Rules of Good Giving of CHARITABLE ITEMS

These suggestions for donating charitable items were published in the Central Texas United Methodist Reporter earlier this summer. The original article was written by Karen Bordner of Missouri.

Here is a brief summary of her article, adapted for use in our church:

1. Clothing is good to donate, but please remember that just because people are poor and in need does not mean they want to wear dirty or torn clothing. Please be sure your clothes are clean and mended before you donate them.

2. Shoes are good to donate, but not if they are worn out. Please tie the two shoes together in some manner so that mates are not separated.

3. Books are good to donate, but please be sure the total book is there, and that it is in clean, readable condition, and in good taste.

4. Craft items are welcome if the agency you are giving to has an outlet for them. Again, please see that they are clean and usable.

5. Toilet articles are always welcome, including sample sizes; but please no partial tubes or bottles, or used bars of soap.

6. Items left over from a garage sale are OK if you remember to remove the price tags and follow above guidelines.

7. Toys are desperately needed by parents with children; however, make sure all the toys are in working condition and that all the pieces of a puzzle, or games, are present. Bleach and soapy water clean up most good Fisher-Price toys.

8. Household goods are often needed, but, again, be sure they are usable and clean.

9. Make an effort to find boxes when you donate your good items. Trash bags rip easily, and boxes are so much easier for volunteers to unload.

10. Think about the volunteers who are unloading the boxes you give. Old, worn out items have to be put into the dumpsters. Often there is no way to wash and dry dirty items, so they too have to be thrown away. Do not expect a thank-you note from receivers of your cast-off items. In a way they are helping you clean out your closets.

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