Where should I donate extras?

stacyloucks · 02-13-2010, 05:07:41 PM

I have no idea if this was the right place to post this question - if not mods please move.

I frequently have extras or items I can get free that we don't use, etc. I really want to donate them somewhere, especially now while since our city's unemployment is so horrible (Las Vegas).

I know there are shelters, but the ones I know about are very far from me and it just isn't feasible for me to make trips over there on a regular basis.

How do I find a local food bank, church out reach, etc. that I can regularly drop items off at?

For my Nevada friends - I live near Gibson and 2-15 if you know of somewhere close to me.

TIA!

434Teresa · 02-13-2010, 06:40:08 PM

if you go to church or work there maybe someone there that has lost a job that could use them...

check the yellow pages of you phone book for somewhere

sostinkinhappy · 02-14-2010, 07:24:01 AM

I went online and found two local food banks for the Hampton Roads VA - one can handle refrigerated/frozen foods but is further away than the other one. You can also ask at church or at the local schools - they usually have a pretty good handle on local needs & how to get you networked with them. We also donate free pet food, paper supplies, and cleaning supplies to our local humane shelter as well. If you have a VA hospital nearby, they would LOVE donations for health & beauty products. Women's shelters appreciate all the free makeup & more girl-oriented items you might be able to pick up as well.

Just a note: Use a programs like "It's Deductible" or keep good records of what you donate - it really helps at tax time!! I take a picture of my entire donation, write up a list of the items & w/ their retail value and store both of those with my receipt from my donation. Because coupons are considered legal tender, you are still paying for the items you are donating and they have value, even if you got them for no or low OOP.

Good luck and have fun with the donations - I have found that the more I give away, the better deals I seem to come across. I don't know how it works - it is like coupon-magic or something.

SFShopper · 02-24-2010, 07:04:23 PM

When my stockpiling became too much and there were quite a few Triaminics (thank you Walgreens), I contacted the Toys for Tots program during Christmas - they weren't toys, but the lovely lady said she'd take the boxes & boxes that I had - she was going to forward them to the nuns... is there a local senior home that's close to you? I've donated a few Bayer monitors there (the looks on the faces of the social workers when I walked in with two stuffed bags was priceless -they were in shock (the good kind

) ... I've also discovered that it helps to chat with some of the clerks at my Wags - one gal volunteers and took a bunch for a recent community event + she was happy that I was able to give her the catalinas for the strips...

meems · 02-24-2010, 07:16:52 PM

I have a church not too far from me that keeps a big barrel right inside the door for donations, it's great, quick drop off & the doors are open most all days & evenings.

CW&M Mom · 02-24-2010, 07:19:16 PM

Big places like some churches/salvation army ect..might even be able to come to your house to pick up...if it's a large enough donation.

ambam · 03-03-2010, 07:24:06 PM

I like to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. Nearly all major cities have a RMH. This is wear a family can stay when their child is recieveing medical treatment away from home. It's like a home away from home for these families. The house needs everything your own house would need. Do a google search and find the wish list of your local RMH.

I've donated everything from paper towels, to cereal, to snacks, to ketchup.

motherofmolly · 03-03-2010, 09:24:01 PM

there is a local school that a few teachers have started to gather extra clothes and school items for the kids and families. they are far from any of the food banks and alot of them were financially hurt during one of our last rivers floods. the school is on the way to my friends house and if i get extras i just take them inside the door and give them to the secretary. the teachers try to send a "weekend bag" home for the kids so they have something to eat..
i gave them probably 40 bottles of various body wash, deodorant and shampoos a couple months ago and she was extremely happy. if i get any good deals and can stock up, that is where they go

stacyloucks · 03-03-2010, 09:33:21 PM

Originally Posted by ambam

I like to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. Nearly all major cities have a RMH. This is wear a family can stay when their child is recieveing medical treatment away from home. It's like a home away from home for these families. The house needs everything your own house would need. Do a google search and find the wish list of your local RMH.

I've donated everything from paper towels, to cereal, to snacks, to ketchup.

I love all the ideas! This one really hits home, because I have people in my life who have stayed at one of the RMHs. Thank you!