I love giving things away. I’m talking about everything from clothing to shoes to pots and pans. After I no longer need or want things, I joyfully give them away. There’s something about the action of giving things away that makes my heart happy.
Another good thing about giving something away is there’s always someone in need of it. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is more of a philosophical saying, because much of what we give away is only gently used, not trash. Besides, there’s only so much a person can use. If you don’t regularly pare things down, the pile-up can become overwhelming.
Working for Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) has given me the chance to see in real time the good that giving something away can do. When your donations are resold in our Retail Stores, 87¢ of every dollar is reinvested into local programs and services. Each one helps people advance in life through a wide range of efforts, including employment coaching, senior services, programs for individuals with disabilities, mental health and recovery supports, child screenings and more. It’s amazing how far your donations go toward helping others.
GESMV’s mission is very important to me, personally, because if it hadn’t been for donations from the public, I probably wouldn’t be working as your favorite blogger-in-chief. Twenty-four years ago, I went through GESMV’s employment program and was placed at the agency headquarters in Dayton. In that role, I learned what I was good at, and what tasks were more challenging for me. Eventually, I was hired! Thanks to the generous donations of my neighbors, there are countless stories like mine.
My mom, who was keen to giving things away, used to tell me, “Shari, there’re only so many things a girl needs or can use.” She was right. Her friendly reminder is ingrained in my mind when I start to look around and realize how much stuff I’ve accumulated. In that way, she continually inspires me to give things away for a good cause.
July 15th is National Give Something Away Day. Just like my mom used encouraged me, allow me to encourage you to do the same and see if it makes your heart a little lighter, too. Happy Giving!
GREAT article as always. Giving away is a great feeling. I find as the years go by, I need less and less “things”. Plus let’s be real we can’t take it with us, and we are not doing anything with it so why keep it! I used to try and sell stuff, and it was a pain from people wanting to barter, then ghosting you when trying to meet up etc. Then finally I was like just give it away and pay it forward. I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many times someone helped me, so I am going to pay forward every chance I get.