January 5, 2015

How to give $3100 without spending a dime.

$3100 is the value of the unused stuff the average American has, according to a survey by EBay/Nielsen. If you are an above-average shopper, collector, storer, etc of stuff, you may have even more.

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to give back and do more for your community, or to clean up the clutter, I challenge you to do both this year. It is easier than you think!
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Here are a few ideas to get started:

1) Crap-valanche Attack: 
Crap-valanche definition: overloaded, avalanche-like piles that are at high risk of falling and spreading all over

• Identify up to 12 areas to attack. They can be a piles, closets, drawers, or other spaces that needs sorting and cleaning. Pick areas you can get through in 1-3 hours.
• Schedule one day each month to go through an area. Put it in your calendar!
• On the scheduled day, get four bags, bins or containers. One each for trash, give away, keep, or relocate.
• Put every single item in one of the containers.
• Throw out the trash and store the keep/relocate items.
• Use HeroSearch.org to find out who needs the give-away items and put them in the car for drop off.

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2) Treasure Hunt:
According to the EBay/Nielsen survey, there are roughly 50 items that make up the majority of the $3100 of unused stuff you have. This challenge is about finding them!

• Put a box or bin near a back door or easily seen (but out of the way) area. 
• As you go about your daily routine, consider what you don't need or use in your house.
• Your challenge is to put at least one item in the box each week.
• Each 2-3 months, go to HeroSearch.org to find out what charities need the treasures you have in the box.
• Rinse, repeat!

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3) Child's Play:
This is a great way to teach kids the joy of giving. When you search together for needed donations and read about the impact together, you have a chance to talk about how even children can make a difference.

• Set aside a special time weekly or monthly with your child or children.
• Find out what causes are important to them. Do they love animals, do they want to help other children, veterans, or elderly?
• Search by that cause on HeroSearch.org to find items that are needed in your area.
• Make a list of the items and where/when they can be delivered.
• Collect the goods from your closets, basement, and attic, or even buy something new.
• Bring children with you to deliver the goods so they get a hands-on sense of where there items are going and how one child can truly make a difference to someone else​.

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