As November arrived in the Pacific Northwest, it quickly became time to go through our winter gear to see what still fits, what doesn't and what needs to be replaced. Two years ago we bought the kids snow gear a size larger than they needed so we were fortunate to get through two seasons. Unfortunately, that means it's time for them to be replaced this year, along with the coats, winter clothes and shoes that no longer fit our growing little ones.
Over the years, we've put these kind of barely-used items for sale at a consignment store, Craigslist or eBay to help fund the replacements. This year we've decided that there are a lot of families who need our warm, gently used gear and winter clothes more than we need the few dollars we'd profit.
At work, the Community Involvement Team that I'm a part of, has organized a Gently Used Coat and Shoe Drive. We're asking folks to clean out their closets and donate these items to local organizations that will make sure they get to the most needy folks.
For other items, we'll take them to the Neighborhood House that "brings neighbors together to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and educate young and old". They serve a lot of families with young children and need a variety of sizes to help meet the needs.
If you have items to donate and share with others, a quick search for local shelters or churches should offer you many choices. National organizations like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are good options as well. You may even know of family or friends that would greatly appreciate some hand-me-downs or would be interested in a clothes swap if the sizes work out right.
This year, I urge all of us to think about those in more need and do something. Make a difference.
What will you do?
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