Pay it Forward: Four Places to Help Your Community

Sometimes we all get into the mood where we feel like we can do more. With the way or possessions are tossed into the trash or carted off for new items, we hardly think twice about the old ones. A lot of us can take old items and re-gift them or pay it forward or whatever name you may give the practice of recycling our old belongings. Our old and unused items can be from big to little ones, whether its furniture or old cutlery and dishes, somewhere there is someone who can use what you don't need.

I have compiled a list of four places you can help your community and surrounding areas by giving away those unused things from an old coffee table to those curtains you just got rid of. Forget the old standbys like Goodwill, who have become a chain store and for profit. This list is general ideas for finding places in your neighborhood. You have to apply the thinking locally and working globally ethics to your gift giving project. Here are the ideas, you just need to find which place best suits your charitable habits best.

1. Salvation Army. This is one of the best organizations of people who will actually come to your home to pick up the items you may want to give back to the community. Old mattresses and bed sets are always welcome. Most furniture and clothing items are also acceptable. All you have to do is to look in the white pages under Salvation Army and call their office for scheduling and pickup dates. They can also tell you what they take and don't take.

2. Non-profit organizations. Churches and many other companies in your neighborhood offer Non-profit benefits to its local citizens. Churches, synagogues, and battered women shelter all are examples of Non-profit organizations. These places often have a very tight budget. They hold garage sales and auctions to get rid of donated items to help pay for many of their programs. They may also use many items for their own staff or patrons who frequent their projects.