Just months ago, we couldn't have anticipated what the coronavirus pandemic would bring. The need for PPE, masks, supplies, food and daily necessities grew exponentially. Donate Good Stuff was ready to help and we already had the infrastructure in place.

​We mobilized, and partnered, and gathered volunteers. In just weeks, we created the largest comprehensive donation-focused response in the US to connect donors and organizations in need.  And we will continue our work, responding to the economic  as well as the public health crisis.

This work takes more than volunteers. Will you partner with us at this critical time? We run on a shoestring so most of our budget goes directly toward making Donate Good Stuff a trusted and useful resource. Your financial support helps to run the technology behind the scenes and to get the word out across the country to get as many supplies and donations to where they are needed most.

​This week is #GiveatHomeMN and today is Giving Tuesday. We also just announced transition of our 5K fundraiser to virtual - so you can participate from anywhere.

Emergency medical services (EMS) play a vital role in responding to requests to assistance, triaging patients, and providing emergency medical treatment and transport to people who are ill. However, unlike patient care in the controlled environment of a healthcare facility, care and transportation by EMS present unique challenges because of the nature of the setting - enclosed space during transport, frequent need for rapid medical decision-making and interventions with limited information. 

Donations will be distributed directly to the men and women of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

All of the needed items are listed on DonateGoodStuff.org
·         N95 respirator masks
·         Disinfectant – cavicide or similar
·         Cleaning wipes with bleach (i.e. Clorox)
·         Hand sanitizer swabs (Dacron, Rayon, Nylon)
·         Safety Glasses\gowns
·         Face shields
·         Thermometers – Infra red probe covers

If you can help, reach out to the SPFF: spff@comcast.net

Many organizations collect toilet paper and other basic necessities to help people who may be financially struggling. Programs like Eastside Elders appreciate these common items that can be expensive for people on a limited income. Search here to find a non-profit near you that is in need of extra basics you might have laying around.

You might not realize the benefit a car seat can be to a parent or guardian taking care of babies and young children! Consider donating car seats, strollers, etc to a safety-net program for families like Sharing and Caring Hands. Before you donate items that another family will rely on, be sure they are still safe and double-check the organization's current requests and details for accepting donations.

So many people travel and typically pick up small toiletries, which then end up sitting for months or years on your shelf and then end up in the trash. Instead of letting those travel size toiletries sit or throwing them out, consider donating them to a shelter for youth like Youth Link MN or other shelters near you. For hygiene sake, donate only the unopened ones.

When your car is no longer serving your needs don't just get send it to the junkyard! Many organizations need vehicles to transport those in need or to give a leg-up to someone who needs it. Did you know you can donate vehicles to places that actually fix them and also use them to help others such as Newgate School?
Did you know that many organizations have car donation programs (most use a third party to auction your car to help fund services. Be aware that some may not provide much benefit to the nonprofit although it can be a better bet than the junkyard)
Also consider donating to local technical schools or high schools with mechanic or automotive shop classes.

Bedding and blankets are important in a disaster, emergency, and people in need. This is true year-round, and especially during the colder months.
Consider donating bedding, sheets, linens, and blankets with lots of life still in them to transitional housing  programs like Haven Housing, emergency programs like STEP (Saint Louis Park Emergency Program), or programs serving new neighbors like MORE.

So many people just throw away plastics bags, but you can use them to help pets! Not only can you provide resources for animals, when you donate them to this Animal Humane Society,  you also can help keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean.
If you can't find a place to donate them near you (note: in most cities you cannot include them with regular recycling), stores throughout the US will collect & recycle them like Target, Cub and also Goodwill. Find a convenient drop-off near you HERE.

Footwear is essential for those living in Minnesota! We rely on these not only in everyday life and especially in winter! When your shoes no longer serve their purpose in your life consider donating them to the Shoe Away Hunger program where they can be given a new life (drop off sites at all Schuler Shoes), or nonprofit resellers such as ​The Arc where profit from the sale of your items helps individuals with developmental and intellectual differences.

If you have gotten free formula in a brand that you don't use, or find you have extra once your little one no longer needs it, consider donating it (unopened and not expired). Formula can be expensive and it is such a basic item for many babies, it is truly appreciated by ​places serving mothers and children like North Side Life Care Center.

