Summer clearance

   Summer is the time of year when I conduct a thorough cleansing of the house. You haven't really organized your space until you've purged some - or much of your stuff. The only problem is what to do with the stuff once you've cleaned out a drawer or closet.
   Some people toss it in the garbage or donate it to Goodwill.  However, there is a more environmentally conscious way of cleaning house. Personally, I am not a fan of Goodwill. I like to donate directly to the needy recipient.

   Here is a list of the places I give to that are worthwhile causes without a middleman taking a cut of the merchandise.

Baby items and clothing
-  teen pregnancy centre, ie. Jessie's Place accepts baby items and clothing suitable for children, babies, and young moms

Furniture/Household items
- homeless shelter, women's shelter
- ie. Furniture Bank, a charity that distributes to shelters, accepts furniture and other household items which help the homeless and refugees get started in their own home

- ie. Eva's Place accepts household items in order to help young people in need get started on their own

- ie. Habitat for Humanity, which helps build affordable homes for those in need

Books
- the public library accepts books in good condition to be sold to raise money for the library

- Children's Bookbank accepts children's books in good condition and published within the past ten years

Toys
- Children's hospital, ie. Sick Children's Hospital accepts brand new toys for young patients

Shoes
- Shoe store, ie. Running Room accepts all shoes, regardless of condition, for refurbishing, and then subsequently donates them to the homeless

For the items that can't be donated:
- medication: your local pharmacy will dispose of them safely - never throw them out or flush them, as this contaminates the landfills and waters.

- batteries and lightbulbs - take them to your local Ikea where they have dropbox for recycling


    After cleaning and purging your place, you'll feel better and refreshed, particularly knowing that you have helped someone, and our earth.