Straight From The Fox’s Mouth

Or rather, straight from Fox 9’s Morning Buzz – here’s what Alix, Keith and I discussed today.  With web site links!  And tips!  And interpretive dance!  And a puppet show!  Okay, maybe not a puppet show.  We’re not ready for that yet.

Back To School Clean-Out – What To Do With All Your Outgrown Items:

If you want to know what your kids need for back to school, you got to sort through what they already have.  And in doing so, you often find a ton of stuff that they’ve outgrown.  The best thing to do with those “leftovers?”  Donate them to a worthy charity in your area.

ARC Value Village www.arcgreatertwincities.org:  Your donations help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  All proceeds go to support Arc Greater Twin Cities’ programs and services.

How to donate – You can deliver your items directly to any of their store locations 7 days a week.  Or, drop them off, 24/7, at one of their 10 “blue bins” around the greater metro area.  For even greater donating ease, you can schedule a pick-up at your home with their “blue trucks,” using their online scheduler.  If you use their Pick-up Option, those items are not resold at their stores, but to a for-profit purchaser.

Saver’s www.savers.com:  They pay local nonprofits every time you donate one of their stores, or when you donate to the nonprofit directly.  They partner with ARC, the Epilepsy Foundation of MN, and Disabled American Veterans of MN, to name a few.

How to donate – You can drop off your items at any Saver’s store in the metro, or donate directly to one of their donation partners.

Goodwill www.goodwilleasterseals.org:  From their website, “The mission of Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota is to assist people with barriers to education, employment and independence in achieving their goals.  85% of every dollar goes directly toward our mission to help people in Minnesota train for and find employment.”

How to donate – The Goodwill stores have convent drive-through areas.  Just pull up, and a staff member will collect your donation and give you a receipt for your tax refund.

GoodDonor.org www.gooddonor.org:  When you use GoodDonor, you save local charities thousands of dollars in direct mail and telemarketing costs.  Instead of charities soliciting you, you go online to schedule your donation.

How to donate – Go online and create an account for free.  Then, schedule your free pick up, either by date or by charity you’d like to specifically donate to.  Local partners include the American Cancer Society, ARC, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Courage Center, and the Lupus Foundation, to name just a few.

Don’t Forget!  Tips for donations:

1.  Keep track of the dollar amount of your donations of gently used clothing and other items for an income tax deduction.

2.  When donating, make sure the items are clean and in good condition.

3.  Stop by the stores to shop, too.  You’ll find many great items like clothes, shoes, back packs and other back-to-school gear for a lot less.