With many people being in need these days, donations are more crucial than ever to the underprivileged. Families have experienced tragedy and loss, especially with the economic collapse in recent years, leaving them without many of the everyday items we overlook. While many are only familiar with common donations such as clothing, there are a number of different household items that can serve to help those who aren't fortunate enough to have an endless amount of furniture and appliances at home.
As evident by television programs such as “Hoarders,” many people seem to have separation anxiety or just simply don’t think to donate some of their own possessions. Most of us gather different pieces of appliances, furniture and household items over time. As we age and move over the course of the years, we often acquire new pieces of furniture to keep up with what is either trending or looks good in an individual dwelling. So many pieces of furniture and unused appliances continue to stack up in storage spaces throughout the country. A simple afternoon to sort through some unused items at home could provide an underprivileged family with some useful items in an Orlando apartment or home.
Many people know the location of different clothing banks in their local communities and hometowns, however locating furniture and clothing bank that recycles is a little rarer. The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, recycles on site as well as, deconstructs and breaks down mattresses and box springs for proper disposal and recycling. Luckily, there are some great options for furniture and appliance donations in cities such as Orlando. Also, many of these donation options offer pickups for large items, usually for a small monetary donation.
Some of the more useful items in furniture donation include living room items such as sofas and couches, as well as tables and chairs. Perhaps the most crucial donation item, at least in furniture is a good bed. Having a good bed and place to sleep at home is one of the primary goals of helping the underprivileged.
The Mustard Seed can also stand to receive appliances that have either been replaced or simply aren’t used as much around the house. Appliances that are in working condition, such as a good microwave or toaster. Also, the underprivileged can serve to benefit from receiving household items such as linens, dinnerware and décor as well.
Some of the great items that are often overlooked in the giving process are entertainment items such as books and toys. While some children are fortunate enough to receive new items every once and a while, many others are forced to play with some of the same toys and are unable to get new reading material. Giving some of these items to the Mustard Seed could help bring some more joy to children in areas such as Central Florida.
In all, donations stem far beyond just clothes. In the end, it’s always good to go through some of the stuff you don’t use often to get an idea if it can either be donated or recycled. By doing so, you can either help create some more space for yourself at home, contribute to recycling and caring for the earth, or put some valuable items into the hands of the underprivileged.
--Guest Blogger, Meghan Preston
