I’ve seen more snow this winter than I care to see for the rest of my life. D.C. has gotten record snowfalls this year, and I couldn’t be more ready for Spring. Seeing the sun and the fact that the calendar says ‘March’ makes me warm inside. And whenever the winter begins to brighten into spring, that can only mean one thing besides the fact that it’s time to start thinking about vacation. Annual spring cleaning is about to begin. The yearly purging of your closets, pantry, and shelves is also a great time to help others in need.
Nonprofit organizations that operate secondhand stores are always looking for items that they can sell. The money that they make from their stores goes directly to helping people in need. Plus, these stores can provide quality (albeit used) items to lower income individuals who cannot afford to pay the premium prices at department stores.
-If you haven’t worn an item in your closet over the past year, chances are you’ll never wear it again in your life. Go ahead and get rid of that extra baggage. Free yourself from clothes that don’t fit and don’t flatter your body!
-Have any old cooking appliances that still work perfectly well but that haven’t seen the light of day in your kitchen recently? Give them away. Your kitchen cabinets will thank you.
-If you have a storage unit, think about what you’re hanging onto that can be donated to others. Downsizing can save you money as well.
-Many of our pantries are filled with unopened cans that we’re unlikely to use. The food is still good and is nonperishable, and it can provide nourishment to someone else. Box up these items and give them to a local food bank.
Spring cleaning can give you a liberating feeling. Freedom from too much stuff can be uplifting! It can also make a difference in the life of someone in need.
