The Importance of Donating During Wardrobe Transition Time
Although it may be hard to believe, spring will soon be here. The cold and icy weather will be replaced with warmth and the return of leaves and flowers. Your children will replace their snow boots and winter coats with flip flops and spring jackets. Although the idea of warmer weather is nice, the idea of organizing the spring and summer clothes and putting away the winter ones can be overwhelming for a parent. This transition of seasonal wardrobes does not have to be so difficult.
Develop a system
Developing an organization and wardrobe rotation system may seem overwhelming in itself, but it will make future clothing changes easier. You can also enlist the help of your spouse, or your children to help find an easy method. The system might include pushing worn clothing to the front of the closet and leaving clothing that has not been worn in a long time in the back. This makes the decision process for your American Red Cross clothing donations easier.
Your system might also include having your child remove everything winter related from their closet. Allow them to throw it on the floor or bed, just this one time. Then, go through each and every piece, asking them what they think of it. If either of you agrees that it is out of style, no longer fits, or that you no longer like it, consider adding it to the American Red Cross clothing donations pile.
Try on every spring item
People, especially children grow a lot during the winter months. Quickly unpacking the spring and summer clothing boxes and placing them into the closet can result in a waste of time, and a waste of space. Instead, put aside an entire afternoon and try on every item. Make it a fashion show to keep the attention of young children. Pretend like you are shopping for the first time and decide if you would purchase the item. If you would not, consider adding it to the Red Cross clothes donation items.
Purchase new clothing
Shopping is an activity that many people enjoy. Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments a year. That is 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person and more than one piece of clothing purchased per week. However, not enough of them shop to replace clothing items. Instead, they add them to their already filled closet, resulting in an overcrowded and functionless closet. This makes it more difficult to find clothing and causes frustration when putting away the laundry.
Every time you purchase new clothing for yourself or another family member, replace it with another item. That way, you will only purchase items you really want and will wear. Be sure to donate clothing items that you are replacing, as they can be very beneficial for a family in need. In January 2015, 564,708 people were homeless on a given night in the United States. There are a lot of people who could benefit from American Red Cross clothing donations.
Use donating as a teaching moment
Children may be hesitant to donate their unused clothing and toys. This is the perfect teaching opportunity, educating them on the importance of charity. Allow them to accompany the American Red Cross clothing donations, explaining where and what their donated items will be used for. Inform them that they are doing a great thing by giving away their used clothing donations to those in need.
Remember that the Red Cross does more than clothing donations as well. For 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the American Red Cross provides relief for families and communities in the form of blankets, food, blood, and shelter. They are an important presence in many communities. Some even provide Red Cross pickup services, for further convenience.
In many states, the snow is beginning to thaw and temperatures are slowly rising. Spring will be here before we know it, and it will be time to pull out the spring clothing wardrobes. Turn this process into something that is more entertaining, more convenient, and benefits the local community. Consider providing clothes donations that will help out those who are in need in your own community.
