Donation Nation
As the New Year begins, you may be thinking about cleaning house and making space for new ways of doing things. With the holidays having come to a close, your home and heart are more than likely filled with the privilege of plenty. It’s a good time to take an inventory of what you have and what you have too much of in an effort to make some decisions about how to make some positive impact this year.
One of the best postures in which to start out the New Year is one of giving. Each individual community has many options tailored in this direction. But there are several national organizations that would be all too glad to accept your donations toward their causes. In an effort to help you to understand these places better, we are devoting this week of blogs to giving you the information you need to donate in the most effective and meaningful ways.
Salvation Army
Who They Are: Originally founded in England, the Salvation Army is a Christian based organization that is committed to bringing both faith and hope to the disenfranchised by addressing both their physical and spiritual needs. They now have a wide and varied list of programs including adult rehabilitation, youth camps, homeless shelters and elderly support services.
What They Need: The Salvation Army has thrift store locations throughout the US that accept clothing, furniture and other household items. All proceeds from the sale of these items go to support the organizations adult rehabilitation centers. They also accept vehicle donations, volunteers, monetary donations and the donation of accumulated airline miles in order to move their employees during times of disaster relief and medical emergency.
How to Get in Touch: 800) SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) or http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
Red Cross
Who They Are: Founded in 1881 as an emergency response organization, the Red Cross provides care, relief and prevention of all kinds throughout the world. In addition to disaster relief including blood distribution services, it offers support for military families and community development services including education programs that promote health and safety.
What They Need: The Red Cross is a non-government agency and relies completely on donations of time, money and blood.
How to Get in Touch: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or http://www.redcross.org/
