When we are done with something, we can toss it in the trash, reuse it for something else, recycle it, or donate it so that someone else can use it. There are a lot of things that can be donated and a lot of organizations that can use your donations. There may even be some things that you do not realize can be donated that are really wanted. In this article I will focus on some of the items that may be less clear that they can be donated. Take a look at these cool ideas for donating your extra junk.
Crocs
Take your worn out Crocs and donate them to SolesUnited. This is technically recycling, as they will turn them into brand new shoes, but since they then take those new shoes and give them to shoe-less needy.
Hair
When your hair grows long, you get it cut. If you cut enough off, you can donate it to Locks of Love. They will turn your hair into a beautiful wig for children that have lost their hair. If you would rather donate to adult women cancer patients, you can notate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.
You
Research is done on humans all the time. Medical students learn on cadavers. Body parts are used to transplant into living people with parts that are failing. When you are gone, your body can save lives. You have to let your loved ones know that you want to do this though. If you don't how can you let people know? You can check the little box on your drivers license, if your state or country does that, but it is your family that will make the decision. Talk to them. And check out MedCure in the mean time.
Autos, Boats, RV, Etc
I'm often surprised at how many people don't realize that your old worn out car, trailer, boat, RV, whatever can be donated. There are many organizations, local and national, that will take your old vehicle and sell it. Some just turn around and sell them as is, some have crews that fix them up and sell them. Some are used to train people in how to repair. I donated my old truck to Kars4Kids but there are many other organizations out there. Find one that means something to you and donate there.
Appliances
Ever tried to donate an appliance to Goodwill or some other organization? They will turn you away. They don't have the facilities to repair them and it takes them more money to dispose of them. Some people will just dump them at the donation site while no-one is looking. This is illegal. There are places that you can donate them though. GE has a list of a few national organizations. If you call around, you can find some local places too.
Blood
Yes, blood. The Red Cross collects at locations throughout the US. For non-us readers, I'm sure there is an organization near you as well. This donation costs you nothing, but time, and can save lives. No, it does not fit perfectly in this list, as many people know about it, and you are not technically done with the blood when you donate it, but it is so important that I thought I'd mention it.
Announce it!
If you donate, let others know. This may seem like bragging and it could be, but your donating could get someone else to do the same thing. Maybe you donated some hair. Someone else has long hair and wants to cut it short. They may not have known that hair could be donated. You can be a voice and let others know that they can donate. If you have a website, use our I Donate badge to let others know.
