5 Easy Ways to Donate every day Items

The new year is a time for making good resolutions, setting new goals and why not de-cluttering! It is also the perfect time to reflect and explore new ways to become generous.  Consumerism is so deeply entrenched in our culture that we don’t even recognise it anymore and we end up with piles and piles of ‘stuff’ we don’t need, we don’t use, we don’t want. Living in a throwaway society takes a toll on the environment too so I’m keen on sharing ways you can give your unwanted items a second chance, help someone in need and reduce a little bit your carbon footprint while you’re at it. You will only feel better for it.

Today, as I myself reflect about the past year and the coming months, I have combined a simple list of some of the great Australian charities I have either donated every day items to in 2016 (number 1, 2, 5) and I intend to donate to in 2017 (number 3, 4).

1. Donate Blood

It only takes 1 hour, there are hundreds of blood donation centres around Australia and with a very user friendly website that allows you to check your eligibility and make an appointment online, really there is no excuse to not start donating your blood in 2017! You get to feel great and even get a rewarding free cookie. Afraid of needles? Get over your fear, tough it up and be generous – one blood donation can save 3 lives! 

How to donate: Australian Red Cross Blood Service

2. Donate Old Glasses

In just about any home, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person’s life. Lions Recycle for Sight Australia offer a free post reply paid arrangement (address below) for people anywhere in Australia.  To donate your old glasses please wrap well in bubble wrap (without cases) and send without stamps to: REPLY PAID 3021, Lions Recycle for Sight Australia, PO Box 3021, CLONTARF MDC QLD 4019.

3. Donate Spare Nappies

It is not unusual for a baby or toddler to grow out of a size of nappy part way through a packet or box of nappies. Parents may have tried or accidentally purchased a new brand which didn’t suit their child or they might have left spare nappies in a different bag, in the car or at the grandparents’ house only to find that once again their child had grown out of them. Don’t throw them away anymore, you have until May 2017 to collect and donate your leftover nappies! 

How to donate: The Nappy Collective

4. Donate Stationery

No kid should ever be without a pen to do their school work, yet recent studies show that up to 1 in 7 kids in NSW are living in poverty. Hep by donating basic stationery items (new, not used) at several drop off points across Sydney. Items accepted are: Pens (Blue/Black/Red), Pencils, Pencil cases, Rulers (15cm preferred), Scissors, Pencil sharpeners, Erasers, Highlighters, Glue sticks.

How to donate: Got a Pen?

5. Donate Cosmetics, Skincare and Accessories

Provides women, men and young people in need with the little luxuries in life that most of us take for granted. Donate any unopened and unused toiletries, makeup, ‘gift’ items such as candles, jewellery and accessories. Perfume and after shave are accepted slightly used. Send your donation to: PO Box 991, Sutherland NSW 1499 (you can fill a large 3kg Australia Post pre-paid satchel for $14) or check the drop off points.

How to donate: The Beauty Bank

 

Are there any other every day items you donate? Add to this list by leaving a comment to let us know which charity they go to and how it works!