Becoming Donate Good Stuff is a journey we've been on for over a year. We remain focused on our core work of connecting people who have donation items with organizations that need them. Together we have a lasting impact on the environment and in all areas our communities. We are proud of that legacy and it continues to define who we are. 

The evolution that lead us to our name change is one that will continue into the coming years. For those close to us, you know our goal is to become the #1 resource in the U.S. for people who have donation items. We have a long and exciting road ahead! It takes a lot of planning and thinking about how we connect with people and our trusted partner organizations. And that all has to start with our name.

Some of you have come to know and love us as Hero Search. It is who we've been for almost 5 years! But something kept coming up that we couldn't ignore...When new people came in contact with the Hero Search name, they were often initially confused about what we do. We came to the conclusion that we could better connect with people if they can understand us right from the beginning. 

First, we wanted our name to be clear about what kind of organization we are, and we wanted a name with action (donate!). 
​Second, we wanted to resonate and identify with people - everyone has stuff, often too much, and stuff they don't need or want.  And people feel happy when that stuff gets a new life with someone who really can use it. (donate stuff!)
But the most important word is "good" which we chose to convey a core value: charity with dignity. We want donations to be blessings, not burdens; interactions within a sharing community, not junk dumps. We want the experience to be deeply good for those giving as well as receiving. We want those who are in need of your good stuff to feel valued. We've all received something at some time - What and how makes a lasting impact...both to the recipient and the giver.

As the founder, I've done a lot of DIY so naturally, I had design ideas. (Spoiler, none of them made the cut.) Someone kindly and accurately pointed out that mine pretty much all looked like yoga studio logos. Fortunately, there are people way better than I am at many things, and that is why this is a design with meaning and heart.
​1) THE ARROW is probably the most obvious: It is a symbol for reuse. We care about our environment and that our things  continue to have a useful life.
2) THE CIRCLE represents our connectedness - We are all part of the larger community, and sharing what we have connects us in a special way.
​3) THE YELLOW-GREEN FADE signifies change/release helping people let go of the things they no longer need and giving them new life.
4) A SIMPLE DESIGN reflects how we make it easier to find out where to donate.

To grow, we need you - people who care about the environment and the community. With so many ways to help, we hope there is something that works for you:
1) Join the board! We have 3 openings: Treasurer, Social Media, Sponsorships/Grants
2) Volunteer to create and update listings from home. (great for introverts!)
3) Spread the word! If someone asks, "where can I donate a ......", tell them about DonateGoodStuff.org. Share it with your neighborhood groups, faith communities, and social groups - anyone who has stuff to donate.
4) Sign up to volunteer at future events: 5K race (Spring/summer), State Fair, donation events, etc.

The Cookie 5k is a fun run/walk around Como Lake twice starting near the pavilion. 
Participants can choose race swag and will receive cookies with registration. 
There are prizes (including a year's supply of cookies for the winner!), awarded to top  three finishers, plus drawings for lots of other great prizes.

100% of profit from registrations goes to HeroSearch.org, a St. Paul nonprofit that helps your unwanted donation items make an impact in the community. 

We are partnering with Cookie Cart because their cookies are awesome and their mission to empower youth is even more awesome. Additional cookies will be available at the race for purchase and 100% of those cookie sale profits go to Cookie Cart.

Because making an impact in our community is in our DNA, we are collecting donation items for local area youth experiencing homelessness. (See list of needs at HeroSearch.org Events/Cookie 5k page)

START TIME: 8:00am 

REGISTER TODAY FOR DISCOUNTS:
EARLY BIRD PRICE: $30.00 early bird registration *until March 15*
$5 off / person family discount for groups of 3 or more (It's the day before Mother's Day - Come celebrate with your family!)
$5 off if you choose a baseball cap vs a T-shirt or if you choose no swag item.

Young people experiencing homelessness
Organizations like The Link and YouthLink serve youth and young families when they need it most. With winter fast approaching, cold-weather items of all kinds and for all ages are appreciated, from coats and boots to new warm socks to gently used clothing. More information at The Link and YouthLink

Do you have dressy outerwear to share? 
Ready for Success and Dress for Success are two organizations that serve people who need gently-used and new professional clothing, accessories, for job interviews and the workplace. At this time of year, they need professional, seasonal outerwear like coats, gloves, and scarves. More information at Ready for Success and Dress for Success.