If you get a newspaper to read or just delivered to your home, you can do better than just tossing them when you are done. Animal shelters and rescues, like MN Pocket Pet Rescue, will appreciate your old newspapers to use as bedding for cuddly critters.

Swap out those things in your closet that just never fit you, or your life, quite right for some new pieces to update your look for the season! You are sure to find some bargains (Does it get better than free??) 

Details
Where: Como Lake Pavilion - 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, St. Paul, MN 55103
(above Spring Cafe) 
When: 1-3 pm. 
How: Bring your "excellent used condition" clothing & accessories.
After a quick check-in, you'll place your items on tables organized by type of garment or accessories. Then shop!

What can I bring?
 - Spring & Summer clothes & accessories (winter is sooo over)
 - Stuff in "excellent used condition".
That means no repairs needed, no missing buttons, worn areas, faded t-shirts, broken zippers, stains, smells. Keeping it classy makes it fun and rewarding for everyone.
 - Adult only clothes & accessories (no children's this time)
 - Casual & dressy, shoes & belts, jewelry & purses, vintage & formal wear & jeans, maternity, and athletic wear are all welcome.

Q & A

Is there a limit on how much I can bring to the swap?
No, as long as everything is in Excellent Used Condition, there is no limit.

Is this swap for men and women?
Yes - This sale is open to all gender styles. 

​What happens to the items that are left?
We will sort them to be donated to local charities.

Is there a limit on how much I can take?
No, however, it is a community swap with neighbors so courtesy is key. 

​Want to help?

Does this sound like you......

You have stuff you no longer need and it's cluttering your space.
A lot of it is still good and could be used, if you could only find out what and who.

If it does, you only need two things to get you started:

1) The Declutter & Do Good Checklist will help you go through your things to find the hidden treasures most needed by organizations.

2) DonateGoodStuff.org shows you specific local organizations that need what you have.

The most important step is to take a step, even if it is a small one.
Start with just one area and go through the checklist below for that space. Set all items you no longer need aside in reused bags or boxes. Search for specific items or categories of items on DonateGoodStuff.org where you will find where and when to bring your items.

​A friend recently posted this on Facebook and I was inspired! I've often had just a few things to donate and they tend to sit in a bag by my back door.....waiting.
So I am passing along this beautiful idea. A way to break the monotony of winter, declutter and organize a little (which always feels good) and do make a difference in your community.
Step 1) Pick something you've been meaning to donate and search for an organization that needs it on Donate Good Stuff.
Step 2) Post on social that you are doing a collection for more of that item and what you'll do with them. Make sure to include a deadline.
Step 3) Once collected, deliver to the organization/s and report back to the group.

Maybe you'll find it so rewarding, you'll decide to make it an annual event, or do it several times a year! We'd love to hear from any of you who have done something like this --  Comment below and share your pics!

If you are interested in doing a bra collection specifically, check out the article HERE for more ideas, including:

• Free the Girls: This charity assists former sex trafficking victims in need of jobs by setting them up with bra-selling businesses.
• I Support the Girls: A group that distributes essentials like bras, hygiene products, and more to homeless women, poor women, and other women in need.
• Donate Your Bra For A Cause: This charity for collects bras and redistributes them to cancer survivors as well as women’s organizations in need of bras for women in need.
• Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere: A Bay Area charity that collects used bras and new panties for distribution to women who need them.
• Soma: This lingerie brand often accepts old bras in-store and donates them to homeless women and domestic violence survivors. You might also check with your local lingerie stores to find out if they take donations.
• B.R.A.: The Bra Recycling Agency (B.R.A.) technically doesn’t donate your bras, but it ensures the materials get recycled rather than end up in a landfill.
• The Bra Recyclers: This recycling organization takes care of the donations for you, distributing your old bras to places that need them.
• Local shelters: Your local women’s shelters and homeless shelters might also take bra donations. Check locations near you at www.DonateGoodStuff.org

 Do you have the goal of health and fitness for 2020? Doing a couch to 5k or looking forward to doing some races? Or would you just like to do something active with family and friends that benefits the community?

The Cookie 5k for Donate Good Stuff date is set for Saturday, May 30th! Join us for a beautiful morning around Como Lake, supporting our work and the fantastic organizations we work with.

Your support makes a difference to our local community and the earth, and will help us do even more in the coming year.