We all find ourselves with “stuff” that we just don’t need any more. The more we declutter, the more of that we’ve come across. I decided to post about a few great ways to make sure that stuff gets to those who do need it.
North Georgia Foster Parent Support Group:
They take clothes, books, toys, videos, CDs, stuffed animals, and any kind of baby/kid/teen stuff at all. Yes, all donations are tax-deductible.
These are the kinds of things they try to provide for foster kids, and that they need to have donated:
Clothes, bathing suits, shoes, sandals, hats, bibs, training pants, new underwear, new socks, hats, ties, cribs, toddler beds, high chairs, strollers, infant car seats, toddler car seats, booster car seats, playpens, gates, infant swings, baby bathtubs, walkers, excer-saucers, front carrier packs, backpacks, formula, bottles, diapers, sippy cups, toys, car seat covers, bumper pad sets, crib sheets, some twin sheets, blankets, baby towels, monitors, picture frames, infant wall decorations, mobiles, stuffed animals, and a few other things in between.
Of course, they take money, too. And they need volunteers!
They have an especially hard time getting clothing and other items for teenagers. Since the vast majority of kids in foster care in Georgia are teenagers, this is especially difficult. So if you’re an adult with clothing you’ve outgrown or grown tired of or whatever, remember that there’s probably a teen who can wear it and needs it.
ga_sunshine, I’d really appreciate it if you’d do a post of your own (or reply here—whatever you like)—or heck, write something and I’ll put it on the web. Anyway, SOMEHOW, let people know the financial reality of foster care. I certainly had NO idea of how poorly supported foster families are before getting to know you, and I’m certain there are many other people who don’t realize that, either.
Freecycle is just incredible. From their website:
The worldwide (!) Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It’s a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is run by a local volunteer moderator (them’s good people). Membership is free.…
RISE started the Freecycle Network in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson’s downtown and help save the desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. Freecycle provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to “recycle” unwanted items. One person’s trash can truly be another’s treasure!
In the past month or so, I’ve seen furniture, appliances, clothing, baby supplies, vehicles (and parts), sports equipment, kitchen stuff, and computer equipment offered and sought (successfully!) through the Atlanta list. There is no “trading” and there are no ads for anything for sale—it’s all free.
Notice of possible bias: I’m the backup moderator for the Atlanta Freecycle list.
I haven’t personally used Excess Access, but the other moderator for the Atlanta Freecycle list has recommended them for items that aren’t claimed via Freecycle.
