Getting rid of the things you own can be tough, even if they are no longer useful to you. I have found the key to actually doing it is finding a reason to get motivated. Here is one idea: think about how all those unused items collecting dust in your home could benefit someone else. Would knowing your things are being put to good use make it easier to part with them? If so, here are some places to donate your stuff where it can help someone in need: 1. General donations – Most of us are aware of organizations like the Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and Goodwill, where your donated items are given to people in need or sold in their stores to support their charitable efforts. You can easily drop off your unwanted items at any of their store locations. Additionally, the Rescue Mission has drop-offs in Wegmans parking lots in the Syracuse area, and you can even schedule a pick-up at your home for larger items like furniture. Some organizations are always looking for specific donations. Animal shelters will take your old towels, blankets, and sheets. Nursing homes and assisted living centers are often in need of books, magazines, and craft supplies for their residents. Day care centers are another place that may want your crafting items. And local libraries run regular book sales; contact yours to see if they are taking donations for their next scheduled sale. An excellent resource for donations is GivetoOthers.com. This site lists specific items that are needed by organizations in the Syracuse area. 2. Donate clothing – Several local groups accept clothing donations for specific purposes. Becca’s Closet, located at Liverpool High School, provides prom dresses and accessories to students who can’t afford them. The Boutique at the Syracuse VA Medical Center provides professional women’s clothing to female veterans transitioning into the workforce. And Angel Gowns of WNY accepts wedding and formal gowns that they deconstruct to create burial outfits for infants who never make it home from the hospital. 3. Donate electronics – Cell Phones for Soldiers accepts donated cell phones, smart phones, and tablets, and provides calling cards for active duty military to connect with their families back home. Check their website for a drop off location near you. 4. Donate building materials – The Syracuse ReStore sells used home appliances and construction materials to benefit Habitat for Humanity. If you are remodeling your home and discarding items that are still in working condition, contact the ReStore to see if they will accept them.
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