Beauty

[grammarqueen]

3redheads started a great thread on not spending as much, and de-cluttering our lives for the New Year. As a tree-hugger and someone who likes to help other people, I get dismayed when folk talk about just pitching stuff in the trash! I want to open up ideas on how to pay it forward instead of just tossing good, usable things away.

1. Unused, unexpired beauty products can be donated to the homeless or a women's shelter. Houses of worship are great places to call to see how any products can get into the hand of ladies who really need them. I always end up with a bag of skin care samples I can't use that I put in the women's shelter bin at my church every few months.

2. Use those unwanted totes that you get with beauty GWP's as gift bags for birthdays, bridal & baby showers, etc.

3. We all know we can donate used books to your local library, but other places that love literary donations can be found if you go to this website: http://www.moneycrashers.com/where-donate-used-books/

Your suggestions are welcome!

[HappyDaze]

Every year I get a huge box of stuff together to bring to the local women's shelter, including the sample stuff you get with orders, like Sephora, etc. I was very disappointed this year to find the places I take my stuff to no longer will accept sample stuff. I wonder why? They are sealed and handy, or at least I thought so? Has anyone else experienced this?

Anyway, I like how you think!

[HappyDaze]

I wanted to add a suggestion that people donate old/used pet supplies too to the local shelters or rescues. Mine takes used pet beds, blankets, towels, toys, collars, harnesses, leashes, bowls, etc. The horse rescues take all horse items likes blankets, leads, saddles, etc. The horse rescues then also will donate some of the items like blankets to families that don't have proper shelter for their horses to at least try to keep them warm during the really cold winter days.

[just bee]

Here's another suggestion for books and magazines. Find out if your community has a literacy organization where volunteers teach others to read. Books and magazines can be used to teach the students, but the volunteers can also use the magazines to cut out pictures and paste them into books, then use them to teach those new to English learn the language.

Also contact your local hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers. Reading materials are often accepted but clothes are, too. People will show up at the hospital where I work without clothes and need something to wear at discharge. The elderly who don't have family members visit them in nursing homes often don't have clothes, books or even toiletries.

[spud188]

My dh took his clothes to the Chaplains office at the hospital where he worked as a RN,they used them for homeless men in the ER.

[Snicks1]

Isn't there an organization that takes prescription eyeglasses? Can't think which one, but am trying to locate one as I have 3 pair to donate. TIA

[maestra]

On 1/3/2015 snickster said:

Isn't there an organization that takes prescription eyeglasses? Can't think which one, but am trying to locate one as I have 3 pair to donate. TIA

Contact your community's local Lions Club-they collect prescription glasses/sunglasses and case.

[just bee]

On 1/3/2015 snickster said:

Isn't there an organization that takes prescription eyeglasses? Can't think which one, but am trying to locate one as I have 3 pair to donate. TIA

The Lions Club. Costco and Sam's Club usually have drop boxes and I've noticed several optometrists' offices have them, too.

ETA:

Walmart will take them, too.

[Snicks1]

Thanks, I couldn't remember if it was Lion's Club, Kiwani's or what. I will contact the Lion's Club.

[just bee]

Don't forget the workplace. Have an extra coffeemaker or calendar? Bring it to work. Extra dishes, mugs and silverware? Kitchen items? Many breakrooms can use basic household items.