing a simple web search or by checking out your yellow page directory.

Of course there are always people trying to take advantage of others. Before you donate, you can actually check out your charity of choice through www.charitynavigator.org, www.charitywatch.org, or through www.give.org, an arm of the Better Business Bureau. You can verify that your charity is on the up and up, find out what percentage of donations are actually distributed and how much is used for administrative costs and even find out how much the CEO of the charity makes annually. Taking a look at charities in this way will help you make an informed decision as to where to give your items and/or money so that your donation makes the best impact to the most people.

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