WhereToDonate.org

Have you ever wanted to do the right thing by donating your "stuff" to good causes, only to discover that you have no idea which organizations in your area take donations? If so, then you're not alone.

I started WhereToDonate.org for that very reason. I've been frustrated for the past few years that despite my good will, it was impossible to locate good causes, charities or organizations near me that wanted my used books, clothing or housewares. Or if I did find places that took donations, they had set up so much red tape that you didn't even want to bother making a donation.

The mission of WhereToDonate.org is two-fold: to guide people to places locally that take donations and what folks need to know about donating; and to help good causes explain their donation process and connect with people who can bring them the items they so desperately need.

Check back often for up-to-date information on organizations nationwide that accept donations of goods and services.

I can't make WhereToDonate.org a success without your help. If you know of specific organizations near you that take donations, please let me know. Keep in mind that I'm looking to catalog actual organizations and good causes (contact information would be great, too)--not categories of places that take donations.

I'm hoping that as people share their connections and resources, I can build my database of good causes that accept donations of "stuff."

Sometimes good causes aren't equipped to take every kind of item you'd like to donate. Don't worry. You can still find new homes for your gently used stuff--possibly in places you never considered.

* Children's books. If your local library isn't interested in adding your child's favorite, yet outgrown, storybooks to its shelves, ask your pediatrician if you can bring some of the books by for the waiting room. The young patients are sure to appreciate the books to read while waiting for their doctor's appointment.

* Towels and sheets. Your linens may have seen better days but they can enjoy newfound life somewhere else. Take your clean towels and sheets to your local animal shelter. The staff there will use these linens to line cages or keep animals warm after baths or surgery.

* Used videos and DVDs. Many hospitals offer a movie lending library, if you will, to their patients. Considering the cost of movies these days, you may want to consider donating your used flicks to a nearby hospital to help the hospital save money and so you can do a good deed. Ask to speak to the recreation director, the volunteer coordinator or even the chaplain's office to see if they're interested in your donation.

There are probably many more creative places that will take donations of stuff beyond non-profits. If you've got any ideas to share, click on the email link and let me know.

WhereToDonate.org and its officers provide information on donations, to the best of their ability, and are not responsible for individual organzations listed here and their policies.