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Declutter your Scary Attic in 5 Easy Steps

10/28/2019

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Cleaning your attic doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. If you focus your effort and follow some simple steps, you can generally get a lot accomplished in just a few hours. Fall is a great time to do a quick clean before the cold of winter comes.
  1. Sort: The first step for a quick declutter is to sort it into categories such as 'holiday', 'kitchen/serving', 'art/decoration', 'tools', etc. Do this quickly and without too much thought so you don't get bogged down at this stage.
  2. Cull: As you separate into categories, add a quick step of tossing anything that obviously needs to go: stained, damaged, infested items can be quickly discarded. Set these things in a bin or bags near the door.
  3. Assess: the categories and put them into 3 piles 1) Keep: You still use it, it is in good condition, and you have no duplicates. Set these to one side for later. 2) Discard: This should be anything that is stained, damaged, torn, unusable.  3) Give: Items in good condition but either you have duplicates, you haven't used it in the past 3 years, and/or could borrow or would likely buy new IF you ever need it again. Tip: if you are saving things for family members, ask them and respect their response. If they don't want items, find a new home where someone will appreciate them. Go to DonateGoodStuff.org to find nearby organizations that will do good in your community.
  4. Rearrange: Before you simply stack your 'keep' items back against the walls, pause to consider how you would most enjoy your newly cleared space.  Consider what might be placed somewhere else in the home where you will be more likely to use it. Think about putting things you use most often near the door, and lesser used items further in. Also, consider space savers and organizers to maximize space and keep things organized in the future.
  5. Yearly touch-ups. You've made an effort and created an organized space. Yay! If you take time annually to go through your attic, you will be able to do it very quickly and ensure you aren't stowing away too much 'stuff' that you don't really need.
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Hero Search is Becoming Donate Good Stuff

10/3/2019

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We are still us

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. 

We are growing....and that's a big deal

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.

Why change?

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. 

What's in a name?

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.

A design with meaning

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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.

Massive gratitude 

We are grateful to a great many people: those who brainstormed and participated in the process, who brought ideas, creativity, time, honesty, and patience. This was a collaborative effort and for that, I think we love it even more.
We couldn't have done this without our designer who created the logo so A HUGE shout out to our very talented designer Barbara Belknap!!

Join us on the journey!

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.
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  • Home
    • About Us
    • How to Donate Good Stuff
    • Our Founder
    • Our Board
    • Press
    • Annual Reports
    • Contact
  • Search
    • Nominate a Charity
  • Blog
  • Events
    • Current Events >
      • St Paul Citywide Drop-off Events 2021
      • 2021 Cookie 5K for Donate Good Stuff
    • Past Events >
      • Donate Food & Warm Clothes - Twin Cities
      • How to donate masks >
        • How to make masks & supplies
        • MN Medical Donations Map
      • 2020 Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • 2019 Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • 2018 Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • Partnership with MN Rollergirls
      • Beer and Books Fundraiser
      • 2020 Donate Good Stuff Cookie 5k
      • 2019 HeroSearch Cookie 5k
      • 2018 HeroSearch Cookie 5k >
        • 2018 5k Photos
      • Cookie Fun 5k - 2017
      • Cookie Fun 5k - 2016 >
        • Race Photos 2016
      • Donations for Homeless Youth 2016
      • Donations for Homeless Youth
      • 2017 Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • 2016 Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • Community Clean Up - St Paul
      • Trafficking Community Discussion
  • My Donations
    • Member Registration
    • Member Login
    • My Pending Donations
    • My Donation History
  • Nonprofit Login
    • Register Your Organization
    • Manage Profile
    • Add Listings
    • Manage Listings
  • Support Our Work
    • Donate
    • Sponsor Us