Do you give back to Charitable Contributions?

This recent year, I have decided to donate most of my dd's ( I got 4 of them) used clothes that they are out grown most of their outfits towards their school. Plus, I get so many hand me downs from friends and family members every month...that rule of thumb...DECLUTTER comes to mind.

The reasons, I choose to donate to their elementary school is because recent budget cuts....that the Arizona voters did not pass the School's Override budget extension, and recently the state of Arizona closed the St.John Pappas school for homeless children here in Phoenix. Now, each AZ school district are accepting these families who are low income or no income...completely homeless to attend their school district.
We have few of them that attend but during the winter months... I have seen some of them come to school bare feet and no warm clothes. So I started digging through my kids clothes...found so many items to donate to their school. Boy, they are deeply appreciated. I give the items to the school nurse because she handles all students that comes through her office....those who has accidents, or don't have the right shoes for PE...shoes are loan out during PE. and usually these items get return back to nurse's office.
Every time I go to garage sales, I always tell some of my neighbors... you can donate to our local schools especially the Elementary schools here regarding the used clothing.

Instead of donating to BBBS,Goodwill, Salvation Army. Think of your local schools near by where you live. Plus, you can write this donation off too. =)

Post edited by: Jseven, at: 2008/03/13 11:07

My older kids were homeschooled until they got to the age where they wanted to play team sports. Sports equipment is pretty expensive and if your kid outgrows it, the coach usually knows someone who can use it. Our oldest boys played football, and baseball, and now one of our younger kids wants to play hockey. Boy, that equipment adds up!

We live in a neighborhood where there is a dichotomy of incomes--some kids who are in the projects, and some who have nannies. Our older kids go to a religious school that requires community service--hours to the school and to the community. The kids collect coats and mittens, visit seniors, plant bulbs in the park, have book drives, play with kids in nearby shelters, etc. So if you don't have money to give, there is time to help on a project.

We used to keep a closet full of clothes and shoes of various sizes, as we were a foster home, and the kids usually arrived with only the clothes on their backs. But I think our current foster kid may be our last--I am getting awfully old and decrepit.

GG

We don't have a lot right now... We do tithe, and pay other donations through our church, and we look for chances to help others - shoveling snow, take in a loaf of bread or whatever.

It isn't easy with our business still getting its feet under it, but even when you are financially strapped, you can still help someone.

Laura
Mom to Eight