Before taking things to a consignment store, or donating to Goodwill or Salvation Army, I offer things to my friends first. Actually, I can't tell you the number of friends' homes I go to where I see "my stuff" - kind of heart warming, really.
I called a friend, who actually has mentioned (more than one time) about not having very many good clothes. Many of the pieces I'm letting go of, are very nice. So, I thought of her first. She has declined my offer. Things do happen for a reason. The irony of a "no thank you" ...
This morning I was reading the on line version of the local paper. My attention was drawn to an article about a couple and their young son (in a nearby town) who have lost their trailer home, to a fire. There is a "donation drive" for them. The article was unclear about whether they wanted, money, food, furniture, or what. I called one of the phone numbers. The woman who is heading this drive explained more what they need. So I am donating all these clothes, to her - for the mother, who happens to wear my size.
These small things are my way of "paying it forward", for the many good deeds and kind people who have helped me in my lifetime. The woman heading this drive just happens to be in my town today, and will be able to come and pick them up. I would have been willing to "deliver," but it has worked out I won't need to do so. I am hoping, when she comes, there will be other things I can donate as well. It makes my heart feel good when I can help someone, especially knowing that it is truly appreciated.
Well, I did have some other things that the family could use. I was able to provide some art supplies for their son, towels, pillows. And, since the mother wears the same shoe size, I gave some shoes. It feels good to help!