Downsizing? Here’s How to Donate to a Cause Instead of Adding to the Trash
It takes a lot more energy to sort and decide what to do with the items in your home than it does to bring them in. That’s because we bring things in one item at a time, but when we decide to do some spring cleaning, we have to go through it all at once. If you’re going through a lot at once, it always feels easier to just bag it up and throw it away. But there is another option: donating. It’s a great way to downsize while supporting causes you believe in, and it can also provide a potential tax deduction. Check with your tax advisor to be sure.
Downsizing Donation Guide
While there are lots of national and international organizations that turn your donations into good works, here are some options that help people in your area.
FLUFF Animal Rescue: Working to address issues of animal well-being, FLUFF finds forever homes for area animals. To help fund their operation, they accept donations of clothing in all sizes, shoes, home accessories, furniture, linens, arts and crafts supplies, and housewares.
SafeHouse of Seminole: A resource center for victims and families affected by domestic violence, SafeHouse provides counseling programs, personal advocacy services, and emergency shelter for people and families in need. While their wish list changes, you may already have some of it around your house. They’re currently looking for fleece twin-size blankets, all sizes of socks and underwear, bath towels and washcloths, quick-dry bath rugs, quart-size zip-lock bags, paper plates, bowls and paper towels.
Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka: This well-known organization builds homes for people and families in need of a decent place to live with a low-cost mortgage. Your local chapter accepts donations of running and non-running cars, trucks, RVs, vans, SUVs, boats and motorcycles. They are then sold, and the proceeds are used to help fund their efforts. If your vehicle isn’t running, the towing is free.
Florida Veterans Assistance Association: This local group provides job training and food assistance to area veterans. One way you can help is through donating your old car. It’s then turned over to a veteran trained in automobile tune-up and maintenance. Once your car is repaired, it’s sold, and the profits go back to helping veterans. Or your vehicle donation can go directly to a veteran in need of transportation.
ReStore: Wondering what to do with appliances, paint, nails, lumber and furniture? You can donate any building materials, home accessories, furniture and appliances in good condition to ReStore which is operated by Habitat for Humanity. They sell reusable and surplus items to the public to help support their mission.
The National Children’s Cancer Society: Your donation of used clothing and household items at an area drop box can help support children and their families as they navigate the daunting world of childhood cancer.
Join our Big-Hearted Community
Yes, decluttering can be a lot of work, but when done right, it can also do a lot of good. If you’re ready to downsize and move to a neighborhood of older adults active in the local community, consider Lake Seminole Square. Our residents regularly volunteer or organize fundraisers for causes near and dear to them. To learn more, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.