The Cookie 5K for Hero Search is Saturday June 2 around Como Lake. You'll get a t-shirt, cookies from Cookie Cart, milk from Kemp's, and can bring donation items for our partner nonprofits, all while helping HeroSearch.org grow and serve more communities. First place finisher wins a 1 year supply of cookies, and there will be other finisher prizes and drawings. To guarantee T-shirt size/availability, register by May 17.​
More info at http://www.herosearch.org/2018-herosearch-cookie-5k.html
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Whether you are decluttering due to moving, a new stage of life, or because clutter is creating stress, here are some key tips to make you feel good managing the process:

DON'T

Don't panic and do nothing: Although it can be a natural reaction to piles and heaps of stuff, if you don't take action,  you risk the real likelihood that someone who cares less than you do will eventually dispose of those things..

Don't pay for storage: Nearly 1 in 10 US households pays for off-site storage at the average cost of over $1000/year or more*. Is there something more fun or rewarding that you could do with that cash? If you can live easily with what you have in your home, sell or donate what you don't have room for.

Don't save things for 'future generations'. So many attics are graveyards for would-be family heirlooms. By all means, if there is a special diamond ring or important photograph or painting, guard them somewhere safe. But don't your grandma's knick knacks, clothes, tableware, and memorabilia.

Don't assume nonprofits can't use what you have: There is a wonderful variety of work that nonprofits do in your community. Far beyond clothes and dishes, needs range from musical instruments, to scrap fleece, to creative art supplies, to historic memorabilia. 

Don't give it to a nonprofit without checking: When bringing items to a nonprofit, give conscientiously. Don't bring stuff they don't specifically request without checking. ​People think they're being charitable, but they can put a terrible burden on a nonprofit especially with small staff and tight budgets. Bringing items they can't use or store costs them time and money. Think of it this way: You appreciate it when family members give you something you can use and cherish - You definitely wouldn't appreciate it if they dropped off a box or carful of stuff you don't need (even if it is well-intentioned)

DO

Ask your family and friends if they want anything: If they say they don't, trust what they are telling you. And then don't hang on. Let things be enjoyed by someone else. 

Find a good home for your treasures: There are so many nonprofits that serve people right in your community. Why not share what you have and know that it is going to be used? It can be so much more meaningful to make sure special things are going to a good home, and so much better than letting things deteriorate in storage. 

Check first: Before donating, always check what nonprofits need (and don't bring what they don't need)

Look on HeroSearch.org: It is the one-stop resource when you have donation items. Find out what all the different nonprofits near you need and where your stuff can make a real impact. Plus, HeroSearch.org will tell you how far away each place is, what they do with your donations, and when you can drop things off (or if they pick up). It makes finding the best home for your donations easy and painless.

Take pictures: Having trouble parting with something you know you don't need? Take a photograph and perhaps even write a little story to go with it. It can be a lot of fun to later share the stories and memories with loved ones.
​
Tell your story: If an item has a great story, write it down and be sure the documentation conveys with the piece. That will add not only to its value, but also to the new owner's appreciation.

*Sources: SSA Self Storage Demand Study (2017), and SpareFoot data (2017)

Join us Saturday, June 2nd for the Cookie 5K run/walk for HeroSearch.org around Como Lake and help us do good all around the Twin Cities.

Every participant gets cookies - plus milk for dunking - on race day! Plus a T-shirt (or hero cape!), and swag bag. Prizes, including a one-year supply of cookies for the top finisher, will be awarded - plus drawings for other prizes.

​100% of profit from registrations goes to Hero Search, a St. Paul nonprofit that makes it easier for you to donate items and make an impact in the community. We are partnering with Cookie Cart because their cookies are awesome and their mission to empower youth is even more awesome. Additional cookies will be available at the race for purchase - 100% of profits from cookie sales go to Cookie Cart.
​
Because making an impact in our community is in our DNA, we are collecting donation items for other local charities. (Get more info at www.HeroSearch.org/Events/Cookie 5k) A number of charities represented on HeroSearch.org will be with us at the race.

How Can I help?
Go to the HeroSearch.org search to find out what they need right now. 
Do good with the stuff you have! And make a real difference.

You can also find our 2017 financials here