Spring Cleaning for Charity

I don't know about you, but after a long winter cooped up inside, I welcome Spring with open arms! Yes, spring is commonly associated with green trees, new blooms, chirping birds and mushy love, but I need some spring cleaning in my life! (Trust me.)

I started this process toward the end of February, but it really went into action this past Sunday afternoon. After being sick and tired of clutter and disorganization - I went to town on my little place!

The spring cleaning project was a selfish motive at first, but then I got to thinking about all the people that could use the things I was weeding out. So, I wanted to challenge you to spring clean for charity today in 3 easy steps:

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1) De-clutter your life!

- How much junk do you have stuffed in drawers? Do you have bins of barely used toiletries under your sink or rejected clothing hanging in your closet? Get rid of it! There are so many people in your city who desperately need the things that we take for granted: clothes, food & toiletries.

Start off, by identifying which rooms have hidden junk. Go through each room and make a piles:

1) Yes - I am, for sure keeping this.

2) Maybe - I might need this later.

3) No - This has to go A.S.A.P.

Now take your "Maybe" and "No" piles and bag them up! I know, I know... I debated about the maybe pile too, but if it's a "Maybe" that means it's not a "Yes"! Be sure to sort out old papers and recyclables, unused non-perishable food, clothing/miscellaneous and trash.


2) Give to Those in Need

The charities in your city are there for a reason - they need YOUR help! Each charity has been developed to meet a specific public need, so this is where you come into play. Put all of the clothes that you didn't wear, food you didn't eat and papers you no longer need to good use!

Turn your "trash" into other people's treasure! Not sure where to take your hand-me-downs? The national links listed below will help you find a location near you!

Clothing/Accessories

- Salvation Army
- Goodwill


Food

- Feeding America
- Ample Harvest


Toiletries
- Johnnie's House (Domestic Violence)
- Homeless Shelters


Recyclables
- Earth 911



3) Celebrate Your Generosity!

Make spring cleaning for charity a friends and family affair - after all, you're not the only one with junk! Once you have cleared your place and made your donations, go celebrate by grabbing ice cream with your cleaning team or going on a picnic.

Give yourself a good pat on the back! It takes a lot of heart, energy and time to do what you just did, so go celebrate giving back and helping others.



Imagine a world where everyone looked out for others and lended a helping hand. Be a trailblazer and inspire others to give back in your community!

Cheers to charity!